Louis van Gaal has said that Matteo Darmian will be second choice behind Antonio Valencia at Manchester United.
Darmian, 25, signed for United from Torino earlier this month for £12.9 million on a four-year contract.
It had been expected the Italy international would become Van Gaal's first-choice right-back, with winger Valencia used in that position last campaign.
However, speaking in San Jose, Van Gaal is quoted as saying in The Guardian: "We have brought Darmian for the second position behind Valencia and now already because of that injury [Paddy] McNair has to play there."
The Dutch coach was also asked if he has any concerns about captain Wayne Rooney playing in for Everton against Villarreal in Duncan Ferguson's testimonial on Aug. 2 -- six days before United open their 2015-16 season against Tottenham.
Van Gaal said: "Wayne could also fall off the stairs! That's my answer."
Meanwhile, Chris Smalling has said he is not fazed by the prospect of having to compete with Sergio Ramos for a place in the Manchester United first team.
United have told Real Madrid the only way they will sign David De Gea is if they give them Ramos in return.
Ramos is regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe. The 29-year-old has won the Primera Division with Madrid three times, as well as the Champions League. He has also won the World Cup and the European Championship on two occasions with Spain.
Should the Spaniard arrive, Smalling's place in the team would come under threat.
The England centre-half became an established player under Van Gaal last season, but is not concerned if he has to tussle with the likes of Ramos for a place in the team next term.
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"There is always competition at Manchester United," Smalling said when asked what effect Ramos' possible arrival could have on his future.
"When I signed there were five centre backs already here. I had to work hard to get past them. At this club you are always going to be compared with the best and you always play with the best."
Smalling has come in for some criticism since he signed for United five years ago.
But the former Fulham defender earned Van Gaal's trust in the final third of last year, starting 12 of the last 13 games, and was rewarded with a new four-year contract.
The 25-year-old is now looking to continue his progression under Van Gaal.
"I hope my performances keep me in the team," said Smalling on the day before United's tour game against the San Jose Earthquakes at the Avaya Stadium.
"Once you set a benchmark it is matter of aiming higher. You cannot afford to drop them. I want to make a good start to the season. After that it will just be a question of kicking on."
Information from the Press Association was used in this report.