A Manchester United academy graduate is following the David Beckham blueprint out in the United States.
There has been a frustrating trend over the last decade for Manchester United fans who have watched players improve the moment they leave Old Trafford.
That has certainly continued this season with Antony thriving at Real Betis after joining the La Liga club on loan. Marcus Rashford has impressed at Aston Villa too after leaving in January.
A few academy players who never got the chance at Old Trafford have also made the club regret letting them go. Angel Gomes could return to United after leaving Carrington and impressing. The same can be said for Alvaro Fernandez, who is linked with Atletico Madrid.
One United academy player who is still trying to find his feet is Paddy McNair.
Photo by AMA/Corbis via Getty Images
Photo by AMA/Corbis via Getty Images
Paddy McNair follows David Beckham to MLS
McNair joined United’s academy in 2011 and broke through into the first team under Louis van Gaal in 2014.
Early into his Red Devils career, McNair starred against Arsenal in a defence that also featured academy star Tyler Blackett.
McNair went on to make 27 appearances for United but he quickly fell out of favour once established first-team stars returned from injury. In 2016, McNair was sold for £4.5m to Sunderland. After two years with the Black Cats, he joined Middlesbrough where he was managed by Michael Carrick.
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At the end of the 2023-24 season, McNair left the Riverside Stadium and made a bold move to join MLS side San Diego FC.
David Beckham joined LA Galaxy in 2007 aged 31 in a move that stunned the footballing world. McNair is certainly not got the fame or prestige that Beckham had, but he is hoping to follow in his footsteps Stateside.
Beckham was a trailblazer for players moving to America, and now as the owner of Inter Miami he has also inspired Juan Mata to buy ownership in San Diego FC.
McNair will now play under Mata’s ownership in America having played alongside the Spaniard at Old Trafford.
McNair was hailed as “fantastic” by Van Gaal during his time at United, but it feels as though he never quite fulfilled his full potential.
Now starting a new chapter in America, McNair will hope to elevate his game and his profile to a new level in the way that Beckham did.
Speaking about his move, as per Belfast Live, McNair admitted he is excited by the opportunity.
“I’ve always wanted to play outside of the UK,” McNair said.
“When I spoke to San Diego it sounded like an exciting project with the facilities out there and I feel like it is a league that is improving each year.
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“Obviously the World Cup is there in two years and I wanted to try something new.”
McNair has so far made four appearances for San Diego FC, who currently sit fourth in the MLS Western Conference.