Blackett signs new contract

Manchester United officially announced defender Tyler Blackett has signed a new deal through 2017 with an option to extend his contract by a further year, according to the club website.



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



The 20-year-old defender has made 11 appearances for the senior team this season and signs his contract along with fellow Academy graduate Reece James, who also penned a long-term deal Thursday.



"I am delighted that Tyler has signed a new contra," Manchester United manager Louis 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."