Manchester United Defender Paddy McNair Out For Three Weeks With Hamstring Strain

Manchester United have suffered another blow after defender Paddy McNair is set to be out of action till the end of October, according to BBC.

The centre-back is believed to have picked up a hamstring injury and will be on the sidelines for the next three weeks. The youngster sustained a strain during United's 2-1 victory over West Ham United.

United play West Bromwich Albion in the next clash as club football will return after two weeks of the international break. The Red Devils host Chelsea at Old Trafford later this month and McNair is set to miss both the matches against the Baggies and the west London club.

Louis van Gaal has been facing a defensive crisis as recognised centre-backs Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are all recovering from injury. The latter two played their last match during United's 5-3 defeat to Leicester City.

Smalling came on as a substitute for injured Evans against the Foxes. However, the England international was ruled out with injury, which saw him miss the 20-times English champions' victory over the London outfit and Everton at Old Trafford. In addition to this, another centre-half Tyler Blackett was sent off against Leicester and was suspended for the West Ham clash.

With four defenders out of action with injuries and suspension, the Dutchman threw McNair into the first team and started him against the Hammers. The 19-year-old impressed on his debut, which saw him retain his place in the starting XI during their 2-1 win over Everton.

McNair played the full 90 minutes in his first two games and his impressive performance has attracted the attention of Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill. He was included in the national side's squad for the Euro 2016 qualifiers.

With his club teammate Evans out of action with an ankle injury, McNair was set to fill in the void left in the Northern Ireland squad. The teenager's wait for his first national cap will be delayed with the latest injury setback.

Van Gaal will be hoping that Jones will be fit enough for the West Brom clash. If the England international is not fit for the next league clash, the former Netherlands boss is likely to field Tom Thorpe in the starting lineup, unless someone else becomes available.