Manchester United confirm transfer of defender Tyler Blackett to Reading

Manchester United have confirmed that Tyler Blackett has completed a move to Reading, which is being managed by Manchester United legend Jaap Stam. The Red Devils have been pruning their squad on the insistence of Jose Mourinho, who is looking to make room for further additions if they are made available.

Blackett made his debut under Louis van Gaal, making 12 first-team appearances in all competitions in the 2014/15 season. He is known for his versatility and can play both at centre-back or left-back. He spent last season on a season-long loan at Celtic where he made eight appearances in all competitions.

United have a host of options at the back including the likes of Eric Bailly, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo, while Mourinho is looking to bring in Jose Fonte from Southampton to add some experience at the back, according to the Manchester Evening News. Should the 32-year-old make his way to Manchester, he would be United's fifth transfer of the summer. Blackett has, therefore, decided to end his relationship with the club and move to Reading, where he is likely to see more game time.

Meanwhile, summer signing Eric Bailly has earned plaudits from his teammates, with the likes of Luke Shaw, Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera waxing eloquent about the former Villareal man. Bailly started in all three competitive games for United, conceding only two goals in the process, while keeping a clean sheet against the Saints. United's next game is a trip to Hull City, who also have an unbeaten record in the league, having beaten Leicester City and Swansea City in their opening two games.

"He's what we need," Shaw told MUTV. "He's so composed on the ball and at the right times he knows when to clear it or when to play out from the back. Defensively he's been solid, no-one's got around him and I'm so happy that we have him here. He's such a good player and from the last few games he's a very important player for us now as well."