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Van Gaal tips United defender Blackett for greatness

Tyler Blackett has been tipped for greatness by Van Gaal © Getty Images

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Tyler Blackett has signed a new contract to keep him at Manchester United until 2017 as Louis van Gaal has tipped the defender for greatness.

And Reece James has also agreed to extended his stay at Old Trafford as, following deals for Paddy McNair and Jesse Lingard, United have now given four new contracts to players Van Gaal has promoted.

Blackett has signed a two-and-a-half year deal to ensure he remains at Old Trafford, with United having the option to keep him for a further year after that.

The 20-year-old was given his competitive debut by Van Gaal on the opening day of the season and Dutchman has stressed that he feels the left-footed centre-back has the potential to go on and become an outstanding player for United.

Van Gaal said: "I am delighted that Tyler has signed a new contract. 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."

Blackett added: "I'm thrilled to have signed my new contract. 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."

Blackett's new contract follows a similar deal for another young centre-back, McNair, who has also signed on until 2017 in a move that gives the club the option to keep him for a further 12 months.

Both players' previous deals were due to expire this summer and both have benefited from opportunities after Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Alexander Buttner and Michael Keane left Old Trafford while more established defenders suffered from injuries.

Blackett had spent loan spells with Blackpool and Birmingham last season before impressing Van Gaal on the pre-season tour of the United States.

Left wing-back James excelled in America, when he scored twice against LA Galaxy, but his only first-team game came in the 4-0 defeat to Milton Keynes Dons in the League Cup. He was loaned to Championship side Rotherham in November but his new contract is a sign Van Gaal believes he has a future at Old Trafford.

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