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Sunderland hero Paddy McNair insists he isn't a defender, but is seen as one because of Louis van Gaal

Paddy McNair has revealed how Louis van Gaal pushed him into the centre-back position at Manchester United – despite him having never been a defender.

The 21-year-old signed for Sunderland in the summer and scored twice in their 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.

McNair was brought up as a midfielder and has spoken about how fans mistakenly think he is a defender just because Van Gaal used him as one.

Paddy McNair scored twice from midfield as Sunderland came from behind to beat QPR
Paddy McNair scored twice from midfield as Sunderland came from behind to beat QPR
McNair's brace saw Sunderland progress through to the next round of the EFL Cup
McNair's brace saw Sunderland progress through to the next round of the EFL Cup

‘Until I was 18, I played in midfield,’ McNair said.