McNair Proud To Keep Production Line Going

There has been a former Manchester United youth player in every first-team match squad for the past 3,753 competitive fixtures - an astonishing record that dates all the way back to October 1937 and one that underlines the club’s commitment to home-grown talent.

Paddy McNair is one of the players currently flying the Academy's flag within the senior ranks and is looking to cement a place in Louis van Gaal's plans after signing a new long-term contract with the club in February, during his breakthrough season at Old Trafford.

A minor injury means the Northern Ireland international will unfortunately not feature in the Reds' Capital One Cup third-round clash with Ipswich Town but his exclusive interview in United Review, the official match programme, is still an interesting read. When presented with our incredible stat about homegrown players, he explained how that record reflects the club's ethos and revealed how junior colleagues have approached him for advice.

“I didn't know it was that long, but it's obviously good and shows our Academy players have a chance of making it into the first team,” explains Paddy in the programme. “I am the latest person to do it, I suppose, and a couple of the younger lads have asked me what it's like to play at Old Trafford, or what's it like to walk out of the tunnel. I just tell them to keep working hard and that their chance will come.”

McNair covers a variety of topics in United Review, ranging from his senior Reds debut against West Ham almost a year ago today to Northern Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for Euro 2016. He also explains how life has changed for him since he stepped into the first-team spotlight at Old Trafford.

“I sometimes get fans coming up to me in the street, especially at home in Northern Ireland where there’s a massive United fan base. It’s different but I enjoy it, I don’t mind people approaching me. People at home are proud of me and they tell me how well I’m doing. It’s a nice feeling.”

On the subject of signing a new contract earlier this year, the defender says he was delighted to receive such a reward from van Gaal, a manager he has great admiration for.

"Yeah I was pleased, it was great," Paddy explains. "I am just going to keep working hard now and hopefully more opportunities will come along for me. It felt like a boost for me, it was a great feeling and I was delighted. The boss is a great manager, he has done so much in his career, so for somebody like that to support me gives me a massive confidence boost. I have a good relationship with him."

United Review is on sale at Old Trafford on matchdays but you can also order Wednesday’s edition or sign up to receive future issues by visiting manutd.com/programme.

Credit: Manutd.com