‘He’s Been Playing Pretty Well But Has Probably Made One Mistake Per Game’

United's young defender has his work cut out at Norwich

Reserves boss Warren Joyce has been keeping a close eye on the lads on loan and has given his own thoughts on how they’re getting on..

Speaking in United Review, the official matchday programme, he said: “I’ve seen all the players out on loan.”

“Ritchie De Laet is probably the most high-profile. He’s been playing pretty well in games for Norwich but probably made one mistake per game. If you take them out, his performances have been good. It’s just his last little step-up as a defender in the Barclays Premier League as it’s about concentration if you’re playing at centre-back in the top flight.

“Danny Drinkwater is playing very well at Barnsley, I’ve had good reports on him. They have been doing well since he went there.

“The two boys at Scunthorpe have been doing well but got a win against Yeovil in probably the worst team performance since they joined the club recently. Sam (Johnstone) and Oliver (Norwood) were just delighted to get the three points in the end.

“Ryan Tunnicliffe was a little disappointing against West Ham but he’s had a couple of good performances since getting into the Peterborough side while Scott Wootton has been in and around the team. The reports on both have been very good really.

“Robbie Brady has been outstanding at Hull and certainly looks a threat every time he gets the ball. He’s done very well in creating and scoring goals and they are very happy with him up there.

“Finally, Joshua King had an operation in the summer so he was doing rehabilitation work when he first went to Borussia Monchengladbach. They are top of the Bundesliga at the moment so it’s been difficult for him to get the opportunity to start games.”