Sunderland bring in United youngster

Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy today landed his sixth summer signing when he persuaded defender Mark Lynch to leave Manchester United.

The 22-year-old, who played in the Champions League during his time at Old Trafford and made 20 appearances on loan at St Johnstone three years ago, has headed for the Stadium of Light in the search for regular first-team football.

Manchester-born Lynch, who had other options, agonised over his decision to part company with Alex Ferguson, but eventually left with the Scot’s blessing.

“It’s always a wrench to leave a club like United but I thought the time was right and the gaffer said it was okay for me to move on,” said Lynch, who has agreed a three-year contract.

“There was other interest, but I wanted to sign for Sunderland. It’s a great club and as soon as I spoke to Mick McCarthy, I was impressed.

“I’ve been at United since the age of 11. I want first-team football and I decided that the time was right to leave. I would not have come here if I didn’t think I could get into the first team.”

Lynch, a right-back by trade, is the latest newcomer to McCarthy’s squad following the arrivals of Stephen Elliott, Dean Whitehead, Liam Lawrence, Steven Caldwell and Carl Robinson in the wake of last season’s Division One play-off semi-final defeat.

“Mark is another young player with huge potential,” McCarthy said. “He has experience of being around top players and has played at the highest level, having been involved in European games with Manchester United.

“He’s a player who has the ability to challenge for a first-team spot and he will be linking up with our other young and exciting players.”

Excitement is something McCarthy and his players got a little more of than they might have bargained for when they opened their pre-season campaign in North Carolina last night.

The Black Cats’ clash with a Carolina All Stars XI was abandoned after 57 minutes when, following a 43-minute break for a thunderstorm, the weather intervened once again within four minutes of the restart.

Sunderland were trailing 2-1 at the time to goals from Josh Smith and Glenn Murray with Whitehead replying in between.