Midfielder Tommaso Bianchi has joined Italian outfit Ascoli on loan for the remainder of the season.

Bianchi is yet to feature for United so far this term having been sidelined for large parts of the campaign with a knee injury sustained in pre-season.

The 27-year-old, a summer 2014 signing from Sassuolo, made 26 appearances in all competitions during his debut season at the club – but that again was cut short by injury.

Bianchi has, however, featured six times for the Under-21s since returning to full fitness and played 45 minutes of November’s friendly victory away to Wycombe Wanderers.

He was also an unused substitute for the recent FA Cup Third Round win over Rotherham United – his first appearance in a senior matchday squad since last February.

Bianchi will now aim to gain regular game time in his home country with Ascoli, who play their football in Serie B.