McNair Growing In Confidence

Paddy McNair has stressed he is feeling confident after starting three matches in a row for the first time at Manchester United.

The Northern Ireland international has played at centre-back alongside Chris Smalling of late and is enjoying seeing plenty of the ball – only Ander Herrera made more passes against West Brom – even though the results have not been going the Reds' way.

"I quite enjoy having the ball and starting attacks off," he told MUTV. "80% possession is a lot but the game is there to be won. Hopefully, we can take our chances in the next match.

"I used to play in midfield when I was growing up so I was used to moving the ball around my feet. I would say it is one of my strengths. It makes you manipulate the ball better and so on.

"I'm feeling very confident and happy but the main thing is the team winning. If you're in the squad at Manchester United, there are always going to be people challenging for places but the main thing is concentrating on myself. If I get a chance, I've got to try to do as well as I can. I need to just keep confident and play my own game."

Crystal Palace are likely to make life difficult on Saturday as the Reds chase three important points in the quest for a top-four spot.

"They're a good side," added McNair. "I think they're clear of relegation but a few top-six teams have gone down there and Palace took points off them so it's going to be tough."