De Laet sent back to Old Trafford

Norwich have cancelled the loan spell of Manchester United’s Ritchie De Laet, with the injury-plagued defender returning to his parent club.

Since making the temporary move to Carrow Road in June, the Belgian has suffered numerous fitness problems which have limited his appearances to just six Premier League games for the club.

The 23-year-old picked up a calf injury in Norwich’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham on December 27, which proved to be the final straw for the club’s board.

As a result of his continued absences, Norwich have decided to send him back to Old Trafford prematurely, after the two clubs originally agreed on a season-long loan.

“Ritchie has gone back to Manchester United,” Norwich boss Paul Lambert said.

“We thank Sir Alex Ferguson for loaning him to us and wish Ritchie well for the future and hope he goes on to have a successful career at Manchester United.”

De Laet has failed to break into the first team at United since making his move from Stoke in 2009, and he has since spent time on loan at Sheffield United, Preston North End and Portsmouth before making the move to Norwich.