Manchester United news: Paddy McNair returns after 3 nights in Helsinki hospital due to abdominal injury

Manchester United defender Paddy McNair has returned home after spending three nights in a hospital in Helsinki. The Northern Irishman suffered bruised ribs and an abdominal injury during his country's 1-1 draw against Finland in the Euro 2016 qualifiers on Sunday (11 October).

The Red Devils defender was replaced by Conor McLaughlin just five minutes into the second-half with doctors suspecting liver damage after he was remanded to a hospital in Helsinki. The Northern Ireland team doctor remained with the player for two extra nights after the entire squad had flown home.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the defender was allowed to return home on Wednesday (14 October), but faces a spell on the sidelines due to the injury sustained in only his second appearance for his country. This news will come as a big blow to Louis van Gaal, who is facing a defensive dilemma as he is already without Luke Shaw, who suffered a double leg fracture, and Marcos Rojo, who missed the international break due to a hamstring injury sustained during the clash against Southampton in September.

The Mirror understands that the defender's damage is not as bad as first feared, but he is still expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks. McNair had a breakthrough season with the club last season, making 18 appearances for United at centre-back and right-back.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils' summer signing Matteo Darmian has admitted that is was an easy decision for him to join United from Torino in the summer. The Italian international sees his move to Old Trafford as a great opportunity, one that he was not willing to let slip away.

"I used to watch the Premier League on television and it was well known that it was perhaps one of the best leagues in the world. So, when I got the call from United, I didn't have to think twice about it at all," Darmian told Inside United, as quoted on the club's official site.

"For me, it was a big step in my career and a really big opportunity, personally, which I didn't want to let slip away. Of course, Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs, not just in England but the whole world. Because of the history as well, all these factors made it an easy decision for me," the former Torino defender added.