Former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has offered his backing to his fellow countryman Alexander Buttner, insisting that the full-back will be a hit in the Premier League in due time.

Buttner, a summer signing from Vitesse Arnhem, has found Patrice Evra stiff competition for the left-back spot, though he did enjoy a start in Saturday’s FA Cup clash with West Ham.

But ex-Red Devils goalscorer van Nistelrooy believes United fans should not be deterred by this, and claims the 23-year-old could well be a future star at the club.

“Alexander has made a great start,” he told Manchester United’s official website. “He needs a bit more time as he’s definitely somebody for the future.

“He’s been getting games in the Champions League. For him, it’s a dream come true. He’s got the ability and needs to learn to obtain more experience and he’s definitely somebody to look out for.”