Today Manchester United duo Paddy McNair and Donald Love signed for Sunderland. The pair have signed for a combined fee of £5.5 million. With the Black Cats short on numbers, David Moyes acted swiftly and signed two players he knows well. The duo sign for Sunderland just two days before they head back to Manchester to play City on the opening day of the season.
Manchester United Duo Sign for Sunderland
Moyes managed the two defenders during his spell as United Manager during the 2013/14 season. Northern Ireland international McNair and Scottish Under 21 international Love, arrived on Wearside, completed their medicals and have signed four year deals.
21 year old McNair featured regularly and impressed for United during Louis van Gaal’s first season at Old Trafford, however; the form of United’s first choice defenders last season limited his chances. To date he has played 27 times for United and 11 for Northern Ireland. He also featured at this summer’s European Championships. 21 year old full back Love, having played several games on loan with Wigan Athletic last year, only made his Premier League debut this year, against Sunderland. He has also featured for United in Europe.
With fan favourite Lamine Konè not certain to stay due to firm interest from Everton, Moyes has moved to strengthen his defensive options. The pair follow defender Papy Djilobodji who recently signed from Chelsea for £8 million into the Stadium of Light.
Potential
The duo may not be what some supporters were hoping to see coming in to Sunderland at this stage, but they are young, hungry and have the potential to succeed. Sunderland have a history of signing players like this on loan and then after they have gone back to their clubs, wished they had signed them permanently. Players such as Danny Wellbeck and Danny Rose spring to mind. Maybe this time, Sunderland will have brought in young players that will hopefully do well but won’t have to leave.
Quality still needed
With the opening day of the Premier League season fast approaching, Sunderland required recruits. They have found three in less than a week. More could be soon on their way. The Black Cats have signed two potentially very good players today. However, it is no secret that they must continue to strengthen, and strengthen with quality. Sunderland have a tough start to this season’s Premier League. Key areas must be strengthened if a repeat of the last several seasons is to be avoided.
Main Photo
