Manchester United defender Alan Tate will be staying with Swansea City until the end of the season.

Tate's original loan period was due to end after the Leyton Orient game on Saturday, but United manager Alex Ferguson has agreed to extend the deal.

The club's Supporters Trust pay for Tate's wages, and the 20-year-old centre back has already won over the fans will some impressive performances.

"I'm delighted that Sir Alex is allowing Alan to stay with us," Swansea boss Brian Flynn told the club's website.

I know that United will be watching me while I'm here Alan Tate

"He has shown already what he is capable of and given a long run in the side I feel we'll see him develop and improve game on game.

"Alan was very keen to arrange a long-term loan as he has settled well in the area and is enjoying the competitive edge of first-team football that you just cannot get when playing for the reserves.

"Sir Alex appreciates that aspect of the game and makes good use of the loan system to help develop his younger players."

Tate added: "It's nice to get thing settled early so that I know where I stand and I'm now looking forward to doing what I can to help the team move up the league table.

"I know that United will be watching me while I'm here, so hopefully, if I'm doing well then I might have more of a chance of making the first team when I go back there."