Thursday 6 October 2016 15:35, UK
Paddy McNair says Jose Mourinho only wanted him to leave Manchester United on loan, but he asked for a permanent switch.
The Northern Ireland defender joined Sunderland from United in the summer along with Donald Love in a combined £5.5m deal, with both 21-year-olds penning four-year deals at the Stadium of Light.
McNair has since made five Premier League appearances for the Black Cats, also scoring both goals in the 2-1 win over QPR in the EFL Cup, and the youngster insists it was at his request that he left Old Trafford for good.
"For me I just wanted to play more and play more first-team games and stay in the Premier League," McNair told Sky Sports News HQ. "I spoke with a few Championship clubs and a few in the Premier League but when I spoke to David Moyes I wanted to go.
"I spoke to Mourinho and he wanted me to go on a loan deal but I was adamant I wanted to go on a permanent.
"I'm just happy that he supported me and let me do what I wanted to do."
McNair is part of the Northern Ireland squad for their upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against San Marino on Saturday and Germany on Tuesday, both live on Sky Sports.
Meanwhile, Sunderland return to league action on October 15 against Stoke City, looking to secure their first win in the top flight under Moyes.
