United Youngster 'Close to Ferguson's Team' Makes Loan Move

Manchester United youngster Ryan Tunnicliffe has joined Championship side Barnsley on a 28-day emergency loan.

The Tykes are two points above the relegation zone with 14 games remaining after a run of five wins in six, while they face Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter final having beaten Milton Keynes Dons in round five.

Tunnicliffe made his United debut in the League Cup win over Newcastle United in September, while an additional appearance came against Chelsea in the same competition the following month.

The midfielder spent last season on loan at Peterborough United, making 18 appearances for The Posh before returning to United for a series of Capital One Cup appearances.

"Delighted to have joined Barnsley on loan for a month. Can't wait to get playing as the belief amongst the manager/players is unreal," Tunnicliife wrote on Twitter.

Manager David Flitcroft says he is delighted to have recruited the much-hyped youngster.

Flitcroft said: "I've been after him for three years. He's a player that wants first team action and I don't think he's so far off Sir Alex Ferguson's team."

Upon making his debut for United, Tunnicliffe earned his father £10,000 after he had placed a bet when his son was nine that he would one day play for the Old Trafford club.

After crashing his Range Rovers in October, Tunnicliffe was banned from driving for 18 months and fined £800. He has only once been involved in a league fixture this season, as an unused substitute in the win over Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

While Tunnicliffe's youth career has seen him mainly adopted in midfield, he made his United debut at full-back, with could see his first opportunity for Barnsley come there after the knee ligament injury to Scott Golbourne.

"My heart goes out to Scott," Flickcroft said. "It's an incredible loss. He's been the outstanding performer all season. He improved game by game and will be a huge loss to the dressing room.

"I was floored because his form has been incredible. He's adapted more than anyone to this league and was part of the programme to bring in League 1 and League 2 players.

"I want him next season to be a super-human and be an animal that people can't contain down that left-hand side."