A crippling injury crisis at the start of the season saw Manchester United lose a host of first-team regulars at the back, including Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw and Jonny Evans.
Man United could have quite easily capitulated under the strain yet are only behind Manchester City, Southampton and Chelsea in terms of goals conceded in the Premier League this season.
This has been thanks to youngsters such as Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett, who have made the step up from the U21s when called upon by Louis van Gaal.
Blackett has been rewarded for his efforts with a new contract at United until 2017, with the option of a further year. We asked our Twitter followers if Blackett could cement a spot in United’s first-team in the future:
@PeoplesPerson_ with time yes, not many defenders the athleticism and a left foot like him
— Will (@will_thomas7) February 26, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ never
— Khalid (@JonnyEvansed) February 26, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ could become the new John O'Shea/Wes Brown #squadplayer
— Subhash Pais (@Subhash_ati9) February 26, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ looks like a versatile squad player. LVG likes versatile players
— عفانفؤنفؤن (@Ipanponpun) February 26, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ Absolutely not, right now. He has alot of improving to do.
— Nick Dooge (@doogie_nights) February 26, 2015
@offthepostnews @PeoplesPerson_ not a hope in hell!
— Adje (@Adje_O) February 26, 2015
@Adje_O @PeoplesPerson_ He's a young boy who's been thrown into the deep end this season. Another season at that level and he will be a man.
— Off The Post News (@offthepostnews) February 26, 2015
@PeoplesPerson_ ANYONE BAR EVANS
— Daithí (@DOL17) February 26, 2015
The majority of fans seem to think Blackett will be used as a squad player, which is fair as United have looked far from solid at the back this season despite their good record. On the contrary, van Gaal feels Blackett can become great if he continues with his progression at the club.
A world-class centre back seems to be van Gaal’s priority, with players such as Mats Hummels and Raphael Varane repeatedly linked with moves to Old Trafford. Regardless of any incomings, fans will be happy to see a young player at United extend his stay at the club.