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Confirmed: Manchester United’s academy youngster moves on loan to Championship club

Ethan Laird runs with the ball during a pre-season club friendly match between Manchester United and Rayo Vallecano.
Ethan Laird runs with the ball during a pre-season club friendly match between Manchester United and Rayo Vallecano. (Photo by NIGEL RODDIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Ethan Laird has officially joined Queens Park Rangers on season-long loan from Manchester United

Manchester United youngster Ethan Laird has officially joined Queens Park Rangers in a season-long loan this transfer window, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The 21-year-old will ply his trade in the Championship with QPR for the 2022/23 campaign. Initially, a move to Watford was being mooted for the United academy star. However, the deal with the Hornets broke down.

Now, Laird completes his move to the Hoops. The 21-year-old will play his home games at the Loftus Road Stadium under manager Michael Beale in English football’s second tier.

https://twitter.com/QPR/status/1559103854536302592?s=20&t=AIrNCeUVuPAdtFdfC-gTEg

Laird has previous experience in the Championship. Last season, the 21-year-old played on loan for Swansea City as well as AFC Bournemouth.

The first half of the previous campaign was fruitful for the United academy youngster. But the club decided to cut short his loan spell with the Swans. Laird then joined the Cherries in the winter window this year but didn’t get many minutes.

The 21-year-old returned to Manchester this summer and played a part in Erik ten Hag’s pre-season. Laird was given minutes during the friendlies alongside Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Ethan Laird (L) is set to leave Manchester United and join Swansea City in a loan transfer. (
Ethan Laird played a part in Manchester United’s pre-season. (GETTY Images)

However, game time at United isn’t a guarantee. For now, the Dutch manager has two other options at his disposal for the right-back spot and the Portuguese defender seems to be Ten Hag’s preferred choice.

Dalot has pipped the former Crystal Palace star to a starting berth. But fans aren’t convinced with any of the options at United. The first two games of the season have reflected the problems in the Manchester-based club’s backline.

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It remains to be seen how Laird fares with Swansea. Hopefully, the 21-year-old gets the minutes and opportunities to showcase his talent and develops into a player capable of starting for United.

Written by Aheed Abrar

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