Promising young central defender who has emerged through the Leeds Academy to play regularly for the reserves and is now pushing hard for a first team squad place.

Born in York and educated at Tadcaster Grammar School, Matthew is widely tipped to become a regular in the United side in future.

He made his United debut in the Uefa Cup against Hapoel Tel Aviv, November 2002, coming on for the injured Lucas Radebe and playing his part in a remarkable 4-1 win away from home. His Premiership debut also came as a substitute against West Ham at Elland Road in February 2003.

He joined the Hammers for a three month loan spell at the start of the 2003/4 season, impressing despite a turbulent time for the Upton Park club.

He also went on to play for England under-20's in their ill-fated World Youth Championships campaign in the UAE.

His signed a two year contract extension in the summer of 2004 and despite the arrival of two new centre-halves this season in the form of Clarke Carlisle and Paul Butler, he must hope to fight his way to the front of the queue and win a first team place.