Manchester United defender Ritchie de Laet is on his way to Preston North End.

United have reached agreement with Preston for De Laet to sign on an emergency one-month loan.

Darren Ferguson turned to his father for help and Sir Alex Ferguson has allowed the left-back to join the Championship's basement club despite strong interest from Preston's rivals.

De Laet, 21, impressed while on loan at Sheffield United earlier this season and they were keen to take him back to Bramall Lane.

However, the Old Trafford boss feels that De Laet can fill a more important role at Preston with the club three points adrift at the bottom of the table.