Defender to get valuable first team experience away from OT

According to reports from SkySports.com, Manchester United’s Ritchie De Laet is on the verge of joining Sheffield United on three month loan.  It is thought that a number of Championship and SPL clubs had enquired about De Laet, but that Blades boss, Gary Speed, has won the race to sign the versatile defender.

The Belgium international has made six first-team appearances for United since arriving from Stoke in January 2009 and he is highly regarded within the corridors of Old Trafford.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is happy to let De Laet leave on loan so that he can get valuable first-team action under his belt with his chances limited in the the Red Devils’ starting XI.