McNair: I Will Play Anywhere

Defender Paddy McNair admits he will "play anywhere" for Manchester United after adapting impressively to a right-back role against Cambridge United.

Louis van Gaal's side set up a clash with Preston North End after seeing off Cambridge in Tuesday night's fourth-round replay, as goals from Juan Mata, Marcos Rojo and James Wilson helped United to a comfortable 3-0 victory.

McNair had a spell in the position at Yeovil Town in the previous round and also operated on the right during the Under-21s' recent win over Liverpool, scoring a fine goal in the process. As he continues to prove his versatility, the 19-year-old believes the Reds "can win any competition" and has set his sights on lifting the FA Cup this season.

After the game, the Northern Irishman talked up the Reds' chances of going all the way in the competition, but expects some tough tests along the way.

“I don’t think we’ve won the FA Cup for 11 years, which is surprising, he told MUTV. "We can win any competition and I’m sure the lads will want to win this one.

“When we play teams at Old Trafford, we tend to have more of the ball whereas, away from home, teams try to get on top of you and it’s different. Every game will be a tough one at this stage of the competition.

"I think in the first half tonight, we could have maybe kept the ball a little bit better but, in the second half, we kept it throughout the half and it was a comfortable night. The lads are happy and we're all looking forward to the next round."

McNair produced an impressive display in Tuesday's win at Old Trafford, and said, while United were lucky to avoid an early setback, he may have found the net himself when his volley was blocked.

“Anything can happen in the FA Cup, I’m just glad their striker hit the post early on," he added. "I’ll play anywhere – if I’m asked to play up front, I’ll play up front. I’m just enjoying the experience.

“I thought my shot was going in, and it was actually one of my good friends, Cameron McGeehan, who cleared it off the line, so I’m not going to let him forget about that one! We spoke a bit before the game and I didn’t give much away, but it was good to play against him."