David Healy (right), Manchester United's 21 year-old Northern Ireland international striker, has been transferred to Preston North End. Healy joined Preston on loan yesterday morning, in time to register for the club's game at Sheffield United today, but a permanent transfer for a sum in the region of £1.5 million will be completed next week.

Healy never started a Premiership game for United, but was highly-rated after scoring five times for Northern Ireland in seven games. However, although Alex Ferguson has had only one of his four recognised strikers fit and available to choose from over the past five weeks, Healy was restricted to a substitute appearance in the League Cup against Sunderland, when he came on and hit the crossbar, and another against Ipswich Town last Saturday in the Premiership. Healy came on and immediately struck an upright with a header.

But with Dwight Yorke back from suspension, Andy Cole and Teddy Sheringham returning from injury soon and with the arrival of Ruud van Nistelrooy still a probability, Ferguson felt that Healy represented surplus.

Ferguson blocked a bid from Norwich City only a week ago, but the United manager has a strong relationship with Preston manager David Moyes, a fellow Scotsman. Preston, who won the second division last season and who are mounting another serious promotion bid, have benefited from their relationship before. Their leading scorer, Jonathan Macken, came from United, as did Michael Appleton and Colin Murdock.

The news pleased his international boss Sammy McIlroy. He has argued for some time that Healy needs first team, not reserve, football. "It's an ideal move," said McIlroy. "David needs matches and he'll get them at Preston."