TRANMERE Rovers have signed Manchester United defender Sean McGinty on loan until the end of the season.

The 19-year old is starting his fourth season at United having joined from Charlton Athletic in 2009.

He has progressed through the youth system at United and spent time on loan at Morecambe, Oxford United and Carlisle United. He has been capped by Republic of Ireland at Under-19 level.

Rovers' manager Ronnie Moore said: "I'm really pleased to bring Sean in from Manchester United.

"He can play left back or centre back and gives us extra options in our defence.

"Our chief scout Dave Philpotts has watched him play for United’s Under-21s and he's a big, strong lad who likes to get forward.

"Manchester United rate him highly and I’m sure he’ll be a good addition to our squad.

"I'd like to thank Sir Alex Ferguson for allowing Sean to join us."