Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Robbie Brady will be given the chance to impress at left-back during the club's pre-season tour of South Africa and China.

The 20-year-old has spent the majority of his career as a winger, particularly while playing on loan with Hull City in the Championship last season.

However, with Patrice Evra the only current recognisable left footed full-back in the squad, Ferguson has admitted that he is willing to give Brady the chance to prove his worth over the coming weeks.

"Young Robbie Brady will be at left-back. He's actually an outside-left but we believe there's the possibility he'll develop into a left-back. He was on loan last year at Hull City and did very well. He'll certainly figure at left-back," Ferguson told reporters.

"Left-back is an area which we're paying attention to. Patrice, in the last five years has played an average of 45-50 games. It's phenomenal. I don't know if anybody else has achieved that. He's still a fit lad and has the same drive and ambition. He's a fighter.

"That's why we're trying Robbie Brady at left-back. We also have Tyler Blackett here - he's a big, strong boy, tall and quick going forward. But he's only just turned 18. He has time on his side but he's here for the experience and he may yet surprise us."

Brady scored three goals during his stint with the Tigers.