Updated at 14.37
DEFENDER PADDY MCNAIR has been rewarded for his first-team breakthrough with a new Man United contract that will see him remain at the club until June 2017, with the option of a further year.
An injury crisis prompted coach Louis van Gaal to give the Antrim native a first-team chance earlier in the season, and the youngster has impressed since then, and has become part of a team that currently has the third-best defensive record in the Premier League.
McNair has also earned caps for Northern Ireland at underage level, and was on the bench for the senior side during their 2-0 loss to Romania last November.
“To make my debut for this great club earlier this season was a dream come true,” McNair told the club’s official website.
“I’m pleased to have signed a new contract. I have come through the academy here and I feel I am improving my game all the time with the help of the manager, the coaching staff and my team-mates.”
Van Gaal, meanwhile, says he can become a “top player”.
“Paddy has risen through the ranks to become an integral part of the first team squad,” said the Dutchman.
“He has all the attributes to develop into a top player. Promoting youth players is very important both to myself and to the club and I am delighted Paddy has signed a new contract.”
