Scotland Under-21 defender Donald Love was given pass marks by Louis van Gaal after making his Manchester United debut on Saturday.
Love, who was born in Rochdale and has come through the club’s youth ranks, climbed off the bench in the 36th minute of the 2-1 defeat at Sunderland after Italy internationalist Matteo Darmian suffered a dislocated shoulder at the Stadium of Light.
Despite the loss, United manager van Gaal was pleased with Love’s maiden appearance.
Speaking to manutd.com, van Gaal said: “We do not have many more full-backs, not even in the [youth] system. Donald Love has played at right-back and he did it well.”
The versatile defender was recalled by United manager van Gaal in January after making seven appearances during a three-month loan stint with Gary Caldwell’s Wigan.
Love has made three appearances at Scotland Under-21 level and has also appeared for the Under-17s and 19s.
Speaking in an interview with manutd.com last year, Love said: “There is pride whenever I pull on the shirt.
“I know how hard I’ve got to work every day and I just have to try my best.
“The game is changing but we have one of the best youth systems around. It’s great if homegrown lads can come through because the fans back you.”
