Manchester United great Denis Irwin has backed current left-back Luke Shaw to be a regular for years to come.

19-year old Shaw has struggled in his first campaign with the Red Devils since joining from Southampton for £28million last summer but former left-back Irwin is confident he has what it takes to become an Old Trafford great.

Irwin told ManUtd.com: "Luke Shaw has had a stop-start season because he's had a lot of injuries. I think he just needs a run of games to get up and running.

"Shaw's got competition for his place now but he knew that would be the case anyway when he came here. He's got a challenge in front of him but he's only a young lad. And while he's not had the season he would have liked because of those injuries, he'll still learn an awful lot.

"He's had an unbelievable two years. He broke into Southampton's side at a really young age, played particularly well to get into the England squad and then played in the World Cup in Brazil. So it's been a whirlwind and he needs to gather his thoughts and go again.

"There's no doubt he's a tremendous player - a pacey, modern full-back who likes to attack. I think he'll be here for many years to come."

The 19-year-old England international has made 17 appearances for the club in his debut season under Louis van Gaal.