Manchester United: Ben Pearson and Joe Rothwell join Barnsley on six-month loan deal

Barnsley have confirmed signing young Manchester United midfield duo Ben Pearson and Joe Rothwell on a six-month loan deal.

"Manchester United midfielder Joe Rothwell has become the second signing of the day, following his Red Devils teammate, Ben Pearson, to Oakwell," a statement on the Tykes' official site read.

The duo, who have come through the Red Devils' academy have grown up playing in midfield for the Old Trafford club's youth sides, and will be partnered together by the League One club.

Pearson is returning for a second spell with the Oakwell outfit after spending the last season on loan with the same club, where he impressed during his 22 appearances for the club.

"I'm really pleased to be back. I had a great time here last season - making my professional debut - and want to pick up where I left off but help take us that one step further," Pearson told Barnsley's official site.

Barnsley manager Lee Johnson, who took over midway through the 2014/15 campaign is delighted to have re-signed Pearson from the 20-time English champions and is confident that the young midfielder will be an asset to the team in the upcoming season.

"Ben really impressed me last season - both when he played against and for me. He is a tremendous talent with energy to burn and is a good passer of the ball. He will be an asset in our midfield and I'm really looking forward to working with him again," Johnson added.

Rothwell, on the other hand, is arriving at the League One club for his second loan spell, following a short but difficult stint with Blackpool at the end of last season.

The midfielder is highly regarded at Old Trafford and was a member of the United U21 team that won the Barclays U21 Premier League title last season.

The 20-year-old midfielder has expressed his delight at joining the Tykes on a six-month loan and revealed that Pearson's praise for the League One club helped in his decision to make the move.

"I'm really excited to be here. I've heard a lot about the place from Ben Pearson. He couldn't speak highly enough of his time here and I just can't wait to get going," Rothwell told Barnsley's official site.

"I had no hesitations about coming here after speaking with Lee Johnson. The Club almost made the Play-Offs with Ben here last season so, hopefully, we can go one better this time," the England youth international added.

Johnson is delighted to have signed the talented midfield duo, and has thanked Louis van Gaal's team for sanctioning their moves, as Barnsley look to fight for promotion to the Championship.