Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is considering calling up Paddy McNair for his debut against West Ham United.
Van Gaal faces a centre-half injury crisis, but denied he would be taking a risk if he drafted any youth players into his starting XI.
"They are always ready, I think," the former Ajax boss said.
"They have hunger to play the game and Manchester United youth education has a certain level that can provide that.
"It's a big difference (between youth football and the Barclays Premier League), but in one game you can show yourself."
