Paddy McNair has expressed his determination to feature for the Manchester United first-team once again following the completion of the international break, during which he made his debut for the Northern Ireland national team.
The 19-year-old defender rose to senior status in Louis van Gaal’s squad during pre-season, and impressed enough to earn his competitive debut. McNair was one of a number of youth products to feature under the Dutchman, most notably forming a sturdy partnership with fellow youngster Tyler Blackett at the back.
And having signed a contract extension at the Theatre of Dreams earlier in the season, McNair has had even more to celebrate after featuring in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Scotland. Joining fellow United teammate Jonny Evans in the Northern Irish back four, he also joined former United youth product Oliver Norwood as Christophe Berra headed an 85th minute winner for the hosts.
The youngster will now hope to return to van Gaal’s plans for the final eight games, having last featured back in February during an away defeat to Swansea City. Also managing 90 minutes for the Under-21’s in a recent win at Everton, McNair spoke out about his time with the Under-21’s and future ambitions at Old Trafford.
“I’ve got loads of friends in the Under-21s,” he said prior to United’s Premier League clash with relegation contestants Aston Villa. “They are doing really well and it was good to get some match fitness with them.”
“Every day I’m coming in and trying to and impress the manager and all his staff. Hopefully I can get as many games as I can towards the end of the season. I’m training with world class players every day – that’s only going to make me better.”
After captain Wayne Rooney recently suggested that a win on Saturday would add to the value and importance of the 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, the defender echoed his claims prior to the meeting. “If we drop points to Aston Villa then the win against Liverpool won’t be worth all that much,” he added.
Paddy McNair has made 14 appearances for the Red Devils this season.
