Moyes hopes duo can follow in footsteps of ex-Manchester United players to sign for Sunderland

David Moyes hopes new signings Paddy McNair and Donald Love can follow in the footsteps of previous Manchester United players to have signed for Sunderland.
Donald Love (right) in action for WiganDonald Love (right) in action for Wigan
Donald Love (right) in action for Wigan

The two clubs have a strong recent history when it comes to players leaving the North West for Wearside, with the likes of John O’Shea, Wes Brown, Phil Bardsley, Jonny Evans and Danny Welbeck signing on loan or permanent deals.

McNair and Love have signed four-year deals and Moyes is excited by their potential.

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“I’ve had a look through history and some of the best boys to come here over the years have been from Manchester United,” said Moyes.

“Even if you look at how well John O’Shea and Wes Brown have done and then back to people who have been on loan like Danny Welbeck and many more.

“From that point of view, I hope that Paddy and Donald will follow in their footsteps and be a big success for us.”

Versatile Love, 21, can play at right-back and in midfield.

Love, who had been at Old Trafford since the age of eight, says it was the right time to move on in search of first team football.

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“It is a massive club, I am happy to be here and I’m glad it has all gone through,” said Love, who made his Manchester United debut against Sunderland back in February.

“The atmosphere [at the Stadium of Light] that day was unbelievable, Sunderland won 2-1 and I can’t wait to go out and play in that atmosphere now.

“I spoke to the manager and hopefully he is going to give a lot of youngsters a chance, they have done that in the past.

“This is a club that can go on and do well.”

Scotland Under-21 international Love has made two appearances for United, but spent some time on loan at Wigan Athletic, making seven appearances.

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He added: “I was ready to step up to men’s football and that loan helped me a lot, I don’t think I would have been coming here now If I hadn’t gone there. I like to do a lot of running and won’t back out of any tackles. I want to impress, win some games and move up the table.”