Manchester United Defender On Loan

By Neil Ravenscroft
December 23 2004

Paul Merson has made no secret this week of his desire to sign Manchester United youngster Paul McShane as cover for his current defensive crisis. This morning, the club have announced he's got his man.

The 18 year-old defender has signed a one-month loan deal.
He joined United August 1998 and has represented the Republic of Ireland at Under-19 level, was part of the United side which won the FA Youth Cup 2003, and has also been involved with the first-team squad at Old Trafford.
Following Julian Bennett's ridiculous booking and suspension last week and Ian Roper's injury, we needed someone to provide cover and Merson feels that McShane will be the answer.
"I need cover in that area and I'm pleased that Paul has agreed to join us," Merson said.
"It's hard to get players in at this time of year because nobody wants to let people go, but the timing of his arrival is ideal. This lad has been a regular for United's reserve team and has also been on the fringes of their first-team. I know that United think highly of him and I have no worries about throwing him straight in.
He is a strong, combative and enthusiastic player who can play in the centre of defence or at right-back and importantly he wants to play for us. He was on his way back to Ireland to spend Christmas with his family but as soon as he heard we wanted him, he turned around and came straight back. That shows how much he wants to be here and I am confident that he will do a good job for us".

His stats are:-

Paul McShane

Paul McShane
Squad Number: 34
Position: Defence
Place of Birth: County Wicklow
Date Of Birth: 06/ 01/ 1986
Height: 5'11
Weight: 11st 5lbs