Skip to content
Manchester United's Paddy McNair during the match against West Ham United. Martin Rickett

Louis van Gaal confirms Antrim's Paddy McNair set to start again for United

The 19-year-old Northern Ireland defender made his debut in the 2-1 win over West Ham.

MANCHESTER UNITED DEFENDER Tyler Blackett will return from suspension for Sunday’s home match against Everton in the Premier League, but manager Louis van Gaal has said that Paddy McNair will continue at centre-back.

The 19-year-old Northern Ireland defender made his debut in the 2-1 win over West Ham United last weekend and van Gaal is happy for him to stay in the team.

The United manager has also suggested that Juan Mata will replace suspended captain Wayne Rooney.

- Herrera, Fellaini not ready -

“It’s no difference. I believe we still have three central defenders injured so (McNair) shall play,” said the Dutchman.

“He’s the only player that can play in that right central defender position. I chose him last week and he played very good.

“For a player like him it’s very difficult to maintain that level. That is his biggest challenge.

“I think in (Rooney’s) position, Juan Mata has also played well. I had to choose at that time. I shall miss him because of the captaincy, but Juan Mata can also play very well.”

Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera is absent with a rib injury and van Gaal does not expect Marouane Fellaini to be available to face his old club as he works his way back from an ankle injury.

Van Gaal said: “It’s difficult to explain, but you can be fit but not match fit. That’s the big difference. So for example Herrera is fit, but he can’t play because of his rib pressure. He’s fit, but he cannot play.

“Fellaini has trained one week but he’s not fit to play 90 minutes. We have eight injuries and one red card (suspension), so nine players are not available to play.”

Van Gaal refused to disclose whether United have already attempted to make Colombian striker Radamel Falcao’s season-long loan move from Monaco permanent.

United go into the weekend in seventh place in the league table, two points below the Champions League places and eight points behind early-season pace-setters Chelsea.

- © AFP, 2014

Nothing to see here…except Ipswich u14s playing like bloody Barcelona!>

5 talking points ahead of this weekend’s Premier League action>

Author
View 22 comments
Close
22 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karol Doran
    Favourite Karol Doran
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:20 PM

    Come on spurs. Destroy those deluded fools.

    101
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane Flanagan
    Favourite Shane Flanagan
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:22 PM

    The irony.

    90
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karol Doran
    Favourite Karol Doran
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:24 PM

    Liverpool fans are the most deluded on this planet. Everyone knows that.

    66
    See 14 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Supernova
    Favourite Supernova
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:24 PM

    Yidds are in cookoo land

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan b
    Favourite Alan b
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:26 PM

    Coming from a United supporter still in denial

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute VinHeffer89
    Favourite VinHeffer89
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:46 PM

    How are Spurs delusional? Ask City…

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute tmwtbc
    Favourite tmwtbc
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:58 PM

    Spurs fans have been deluded since their Champions League dizziness.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute VinHeffer89
    Favourite VinHeffer89
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 1:02 PM

    Spurs on their day can beat any team in that league; consistency is the problem more so than delusion. The ability is there in droves.

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niall Lonergan
    Favourite Niall Lonergan
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 1:13 PM

    Karol is 100% bang on. Liverpool fans think they are a title winning side that can still compete in the champions league. They’re a mid table club as best. Or as Carragher once said. “Liverpool are no longer a big club”.

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ron Koeman
    Favourite Ron Koeman
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 1:17 PM

    Yeah a lot of fans are deluded, sure many united fans thought they were favourites to win the league a few weeks ago. Back where they belong? Hilarious.

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niall Lonergan
    Favourite Niall Lonergan
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 1:43 PM

    Lads, does Ron know United are 3rd and 2 points off top?

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Unknown
    Favourite Unknown
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 1:45 PM

    Ron, City lodt 4-1 to spurs, a lesser side than Aresnal. Don’t write United off just yet

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ron Koeman
    Favourite Ron Koeman
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 1:50 PM

    Ironic, so biased

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Frank Cauldhame
    Favourite Frank Cauldhame
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 2:15 PM

    All football fans are biased when it comes to the team they support, its human nature.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Notthatguy
    Favourite Notthatguy
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 2:21 PM

    Carol and Loner are correct, they have accepted that Man U are average and have moved on.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Collins
    Favourite Tom Collins
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 3:56 PM

    Another few hundred million and the league cup is within your sights. The idea of a spurs fan calling Liverpool fans deluded is embarrassing for them

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karol Doran
    Favourite Karol Doran
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 4:09 PM

    I’m not a Spurs fan.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean
    Favourite Sean
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:26 PM

    How on earth are our 3 main strikers all injured?

    77
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David Smith
    Favourite David Smith
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 1:09 PM

    Liverpool fans must be delighted with a manager actually playing Can and Lucas together in midfield.

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Doyle
    Favourite Paul Doyle
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:00 PM

    Come on the pool !!!

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Doyle
    Favourite Paul Doyle
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:09 PM

    And why is anyone even surprised that Daniel Sturridge is out injured, sick note head on him

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute tmwtbc
    Favourite tmwtbc
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:54 PM

    He’s hardly making it up, and is fairly useful when he is fit.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Reese
    Favourite John Reese
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:35 PM

    Will take a draw

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute tmwtbc
    Favourite tmwtbc
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:59 PM

    2-2 is 11/1 with PP

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andrew
    Favourite Andrew
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:10 PM

    Jeasus he’s no-one up front to choose from .. Hope it goes well for him YNWA

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Unknown
    Favourite Unknown
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:36 PM

    For his first game he has a pitiful choice of players.

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ron Koeman
    Favourite Ron Koeman
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 1:14 PM

    Come come now. The Liverpool squad is full of promising young players, it’s a bit harsh to be writing them off. I know for a fact if anyone of them played for United you’d have a different perspective. Biased, simple as…..

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Matt Beaumont
    Favourite Matt Beaumont
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:13 PM

    Come on Kloppo!

    3-1 to the Pool!

    YNWA

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Cantwell
    Favourite Chris Cantwell
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:22 PM

    Wouldn’t get ahead of yourself there, I got a back lashing the last time I gave a prediction. It will a good game however.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute IrishGravyTrain
    Favourite IrishGravyTrain
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:24 PM

    You’re not calling him Kloppo already are you. Oh God.

    49
    See 8 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan b
    Favourite Alan b
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:25 PM

    Ah Chris is back!!!! I LOL with his prediction in the arsenal game how do you call it today Chris?

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Cantwell
    Favourite Chris Cantwell
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:30 PM

    Alan B = Pathetic.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan b
    Favourite Alan b
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:35 PM

    Not as pathetic as your predictions Christopher

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris Cantwell
    Favourite Chris Cantwell
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:45 PM

    Difference is Alan B, I can say I got it wrong and acknowledge it.

    Where there is you, whom keeps sprouting crap on this site.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Unknown
    Favourite Unknown
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:57 PM

    I can imagine Alan B having really greasy hair and needs glasses because of all the time he’s spent looking at a computer screen.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan b
    Favourite Alan b
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 1:02 PM

    You do know the journal is available as an app on smartphones unknown you don’t have to log on to your computer to read it

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan b
    Favourite Alan b
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 1:02 PM

    What’s your prediction today Christopher?

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Notthatguy
    Favourite Notthatguy
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 2:23 PM

    Chris, I would have predicted this would turn into a slagging match.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Manahan
    Favourite John Manahan
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:40 PM

    3 – 1 Spurs with Kane 1st goalscorer

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Unknown
    Favourite Unknown
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:55 PM

    Make that 2-1 and I’d agree with you

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ron Koeman
    Favourite Ron Koeman
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 1:15 PM

    What’s your prediction in the united game?

    9
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Unknown
    Favourite Unknown
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 1:43 PM

    1-1 draw

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute jolly rodgers
    Favourite jolly rodgers
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 9:31 PM

    Mine was 0-3 ! Was I close ….

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shakka1244
    Favourite Shakka1244
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:15 PM

    I’ve had a bet with my Liverpool supporting nephew that whoever loses has to send the other a photo naked in a shopping center. Please win Spurs !!!

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Matt Beaumont
    Favourite Matt Beaumont
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:17 PM

    @Shakka

    Could turn out to be the worst bet of your life.

    Come on da Pool!

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jason Matthews
    Favourite Jason Matthews
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:34 PM

    why do you want to see your nephew naked?

    69
    See 6 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mark
    Favourite mark
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 12:40 PM

    Are you his aunt or uncle. Too weird either way

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ron Koeman
    Favourite Ron Koeman
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 1:18 PM

    Please tell me your nephew is over 18 at least.

    33
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Diddydolittle
    Favourite Diddydolittle
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 1:21 PM

    I’d go into the jacks in one and send one from there. you should have been more specific

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Larry Doyle
    Favourite Larry Doyle
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 2:11 PM

    Or a changing room

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Notthatguy
    Favourite Notthatguy
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 2:23 PM

    Which shopping centre?

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Notthatguy
    Favourite Notthatguy
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 3:07 PM

    What was the plan in case of a draw?

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Notthatguy
    Favourite Notthatguy
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 2:38 PM

    Well, a patched up team, against a very good team that destroyed Man City…. Sorry to disappoint deluded Man U fans, but Liverpool have a manager who is going to reinvent this club, bring them back to where they belong….. Will take time, but it will happen.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ron Koeman
    Favourite Ron Koeman
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 2:48 PM

    Yeah shoring up the defense has to be the priority but Liverpool did get a few chances in the second half. Spurs were the better team but not by enough to deserve the win.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Notthatguy
    Favourite Notthatguy
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 2:56 PM

    And having faith in some players….Sakho for example.

    5
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Hoof Hearted
    Favourite Hoof Hearted
    Report
    Oct 17th 2015, 9:33 PM

    Sakho Sh!te

    3
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.