Paddy McNair joined Sunderland from Manchester United in the summer transfer window.
Sunderland midfielder Paddy McNair has suggested to The Sun that he was played in the wrong position by Louis van Gaal at Manchester United.
McNair started his professional club career at United and played under Van Gaal before leaving for Sunderland in the summer transfer window.
The Northern Ireland international was deployed as a central defender by the Dutchman when he was at the Red Devils.
The 21-year-old has suggested that he was played in the wrong position as he is a midfielder and appears to criticise Van Gaal.
“Until I was 18, I played in midfield,” McNair told The Sun. “Van Gaal played me at centre-back.
“So a lot of people think I’m a defender but I’ve not really ever been a defender. In midfield, a No10, I’ll play wherever – so long as I score two!”
“I think my best position is left or right of a three in midfield,” added the youngster.
McNair is a promising and talented young player, and he will prove to be an important player for Sunderland as the season progresses.
The Northern Ireland international has featured in three Premier League matches for the Black Cats so far this season.
While the 21-year-old may not consider himself to be a centre-back, having had the experience of playing in that position, McNair could be used in that role by Sunderland manager David Moyes at some point this season.
Sunderland are second from bottom in the Premier League table at the moment with just a point from five matches.
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