Paddy McNair

Paddy McNair

Footballer

AI

Paddy McNair is a Northern Irish professional footballer born in 1995.

He plays as a centre-back or right-back for Hull City and the Northern Ireland national team.

McNair was discovered by Manchester United's scout at the age of 12 while playing for Ballyclare Colts.

Biography

Early Life

Patrick James Coleman McNair, born in 1995 in Ballyclare, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, began his football journey at a young age. He played for Ballyclare Colts, where he was discovered by Manchester United's scout, Tony Coulter, at the age of 12. This pivotal moment led him to train with Manchester United during school holidays, eventually signing with the club in 2011 after impressing scouts in a midfield role.

Career

McNair's professional career took off when he made his senior debut for Manchester United on September 27, 2014, against West Ham United, during a time when the team faced an injury crisis in defense. His performance earned him praise from fans and manager Louis van Gaal, marking the beginning of his journey in the Premier League. Over the years, McNair transitioned from a midfielder to a defender, drawing comparisons to Michael Carrick during his development.

Following his time at Manchester United, McNair played for several clubs, including Sunderland A.F.C., Middlesbrough F.C., and Hull City A.F.C. He also represented Northern Ireland at various youth levels before making his senior debut in 2015. Notably, he was part of the Northern Ireland squad that qualified for UEFA Euro 2016, a significant achievement for the national team after a 30-year absence from major tournaments.

Legacy

McNair's contributions to his clubs and the national team have been recognized through various honors, including being named Middlesbrough Player of the Year for the 2020-21 season. His versatility on the field, playing both as a defender and midfielder, showcases his adaptability and skill, making him a valuable player in the football community.

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Career & Clubs

Career statistics

Club

As of 25 August 2026

International

As of match played 25 September 2026

Scores and results list Northern Ireland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each McNair goal.

International career

On 4 November 2014, McNair was called up to the Northern Ireland senior team for the first time, ahead of a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match away to Romania, but did not play. He made his debut on 25 March 2015 in a friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park, playing the entirety of a 1–0 defeat. He made his competitive debut on 4 September 2015 in a 3–1 away win over the Faroe Islands in a European qualifier. On 8 October 2015, McNair was drafted into the starting line-up for a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Greece. Northern Ireland went on to secure a decisive 3–1 victory, qualifying for the competition, a first major tournament the team would have qualified for in thirty years. After the final qualifying match, a 1–1 away draw with Finland on 11 October 2015, McNair remained in a Helsinki hospital due to concerns of a ruptured liver. On 24 March 2016, McNair was selected in the starting line-up for an international friendly against Wales, which subsequently ended in a 1–1 draw. Notably, McNair was deployed in a holding midfielder role instead of his more conventional position as a central defender. Following his display in the match, Northern Ireland head coach, Michael O'Neill, "believes midfield could be where McNair's future lies". On 28 May 2016, McNair was selected as part of the 23-man squad to represent Northern Ireland at UEFA Euro 2016. He was selected to start for Northern Ireland's opener against Poland in Nice, but was substituted at half time for…

Club career

Manchester United

Born in Ballyclare, County Antrim, McNair began playing with Ballyclare Colts and was first discovered by Manchester United's Northern Ireland-based scout, Tony Coulter, when McNair was 12, and began travelling to train with United during his school holidays. He eventually signed for the club in 2011, having impressed the club scouts in a midfield role for Ballyclare Colts, but was later converted into a defender by United youth coach Paul McGuinness. While making the transition from midfield to defence, McNair was frequently compared to Michael Carrick by McGuinness. McNair made his senior debut for United on 27 September 2014 against West Ham United in a 2–1 victory in the Premier League at Old Trafford, starting the game due to an injury crisis in defence. He was praised by fans and manager Louis van Gaal for his solid defending in that match, including a vital headed clearance while United were down to 10 men. Despite McNair's inexperience in England's top division, Manchester United won all of the first four matches when McNair was in the starting line-up. On 4 January 2015, McNair was in the starting line-up for a FA Cup third round tie with Yeovil Town which concluded with a 2–0 result, playing as a right-back in a 3–5–2 formation. He started again in the same formation and role for a later round of the tournament against Cambridge United that ended 3–0. Following his impressive performance, Van Gaal publicly praised McNair and claimed that…

League
Premier League
League
Major League Soccer
National team
Northern Ireland
Club
Manchester United F.C. (2014–)
Club
Northern Ireland national under-16 association football team (2009–2010)
Club
Northern Ireland national under-17 association football team (2010–2010)
Club
Northern Ireland national under-19 association football team (2012–2013)
Club
Northern Ireland national under-21 association football team (2014–2015)
Club
Northern Ireland men's national association football team (2015–2015)
Club
Northern Ireland national under-21 association football team (2014–2014)
Club
Sunderland A.F.C.
Club
Middlesbrough F.C.
Club
San Diego FC
Club
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
Club
Hull City A.F.C.

Legacy

Honours

Hull City

EFL Championship play-offs: 2026 Individual

Middlesbrough Player of the Year: 2020–21

Clubs

Played together with

Archive

Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Position

defender, midfielder

Description

Northern Irish association football player (born 1995)

Extract from Wikipedia

Patrick James Coleman McNair is a Northern Irish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back or right-back for Premier League club Hull City and the Northern Ireland national team.

▸ Source: Wikipedia
All links
Official Website
Social

Discussion

Opinions of fans — not verified facts.

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