Tyler Blackett, Manchester United Agree New Contract: Latest Details, Reaction

Tyler Blackett's breakthrough season with Manchester United has earned him a new contract. The young defender is now set to stay at Old Trafford for two more seasons, potentially stretching to three.

United's official Twitter account carried details of the 20-year-old's new deal, including a quote from manager Louis van Gaal:

Blackett endured some tough moments at the start of this season. He was one of a number of young defenders thrown in the deep end by Van Gaal, as United struggled to replace last season's pairing Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

The nadir moment for United's new kids on the block came when the Red Devils were beaten 5-3 by newly promoted Leicester City back in late September. But things have picked up since then, and Blackett has become increasingly comfortable with Van Gaal's possession-based style of play, as numbers from Squawka reveal:

He is now the second United newbie at the back to earn a new contract, after Paddy McNair got the same earlier this month. They've now been joined by 21-year-old Reece James, per United's official Twitter feed:

Blackett expressed his happiness at extending his stay at the club he adores:

But it's not just an emotional gain for the youngster. The MailOnline Sport Twitter feed detailed how Blackett has benefited financially from the fresh terms:

Blackett's deal, along with those handed to McNair and James, reinforces United and Van Gaal's apparent commitment to underpinning their mega-money signings with young prospects.