Manchester United defender Paddy McNair signs new two-and-a-half year deal to remain at Old Trafford until 2017

Manchester United defender Paddy McNair has signed a new contract that will keep him at Old Trafford until the summer of 2017, with an option to extend for a further year.

"Paddy McNair has signed a new contract at Manchester United which keeps him at the Club until at least June 2017 with an option to extend for a further year," a statement on United's official site read.

The 19-year-old Northern Ireland defender has come through the youth system at United and made his debut for the senior team at the start of the ongoing season, as regular first-team defenders suffered various injuries.

McNair has impressed in the 12 appearances thus far this campaign, and manager Louis van Gaal is delighted that the young defender has extended his stay at the club and believes that he has the ability to become a top player in the future.

"Paddy has risen through the ranks to become an integral part of the first team squad. He has all the attributes to develop into a top player. Promoting youth players is very important both to myself and to the club and I am delighted Paddy has signed a new contract," Van Gaal said, as quoted on United's official site.

Moreover, McNair has shown that he can be versatile as apart from his regular centre-back position the Nothern Irishman can also play at full-back and the manager believes that he can make the United right-back position his own for the next ten years.

The Northern Ireland international, who was on the final six-months of his contract is excited to continue with United and he also admitted that it was a 'dream come true' to make his debut for the club at the beginning of the season.

"To make my debut for this great club earlier this season was a dream come true. I'm pleased to have signed a new contract. I have come through the Academy here and I feel I am improving my game all the time with the help of the manager, the coaching staff and my team-mates," McNair added.