Gary Neville has backed young Manchester United defender Paddy McNair to make the grade at Old Trafford.

The Northern Irishman bagged an impressive winner as the United Under-21s beat their Liverpool counterparts 2-1 at Leigh Sports Village tonight.

McNair, 19, endured a low moment in his fledgling Red Devils senior career when he was substituted by manager Louis van Gaal after just 39 minutes against Southampton in December.

However, Neville, who spent 19 years in United's senior setup, says that the youngster is stoic enough to handle setbacks like that and improve.

"He's a good footballer," he told Sky Sports News.

"Louis van Gaal has thrust him into the first team. He came to Man United as a number 10, he's learning so much, and you expect so much of them when they go in the first team.

"He had a couple of unfortunate experiences, away at Southampton when he was substituted, but he's come back from that and you can see tonight he looks a real good player."

McNair has started seven Premier League games in his breakthrough season at the Theatre of Dreams.