Man Utd have signed Stoke City defender Ritchie De Laet for a three year performance based deal.

De Laet, didn’t make a single appearnce for Stoke since joining them in July 2007. He has though been named as substitute for the Potters on a couple of occasions.

He is a highly rated defender, as he can play anywhere along the back four.

He did go on loan to Wrexham in November, but a hernia problem restricted the centre half to only three appearances for the Blue Square Premier side.

Stoke signed the Belgian from United’s feeder club Royal Antwerp almost two years ago. De Laet is sure to get regular appearances for the reserves as the assistant manager,Warren Joyce, was the former Royal Antwerp manager.

He could get his first game at the Manchester Senior Cup tie at Stockport County on Monday 19 January.