Done Deal: Sunderland complete move for United pair

Sunderland have completed a double move for Manchester United’s Paddy McNair and Donald Love.

Twitter: DOUBLE SWOOP: #SAFC can confirm the signings of Paddy McNair and Donald Love – https://t.co/xTuySLOY1J https://t.co/WvUH9lxtOX (@SunderlandAFC)

The pair become David Moyes’ second and third signings since becoming Black Cats manager and both players will be familiar to the Scotsman, with the 53-year-old having endured a disastrous spell in charge at Old Trafford after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.

According to Sky Sports, Sunderland will be paying an initial £5 million for McNair, which could eventually rise to £7 million, while Love will cost the Black Cats another £1 million.

McNair will help solidify Sunderland’s defence and provide a versatile option for the Sunderland manager. The Northern Irish international, who can also play in central midfield, came into prominence while Louis van Gaal was in charge at United, having placed his faith in McNair during an injury crisis in the Dutchman’s first season in charge.

However, the 21-year-old saw his opportunities limited last season and only made nine appearances in total. Despite this, he made the Northern Ireland squad for Euro 2016 and acquitted himself well as Michael O’Neill’s side made the round of 16 in France.

As for Love, he will provide cover at right-back for Moyes’ side. The Scottish under-21 international was one of several youth players that was given a debut by Van Gaal last season during another injury crisis, ironically against Sunderland on Valentine’s Day this year.

The right-back went on to make another appearance in the shock away defeat against Midtjylland in the Europa League and spent the rest of the season as a key member of the under-21 side which retained their Premier League title.

McNair and Love are the first players José Mourinho has sold for a fee since he became United manager in May, with the likes of Victor Valdes, Nick Powell, Joe Rothwell and Ashley Fletcher all leaving for frees after their contracts expired earlier in the summer.