Louis van Gaal Confirms Paddy McNair Will Retain Place in Manchester United First Team

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal will hand Paddy McNair a starting role for the visit of Everton on Sunday with Phil Jones yet to recover from injury.

The Dutchman was forced to delve into the club's youth ranks after he was left with just one fit centre half for last week's game against West Ham United.

Nineteen-year-old McNair enjoyed a stellar debut in the heart of defence alongside Marcos Rojo and his manager has confirmed he will keep his place in the starting XI with eight members of his first team squad still unavailable through injury.

"We still have three central defenders [Chris Smalling, Jonny Evans and Jones] injured so he [McNair] shall play," van Gaal told a press conference.

"He is the only one who can play in the right-sided defensive position. He played very well.

"For a player like him it is very difficult to maintain that level. That is his biggest challenge."

The United boss also confirmed that Marouane Fellaini may have a role to play although he will not play the full 90 minutes while Ander Herrera is another absentee after suffering a fractured rib in the 2-1 win over West Ham.

Wayne Rooney's suspension adds to van Gaal's problems but the manager has hinted the captain's absence will allow Juan Mata to regain his place in the team, after being left on the bench in the club's last two games.

"In his position Juan Mata has played very well," he added. "I have to choose. I will miss Wayne because he is the captain of the team but Mata can also play very well."

Rooney's absence also means there is uncertainty as to who will captain United for the visit of Roberto Martinez's side. Darren Fletcher was named vice-captain during the summer but his lack of involvement suggests van Gaal may have someone else in mind.

"I have told the players," he said of who will captain his side. "You shall see on Sunday."