Welcome back, Danny Boy . . . the former Manchester United reserve team captain, Danny Rose, needed no introduction when he returned to Oxford United yesterday.

The 19-year-old, who had performed so well on loan from the Old Trafford club last season, became Jim Smith's ninth signing of the summer when he put pen to paper.

The midfielder, released by Sir Alex Ferguson in May, has signed for the U's initially on a month-to-month deal.

The Oxford Mail revealed last week how Smith was interested in taking Rose back after the teenager's hopes of a move to his home-town club Bristol Rovers fell through.

And Rose said that the great backing he received from the supporters last season played a big part in persuading him to return.

"I was delighted when Jim called and really happy to come and sign for him," he said.

"The fans were brilliant with me last year. It was the first time I'd experienced anything like it and I loved playing here last season.

"It was hard to leave Man United after five years, but this is such a positive club and I just want to start playing and help the club again."

Smith's new signings since the end of last season are defenders Mickey Corcoran, Alex Jeannin and Arthur Gnohere, midfielders Michael Standing, Phil Trainer, Luke Foster and Danny Rose, and strikers Gary Twigg and Joel Ledgister.