DENNIS IRWIN DEFENDS THE SIGNING OF MANCHESTER UNITED'S LUKE SHAW

Manchester United new boy Luke Shaw will be a big success at Old Trafford, says former left-back Denis Irwin.

Shaw, 19, made a £27m move from Southampton in June, becoming the fourth most expensive defender ever.

Denis Irwin defends the signing of Manchester United's Luke Shaw

Irwin, who played 529 times for United between 1990 and 2002, thinks it will be the start of a long stay.

"He has pace, is great going forward and is still only young," said Irwin. "He is going to be a fantastic signing for years to come."

Former Republic of Ireland international Irwin added: "Market forces dictate what you have to pay for players and there was talk of Chelsea being in for him.

"We have to accept he will make mistakes defensively. But he has been playing in the Premier League for the last two years with Southampton and he is only going to get better."

Shaw was included as second-choice left-back behind Leighton Baines of Everton in Roy Hodgson's England squad for this summer's World Cup in Brazil, making his tournament debut in the 0-0 draw with Costa Rica.

He is expected to be new United manager Louis van Gaal's first-choice left-back, although Patrice Evra's proposed move to Juventus has still to be completed following the shock departure of coach Antonio Conte.

Van Gaal is already starting to make his presence felt, taking the unusual step of heading to Santa Monica beach when United landed in Los Angeles for the start of their pre-season tour rather go straight to the team hotel so his players could get their muscles moving after the 11-hour flight.

"It just shows how experienced he is," said Irwin. "Everybody is excited about him being with us."

United were seventh last season - their worst finish since 1990 - and Van Gaal is looking for an immediate improvement.

Irwin believes a club of United's stature are capable of challenging for the Premier League title in Van Gaal's first season in charge.

"Manchester United have to aim for the summit," he said.

"There are still a lot of experienced players here who know how to get the job done and the manager has won trophies all over the world. With two or three more signings, I would expect us to challenge."