Sheffield United have secured the loan signing of Manchester United’s Joe Riley for the remainder of the season, as confirmed on the club website.
The 20-year-old joins Chris Wilder’s side for some much needed experience having recently recovered from an injury. Riley made his senior debut last season as a half-time substitute in a victory against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup. He also made an appearance in the UEFA Europa League, playing 80 minutes in place of the injured Chris Smalling.
Riley can operate in both defence and midfielder and will add to Wilder’s options for the rest of the campaign. Initially, the youngster was a right-sided midfielder but broke into the Red Devil’s U23 team as a left-back. The new Blades signing may take a role in the squad similar to Harry Chapman’s, before the loanee returned to his parent club due to injury.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder was pleased to make the edition, “Joe is a young player who is comfortable playing on both the right or left and that versatility will be important to us. We are delighted to have him with us for the remainder of the season and happy that Manchester United have allowed him to further his development here.”
Riley will add competition to left wing back Danny Lafferty and becomes the League One leaders’ third signing of the month. The South Yorkshire club secured the permanent signings of Burnley defender Danny Lafferty and MK Dons star Samir Carruthers.
The loanee may make his debut in Saturday’s home clash with Gillingham as the Blades look to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Youngster Joe Riley joins the Blades on loan from @ManUtd till the end of the season. Full details at https://t.co/SM8fjYtnNW #twitterblades pic.twitter.com/kPMF60yZZO
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) January 17, 2017
