Paddy McNair, Manchester United Agree on New Contract: Latest Details, Reaction

Paddy McNair's reward for enduring some early-season struggles has been to earn a new contract with Manchester United. The club's official Twitter account carries the details:

The new deal represents another milestone in what has been a big step up for McNair this season. He's one of a few young United defenders that have been thrown into the deep end by manager Louis van Gaal.

Along with Tyler Blackett, 19-year-old McNair saw a lot of action during the early stages of the campaign. It wasn't all smooth sailing for the versatile, young defender, though.

Most notably, he was substituted before half-time during a 2-1 away win over Southampton in early December, per Daily Star reporter Jack Wilson.

However, since that nadir, McNair has rebounded and clearly won over his manager. Van Gaal recently declared McNair could be United's right-back for the next decade, according to Mark Froggatt of the club's official website.

The Dutchman has offered more optimism, and McNair, armed with his new deal, will continue to develop:

Obviously, only time will tell. For now, though, the Red Devils have at least secured the future of a promising young prospect able to play full-back or in the middle of their defence.