Reading have announced the signing of Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett on a permanent deal.
The 22-year-old versatile defender has signed a 4-year contract with the Royals that will keep him at the Madejski Stadium until the summer of 2020.
Reading manager Jaap Stam has expressed his delight at securing the services of Blackett, saying he values the defender’s pace and athleticism.
Stam said, “He can play as a left back or a left-sided centre back; he has got great potential in the sense that he is quick and athletic, defensively he is strong and he is good at set-pieces.
“As a defender he can go and play high up the pitch as well, and that is what we need in the squad.
Blackett leaves Manchester United after 14 years at the club. He came through the club’s academy and made his first-team debut in the 2014/15 season under Louis Van Gaal, but failed to cement a place in the Dutchman’s plans.
The physically imposing defenderspent last season on loan at Scottish champions Celtic, but only managed to play 8 games for the Bhoys.
It seems like he wasn’t part of Mourinho’s plans at United and it actually makes sense as he isn’t good enough for United’s first team.
The move to Reading would be beneficial for him as he desperately needs regular first-team football.
