Pranav Nair
Sunderland monitoring Manchester United starlet Ethan Galbraith
According to The Sunderland Echo, Sunderland are keeping tabs on promising Manchester United starlet Ethan Galbraith.
A regular for the United Under-23s, he is one of the most talented young players at the club. The ability to play regularly albeit at a lower level should aid in his development. He was pictured taking part in United’s pre-season preparations at Carrington and could be on the move soon.
Galbraith joined United in 2017 from Northern Ireland side Linfield. He signed his first professional contract with the club in May 2018. He made his debut for the senior side in 2020. It was at best a token appearance as he came on for the final two minutes in our European game away to Astana. One that we lost 2-1.
Currently in League One, Sunderland are far from the heights they reached as a Premier League club in the early 2000s. They finished fourth last season, earning themselves a spot in the playoffs. The Black Cats however could not defeat Lincoln City in the semifinals, consigning themselves to another season in the third tier.
Sunderland need to revamp their central midfield options this summer after the trio of Max Power, Grant Leadbitter and Josh Scowen were all released. Galbraith won’t just offer them an option but can also benefit from extra game time, thanks to the lowered competition.
United, for their part, appear willing to let the 20-year-old leave the club to further his development. Sunderland will however face strong competition from Championship clubs and League One promotion rivals.
A player who can fulfill both attacking and defensive responsibilities as a central midfielder, Galbraith is held in high regard at Old Trafford. Much is expected of the Northern Irishman, who has already made his senior international debut.
Whether the move to the Stadium of Light is what is needed for him to take the next step in his career remains to be seen.
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According to Manchester Evening News (h/t Sunderland Echo), a number of promising young players look set to leave United on loan this summer. Apart from Galbraith, the likes of Dylan Levitt and Anthony Elanga could also seek greener pastures.
