Major League Soccer (MLS) has had a surge in popularity in recent seasons.
After football superstar Lionel Messi moved to the United States, a host of big name players have made the move there as well.
Inter Miami have brought a host of former Barcelona legends such as Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.
The club is, of course, part owned by former Manchester United legend David Beckham.
Beckham is not the only ex-United player who will have an interest in the MLS next season.
That’s because a former United defender is swapping England for the States.
Paddy McNair made his Manchester United debut in 2014 under the guidance of Louis van Gaal.
During his team at the club, McNair played with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, Angel Di Maria and David de Gea.
McNair was a favourite of van Gaal’s and was consistently praised by the Dutch manager. Many believed McNair might have a long term future at the club.
However, when Jose Mourinho came through the door in 2016, one of the first pieces of business he did was sell the Northern Ireland international to Sunderland.
But it was at Middlesbrough where McNair truly found a home. He spent four seasons at the Riverside before being released on a free this summer.
San Diego announce ex-United player on free
McNair wasn’t on the free agency list for too long as San Diego FC have announced that they’ve signed the player on a three year contract.
The MLS side have also declared that they’ll be sending McNair back to England on loan to Championship side West Bromwich Albion until the end of the calendar year, with a return to San Diego set for January upon a successful visa application.
McNair will occupy an international roster spot for San Diego FC.
2025 will be the first season that San Diego FC will be competing in the MLS. They are a 2025 expansion team and will be playing their games at the Snapdragon Stadium in the city.
The signing of Paddy McNair is the club’s fifth signing in their history – with Mexico international Hirving Lozano being the biggest name signed by the club to date.
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