Luke Shaw has been backed to bounce back from a disappointing season and nail down a regular place in Jose Mourinho's team by former Manchester United left-back Denis Irwin.
But Irwin still expects Matteo Darmian to start the new campaign as first choice.
Shaw endured a miserable season at Old Trafford, losing his starting spot in September before being publicly criticised by Mourinho on a number of occasions.
The 22-year-old is part of United's summer tour in the United States despite continuing his recovery from an ankle ligament injury.
And Irwin expects Shaw to eventually win over Mourinho -- although he says he may have to get past Darmian to win back his place.
"He's still young," said Irwin, who is with the squad on the preseason tour of the U.S., sponsored by AON.
"The people at United know how good a player he is and the potential he's got. I think the manager has said he's probably the best one we've got there, it's just getting it out of him on a regular basis.
"He'll be given plenty of time with the injury he's got now. It's great to see that he's over here. Hopefully he will get back to what we know he can do.
"He said himself last season he thought he needed to put a little more effort in and a little more concentration. Luke is a fine player, you've seen that at Southampton.
"Obviously the terrible injury he got will have set him back. There's huge competition there. Ashley Young played at left-back last season, Darmian, [Daley] Blind, [Marcos] Rojo.
"Darmian finished the season really well and played really well in the Europa League final. I suppose he will be favourite to start the season at left-back."
Despite his run-ins with Mourinho last season, Shaw is set to stay at Old Trafford this summer. Wayne Rooney is among the players to have left the club as Mourinho looks to reshape his squad. And Irwin believes it was the right time for the striker to depart -- although the ex defender is adamant he will never be fully appreciated.
He added: "I think people underestimate what he's done for this club. Thirteen years, over 500 appearances, 253 goals, the amount of trophies he's won.
"I think it was the right time for him to leave. Obviously he wants to play, it's as simple as that. He's been unbelievable for us, he really has.
"I think Gary Neville said he's the best forward he's played with and that's some compliment because he's played with plenty.
"His goal record is second to none and he'll be in the top eight appearance makers, it just shows what he's done for this club. He's got a new challenge now at his boyhood club."