Northern Ireland defender Paddy McNair is hoping to use Euro 2016 to boost his chances under new Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho.

The 21-year-old made just four Premier League appearances off the bench for the Old Trafford giants last season, but is hoping a good campaign at the European championships finals in France will impress new United boss Mourinho.

Northern Ireland are making their first ever appearance in the European finals and McNair hopes to feature in Sunday's opener against Poland in Nice, before the Irish also face Ukraine and world champions Germany in Group C, to impress his new club boss.

"Jose Mourinho sent me a text message wishing me good luck, which was nice. He'll be watching, I'll do my best and hopefully he'll like what he sees," said McNair, who has won nine Irish caps.

Legendary former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has already told McNair he will be watching the Poland game in Nice.

"After the FA Cup final, I was getting in the lift and he was there," revealed McNair.

"He wished me good luck for the tournament and said he'd be there watching."

The United defender is also tipping his teenage club team-mate Marcus Rashford, 18, to do well with England.

"He's a very good player and it was breathtaking the way he came in, how well he adapted and the goals he score," said McNair.

"You could see in training that he has a lot of ability and I think he'll be a top player."