Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has suggested that young defender Paddy McNair has the chance to establish a long-term place at right-back for the club.

McNair has been thrust into United's starting XI this season and has covered bases at both central defence and full-back, and Van Gaal is keen to highlight the player's progression by hinting that he could secure a place in defence for the next 10 years.

"It is not only Paddy McNair who has impressed with his development, as I have given a lot of chances to younger players," Van Gaal told MUTV.

"But Paddy McNair has developed himself very well, not only as a central defender but now we are giving him the chance to develop as a full-back and he did it very well.

"He has done it already in the second team [Under-21s] and has done it now at a higher level in the first-team. Maybe he shall be the right full-back of Manchester United for the next 10 years, you never know. He has the chance."

United currently hold third spot in the Premier League table with 43 points from 23 games so far this season.