Paddy McNair targets midfield role at Manchester United after impressing for Northern Ireland

Manchester United's Paddy McNair started in the midfield for Norther Ireland in their last two fixtures.

Paddy McNair featured in Northern Ireland's midfield during their international friendly clash against Wales and Slovenia. Manchester United player has now set his sights on featuring the middle of the park and has urged Louis van Gaal to start him in the defensive midfield role against Everton.

Roberto Martinez will bring his men to Old Trafford on Sunday as the Merseyside club face the Red Devils in the Premier League clash. Bastian Schweinsteiger is still on the sidelines with injury, while Marouane Fellaini has failed to impress in that role in recent times.

Michael Carrick and Morgan Schneiderlin are the two options available for the Dutchman and with McNair impressing for his national side, he could be in contention with these two players for a spot in the midfield.

"I am learning about the holding midfield position and really enjoy playing it for Northern Ireland," McNair told the Belfast Telegraph.

"It is sort of new to me but I have good players around me in Gareth, Craig and Jonny in defence and Steven and Ollie are beside me in midfield so they make my life a lot easier and help me through the game.

"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.

"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.

"I've had a lot of injuries this season which haven't helped so my aim is to keep working hard at the club and get as many matches as I can until the end of the season.

"We have Everton on Sunday and if I'm involved that would be great. I really want to keep my fitness up for the Euros and go into that tournament feeling confident."

McNair has made eight league appearances for United this season, which includes three starts.

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