Promising young Irish defender Craig Cathcart has joined Royal Antwerp on loan until January 1, 2008.
The U18s captain, who skippered United to the FA Youth Cup final last season, is the first Reds youngster of the season to embark on a temporary move to the Bosuil Stadium.
Six players made the move to Belgium last season - Fraizer Campbell, Darron Gibson, Jonny Evans, Danny Simpson, Ryan Shawcross and David Gray - but fewer players will leave Carrington on loan this term.
Sir Alex Ferguson revealed that he would be keeping a larger squad this season, and thus far only Cathcart, Shawcross (Stoke City) and Ritchie Jones (Yeovil Town) have left the club on loan.