Tyler Blackett joins Reading on permanent deal

Blackett joins ex-Manchester United defender Jaap Stam, who is now the Championship club's manager.

The 22-year-old defender was given his debut by Louis van Gaal in his first match as manager, a 2-1 defeat to Swansea City.

However, Blackett was unable to become a regular, and went on loan to Celtic last season, where he featured in four games.

Blackett has signed a three-year contract at Reading. Manager Stam praised his new signing, saying:

"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."

It seems odd to think that a player as limited was ever given a chance at Manchester United. Although he made his debut in the midst of an injury crisis, he featured in 12 competitive games under Louis van Gaal. That he could not make anywhere near as many appearances in a team as poor as Celtic - playing just four times - highlights the bizarre approach Van Gaal had to the game. Blackett is young enough to learn and improve, and in Stam, has a defensive expert to guide him in less demanding circumstances that Old Trafford.