Five burning questions about Tyler Blackett

Was it a panic signing or will he turn out to be Denayer’s year-long or even his long-term replacement? Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett was sent to Celtic on a season-long loan and we caught up with Read Man United editor James Browning to find out more about the 21-year-old.

Former United right-back Saidy Janko has said that Tyler Blackett can replace Virgil van Dijk at centre-back. Do you think he can or will he need to grow into the role?

I see absolutely no reason why Tyler shouldn’t or couldn’t slot right into Delia’s back four; he’s a shrewd signing as he’s a well-educated player and although he’s not got bags of it, he does have some Premier League experience. He’s got some learning to do, but I certainly feel he’s capable of getting stuck straight into the SPL.

At just 21, he doesn’t have a lot of first team experience, but what will he bring to the table for Celtic to help solve their current defensive problem?

Tyler’s main qualities are his attitude, his passing and his interceptions. A hard worker, he’ll never shy away from a challenge. He was mostly used as a left-back for the academy side and moved to centre-back infrequently in the under-21 setup, so he’s done well to adjust so quickly to a new position and show promise in that role.

He’s a ball-playing, left-footed centre-back, so it surprises me that Louis van Gaal has let him leave, however temporarily, as that’s the style of player he’s wanting as a left centre-back. His passing range is brilliant for a defender and he’s confident in bringing the ball out from the back.

What does the young Englishman have to work on in order to improve his overall game?

His aerial ability and strength need some work; although he’s a big guy, he can be pushed off the ball more than is ideal. His work in the air is where he lacks the most in comparison to Virgil van Dijk but he can only improve with experience!

Does he have a future at Manchester United or is he likely to move on in the near future, possibly even to Celtic next summer on a permanent basis?

I certainly think he’s got a future at Old Trafford; unfortunately I can’t see Marcos Rojo sticking around for as long as some people think he will and by the point he leaves Old Trafford I imagine Tyler will be well on his way to being one of England’s top centre-backs. Sorry Bhoys, he’s ours really.

And finally who would you compare Blackett to?

If I had to choose a United player I’d definitely say Mikael Silvestre. They have a lot of very similar attributes to their game and I don’t think anyone will complain if Blackett plays like the Frenchman this season!