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United youngster on verge of joining another Championship side after Watford deal collapses

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Ethan Laird all smiles at MK Dons.

Manchester United youngster Ethan Laird on verge of sealing loan move to Queen Park Rangers after Watford deal collapses

Ethan Laird is close to moving on loan to Queens Park Rangers this transfer window from Manchester United, according to Manchester Evening News. The 21-year-old was on the verge of a move to Watford, but the deal collapsed at the last minute.

Laird has garnered interest from other Championship sides as well. Along with QPR, Preston North End were keen on bringing the United academy product to the Deepdale Stadium.

PNE have already signed Alvaro Fernandez on loan from the Red Devils this summer. Ryan Lowe hasn’t been able to bring another prospect from the Manchester-based club this summer as Laird is set to join QPR.

Manchester United youngster Ethan Laird is on the verge of a loan move to QPR.
Manchester United youngster Ethan Laird is on the verge of a loan move to QPR. (GETTY Images)

The 21-year-old played a part in Erik ten Hag’s side during pre-season. Laird was afforded minutes off the bench. But with Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the squad, guaranteed game time would’ve been evidently hard to come by.

The Portuguese has carved a place for himself in United’s starting lineup. Ralf Rangnick has trusted Dalot. Now seemingly, Ten Hag also prefers the 23-year-old to be in his XI.

On the other hand, former Crystal Palace star Wan-Bissaka has gone down the pecking order. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the 24-year-old was a guaranteed starter. But with Rangnick and Ten Hag, there appears to be a change.

Ethan Laird had a fruitful spell with Swansea City last season.
Ethan Laird had a fruitful spell on loan at Swansea City last season. (Image: official Swansea website)

Fans were concerned about the 24-year-old’s lack of quality in the final third. It looks like Wan-Bissaka isn’t trusted in the new, expansive and attacking football system at the Manchester-based club.

Laird was on loan last season as well. The 21-year-old impressed in his time at Swansea. He became an important part of the Swans’ team. But United decided to cut the loan short and sent the youngster to AFC Bournemouth in January, where he didn’t have the best of periods.

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Hopefully, Laird’s move to QPR goes through without a hitch. Supporters will want the 21-year-old to play as many minutes as he can get and come back to United to fight for a place in the XI.