Friday 27 February 2015 00:10, UK
Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett has signed a new contract keeping him at Old Trafford until 2017.
United manager Louis van Gaal has often spoken in glowing terms about the 20-year-old and was clearly keen to keep hold of the United academy product.
He made his debut against Swansea on the opening day of the season and has since gone on to make another nine first-team appearances.
Blackett's contract was due to expire in the summer but he has agreed to extend his stay with an option to continue until the summer of 2018.
"I am delighted that Tyler has signed a new contract," said Van Gaal, who handed another academy product, Paddy McNair, a new deal earlier this month.
To come through the academy and make my debut this season was a dream come true
"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."
Van Gaal is keen to promote players from the academy and although Blackett has not played since January 11, he is clearly in the Dutchman's long-term plans.
Blackett, who hails from Hulme, which is within two miles of Old Trafford, was happy to commit his future to a club he has been at for the last 12 years.
"I'm thrilled to have signed my new contract," he 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."
Versatile left back Reece James has also agreed a new contract. The 21-year-old scored twice against LA Galaxy on last summer's first-team tour and made his competitive debut in the Capital One Cup against Milton Keynes Dons.
After being on the bench for the opening three Premier League games of the season, he joined Rotherham on loan in November but after returning to Manchester he has been a regular performer in Warren Joyce's U21 side.
