Tyler Blackett signs new Manchester United contract

Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett has signed a new contract until June 2017, with the option to extend for a further year.

Blackett made his senior debut for United in the defeat to Swansea on the opening day of the season and he has since made a further nine appearances for the club.

The United academy graduate’s contract had been due to expire at the end of the current campaign, but he has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with the option of a third.

“I’m thrilled to have signed my new contract. I have supported United all my life and have been here since I was eight years old,” Blackett said.

“To come through the academy and make my debut this season was a dream come true.

“I want to keep improving within the first-team squad with the help of the manager, coaches and the players around me.”

Manager Louis van Gaal has been impressed with the 20-year-old’s progress and has backed him to become a ‘great defender’.

“I am delighted that Tyler has signed a new contract,” Van Gaal said.

“He is another young player that has risen through the academy system to break into the first-team squad this season.

“Tyler has great potential and I believe he is at the right club to continue his development and progression to become a great defender.”

Credit: BBC Sport/Setanta Sport