Manchester United defender Paddy McNair could be leaving Old Trafford on loan, according to the Belfast Telegraph.
Championship sides Blackburn, Burnley and Wolves are monitoring the Northern Irishman’s situation ahead of the January transfer window.
McNair has only made three appearances for the Reds this season, and his only start came last week in the 1-1 draw against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
And he came in for some criticism from manager Louis van Gaal after the game:
They also had a good chance [in the second half]; we gave the ball away because [Paddy] McNair thought he was a striker at that moment and then the channels were open and then they could run in them.
It was a bit harsh from the Dutchman, considering it was the 20-year-old’s first full game after recovering from an abdominal injury suffered during international duty.
With a lack of defensive cover at the club, McNair can expect to feature more during the busy festive period, but van Gaal does recognise that regular first-team football will contribute to McNair’s development and may consider allowing him to leave the club temporarily once the injury crisis at the back subsides.
And first-team football may prove to be the difference that earns McNair a place in Northern Ireland’s Euro 2016 squad. The versatile defender may only have five caps to his name, but has quickly become a vital figure in Michael O’Neill side.
They topped Group F in qualifying to seal their place in France next summer and O’Neill has said that he wants his players to be playing regular football ahead of the tournament, so it may factor into McNair’s decision making.
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