Former Manchester United full-back Arthur Albiston has hailed the performance that Paddy McNair put in during his debut for the club against West Ham United last Saturday.
Injuries to centre-backs Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans, as well as the suspension handed to Tyler Blackett for the red card that he received against Leicester City, meant that Louis van Gaal unexpectedly included Northern Ireland youth international McNair within his starting lineup.
The Red Devils won the Old Trafford contest 2-1, with McNair highly credited for a headed clearance that he made in the closing stages.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Albiston conceded that he was struck by how "calm" the 19-year-old appeared to be throughout the game.
"I thought it was a comfortable and confident debut by Paddy. Going from youth and Under-21 games to playing in front of 75,000 at Old Trafford with Premier League points at stake is an enormous step up," said the 57-year-old.
"I think Paddy was handed an even more difficult task than most because normally you'd get a chance when the team is going well or you'd have a League Cup opportunity. Instead, he was thrown into the Lion's Den in an injury crisis and after United had conceded five at Leicester City in the previous match.
"It was a very difficult situation to be thrown into but Paddy looked so calm. He didn't panic and looked like he'd played 100 games rather than making his debut. It was impressive."
It has been reported that Van Gaal will keep McNair in his squad for this weekend's match against Everton.
Liam Apicella
