Tyler Blackett signs new contract: Manchester United tie down defender who had just four months left to run on his old deal

Blackett was out of contract in the summer but has agreed a new deal that runs until 2017

Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett has agreed a new two-year deal to stay at the Premier League club having had just four months to run on his contract.

Blackett caused a stir on the opening day of the season when United manager Louis van Gaal named him in the starting line-up to face Swansea, having not previously played for the first team.

The 20-year-old his since gone on to make nine further appearances this season having graduated from United's academy, but his playing time has been hampered by injury this season as well as suspension.

Blackett was shown a straight red card in the embarrassing 5-3 defeat to Leicester City, and was also dismissed for lashing out at an opposite player in an under-21 fixture earlier this week.

With his old contract set to expire at the end of the season and doubts beginning to arise over whether he had a future at the club, fans will be relieved to hear that one of their bright young players will remain with the club, with Blackett agreeing a two-year extension that runs until the summer of 2017.

There is also the option for a further one-year extension.

"I am delighted that Tyler has signed a new contract," said United manager Louis van Gaal, who handed another academy product, Paddy McNair, a new contract earlier this month.

"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 youth players from the academy and although Blackett has not played since January 11, he is clearly in the Dutchman's long-term plans.

Louis van Gaal and Tyler Blackett (Getty Images)

Blackett, who hails from Hulme, which is within two miles of Old Trafford, was delighted 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," the defender 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."

Additional reporting from PA