LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

McNair has no regrets leaving Manchester United; says he is not a defender

Sunderland's Paddy McNair comes on as a substitute to replace Jermain Defoe as manager David Moyes looks on (REUTERS)
Follow us on Google Discover

The Northern Irishman swapped Old Trafford for the Stadium of Light in the summer.

Sunderland's Paddy McNair comes on as a substitute to replace Jermain Defoe as manager David Moyes looks on

Paddy McNair says he has no regrets about leaving Manchester United this summer, speaking to The Express.

The 21-year-old moved to Sunderland in the summer as part of a double move, which saw Donald Love also move to Wearside, and McNair has commented on his departure from the red side of Manchester.

Manchester United's Paddy McNair in actionManchester United’s Paddy McNair in action

Speaking to The Express about his exit from Old Trafford, McNair said: “I’ve no regrets.

“I know I won’t regret it [leaving Manchester United] because I know at that time I really wanted to do it. I’m glad I did it.”

McNair made his debut for Man Utd in 2014 during Louis van Gaal’s reign as manager, and the Dutchman opted to deploy the Northern Ireland international as a centre back, but he insists that is not the position for him.

Sunderland's Paddy McNair celebrates scoring their first goal with Lee CattermoleSunderland’s Paddy McNair celebrates scoring their first goal with Lee Cattermole

“I’m not a defender; I’ve never been a defender.

“I filled in there a few times. Van Gaal played me there and I was happy to play there for him (but) in the back of mind I always thought, ‘No, this isn’t my position, I know I’m a midfielder’.”

McNair has had an indifferent start to his career under David Moyes at Sunderland, struggling to nail down a position in the Scot’s starting XI. The midfielder returned to the side for the 1-1 draw against West Brom, playing as part of a midfield three, replacing the injured Lee Cattermole.

Although his Premier League career in red and white is yet to have lift off, McNair did manage to score his first goals for the club in the EFL Cup, bagging twice against QPR to put Sunderland into the next round of the competition.

Sunderland's Paddy McNair celebrates scoring their second goalSunderland’s Paddy McNair celebrates scoring their second goal