Official: United academy graduate labelled “the next Gary Neville” seals move to Championship high-flyers

Former Manchester United defender Paddy McNair has taken the latest step in his career. United career McNair joined Manchester United from Ballyclare Colts in 2011. He made his senior debut for the Red Devils in September 2014 under Louis van Gaal. McNair played a total of 27 matches over two seasons for the Red Devils and was labelled the “next Gary Neville” according to Van Gaal. The Northern Irishman was sold, however, in 2016 to Sunderland under Jose Mourinho and joined Middlesbrough in 2018. He has since played for San Diego FC and West Bromwich Albion on loan. McNair has also been an essential cog for his national team, playing 81 times for Northern Ireland and scoring seven goals. He was also part of the Northern Ireland side that reached the last 16 of Euro 2016. New adventure Hull City’s official website has reported that, “Hull City are delighted to announce the permanent signing of Northern Ireland international defender Paddy McNair from Major League Soccer side San Diego FC.” McNair has signed an 18-month contract, with a club option for a further year. Commenting on his move, the former United man claimed, “it feels great to be here. It had been in the pipeline for a couple of weeks, so I’m very happy to get it over the line.” He added, “it was a great opportunity to come to a big club that’s sitting well in the table. It would be great if we can push on towards the end of the season and get that goal.” Hull City are currently fourth in the Championship and will be eyeing promotion to the Premier League, where McNair could once again come face-to-face with his first professional team. Paddy’s new place. 🏟️#hcafc pic.twitter.com/bN8mXguMp8 — Hull City (@HullCity) January 28, 2026 Paddy McNair career stats TeamsMatchesGoalsYears Active Man United2702014-16 Sunderland2872016-18 Middlesbrough219142018-24 San Diego2502025 West Brom (loan)302024-25 Northern Ireland8172015- Source: Wikipedia The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Latest Top Stories… Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.