Paddy McNair wants midfield role at Manchester United

Paddy McNair of Manchester United during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on October 5, 2014
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Manchester United's Paddy McNair wants to be given the chance in a midfield role at Old Trafford following his exploits with Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland international Paddy McNair has urged Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal to give him the chance to impress in a holding midfield position.

The majority of the 20-year-old's 27 first-team appearances for Man United have come in defence, but he appeared twice for his country in a midfield position during the recent international break.

McNair, who has struggled for first-team football this season despite Van Gaal's injury problems, has claimed that he is "really enjoying" learning to play a new position.

"I am learning about the holding midfield position and really enjoy playing it for Northern Ireland. A lot of people said when I was growing up that I would end up in midfield and to have played there a few times at international level is great," McNair told the Belfast Telegraph.

"I started playing centre-back for United and maybe now people see me as a centre-back but personally I think I'm more of a midfielder. If I had the chance to play the holding midfield role at United that would be fantastic. If I'm told though to play centre-back, right-back or wherever, I'll be happy enough because I want to play games."

McNair is expected to travel to Euro 2016 with Northern Ireland this summer despite his lack of action at club level.

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