The Manchester United captain has praised the youngster after his solid debut against West Ham.
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Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has spoken to the club website in glowing terms about young centre-back Paddy McNair, who performed admirably in the game against West Ham on Saturday after his last minute call-up.
“That was probably one of the bigger tests a young defender can face, up against a team putting lots of crosses into the box, but he took it and stood up to it. It won’t get much tougher in terms of physical strength and aggression against him, but he dealt with it and we are all delighted with him. I saw the clearance he made at the end. I thought he was tremendous for us”.
It was Rooney’s red card which lead to the young Northern Irishman being put under so much pressure, as the Red Devils back line was forced to retreat deeper and deeper a man down, inviting waves of West Ham attacks.
McNair coped well with the direct approach as the Hammers besieged his area, and the late headed clearance of a Jenkinson cross to which Rooney referred was a particular highlight.
Given the injuries and suspensions plaguing Louis Van Gaal’s Man Utd at present, McNair may be granted further opportunities ahead of the international break.
Despite some hugely exciting attacking talents being brought to Old Trafford, the club was strongly criticised for a failure to reinforce the defence.
Optimism surrounding McNair’s performance means that the solution to Manchester United’s defensive travails could well be found from within.