Manchester United talent Joe Riley raves about Sheffield United

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Manchester United youngster Joe Riley had a short loan spell at Sheffield United earlier this season.

Manchester United’s Joe Riley in action with Midtjylland’s Paul Onuachu

Manchester United youngster Joe Riley has told the club’s official website he is thrilled his old loan side Sheffield United won promotion to the Championship.

Riley made two appearances for the Blades earlier this season before suffering a ‘freak’ shoulder injury in training.

The defender explained how he was running to retrieve a loose football from the sidelines before tripping into a fence and seriously injuring his shoulder.

Manchester United’s Joe Riley

Riley said that it was United youth coach Nicky Butt who recommended Sheffield United to him, and believes even in a short space of time he learned a lot from his experience.

He said: “I’m pleased for everyone at Sheffield United and still feel a part of what they went through. It was good to go down there and I think I learned a lot while I was there.

“I definitely appreciated the size of the club. I said that from the first moment as it was one of the main reasons that made me want to go there. They have a massive fanbase, they’re a big club and it was good to get down there.

Joe Riley celebrating during a previous loan spell at Bury

“Going from Manchester United to Sheffield United there is a big difference in the stature of the clubs but Sheffield United are a big club and the fans are so passionate about the team. It was good to go somewhere where I can bring things from this club to that club as it was exactly the same in some respects and I enjoyed my time there.”

Full-back Riley made his Manchester United debut under Louis van Gaal last season but has not come into Jose Mourinho’s consideration.

His loan spell at Sheffield United was so short it was impossible to really pass judgement on it, and the young defender may just be interested in a return to Bramall Lane next season now they are in the Championship if the opportunity presents itself once again.