On a Friday afternoon, Manchester City hold their press conference- usually around 12.30 pm, although Manuel Pellegrini is often late, then around three hours later United hold theirs. At the City press conference, Pellegrini usually spends around 4-6 seconds relaying his side’s injury news- “Nasri is out, following his operation, everyone else is available” was his most recent one. A few hours later at United’s training complex, Louis Van Gaal is forced to take out a piece of paper to remind himself of the vast list of injuries his squad face.
The latest in the ever growing list of absentees at Old Trafford is young Patrick McNair who after two full games for the Reds is now out for three weeks.
The Daily Star notes:
19-year-old defender Paddy McNair has been ruled out for three weeks with a hamstring injury.
McNair was called up to the United first team following a string of injuries and was set to get his maiden call up to the Northern Irish senior squad.
It’s amazing that with Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jonny Evans and Luke Shaw at various stages of injury or recovery United have now lost yet another defender.
Hopefully McNair can return and figure again for the Reds soon, following a brace of impressive displays that belie his age.
Until the curse strikes again anyway…..
Bring on Tom Thorpe!