Blackett: Tour Can Help Younger Players

Manchester United defender Tyler Blackett is relishing the chance to be part of Tour 2015, presented by Aon, and believes it could prove vital in the development of the club's young players.

The 21-year-old was involved in last summer's trip to the United States, bursting onto the scene with a series of impressive performances, which ultimately saw him rewarded with several first-team starts at the beginning of the season.

Blackett holds fond memories of Tour 2014, presented by Aon, having helped the Reds to International Champions Cup glory, and believes the pre-season period can be beneficial for less-experienced players.

"To be involved with the first team is an adventure and a good achievement for you," he told ManUtd.com. "For a young player to be involved on the tour helps you get to know the other players and learn how it is to be a United player.

"I learnt just how massive the club is from last year's tour. In America you don’t expect people to know your name, especially as a young player, but they did. It was unbelievable.

"Beating Liverpool in the final was the highlight. They’re obviously a big team for me to play against and I wanted to do well against them and I think I played well. It was good to spend time with the players to see how they are and how they do things off the pitch as well. You can learn so much from them."

Blackett experienced the tough training regime that pre-season entails last year, but says he is unfazed by the physical side of the tour and is determined to prove himself again this time round.

"I enjoy the hard work, I like to get my fitness in, so it’s a good stage of the season for me," he added. "You have your set routine and it can be tough. There’s a lot of running and gym-based work involved that you might not be used to at the start, but you do get used to it.

“Pre-season is about getting up to a good standard of playing and a good standard of fitness, so you’re ready for the season. You can get a good base and build that up to a level that you can continue throughout the season.

“I usually look at the past season and identify what it is I need to improve and then go away and work on it. A good pre-season sets you up to have a good campaign - if you’re ready to play at the highest level then why not start during pre-season?"

When asked what would constitute a successful summer, he said: "Being involved in the tour games, having a good run and building up a great fitness level, ready to be involved at the start of the season.

"I'm definitely excited to have a full pre-season with the manager. He came a bit later last year because of the World Cup and it's been great to work with him."