Ethan Laird will be given the opportunity to prove his worth to Erik ten Hag this summer.
There’s no doubt that Manchester United have too many squad holes to fill in one transfer window. Hence why Erik ten Hag will first look to promote from within.
Right-back is undoubtedly a big need, particularly with Aaron Wan-Bissaka staring at the exit door. It’d be borderline delusional to start the term with Diogo Dalot as the only right-back within the squad, hence why Denzel Dumfries rumours make a lot of sense.
However, Ethan Laird will be given the opportunity to show what he can do.
The young United defender spent some time at AFC Bournemouth on loan, though it was a largely underwhelming spell for the English full-back.
Now, the Manchester Evening News claim that Ten Hag is to take a ‘look at’ the young United defender in pre-season – before making a decision on where Laird’s future lies.
Laird is expected to be a part of the first group of players back at Carrington when pre-season officially starts on June 27th. As of yet, it’s unclear whether the defender will be a part of the pre-season tour squad.
In Laird, United could have the answer to their right-back problems under their nose. However, you still feel he’s a little rough around the edges.
Aged just 20, Laird still has ample room for development and growth. However, the fact he wasn’t able to cut it at Bournemouth in a promotion-winning squad means he’s still probably got a little way to go. Immediately, that lets us know he’s probably not ready to start for United on a regular basis just yet.
What I like about the loan system is that United don’t have to make a firm decision before their pre-season tour. In an ideal world, Laird will be a part of that squad, play regularly in United’s friendly matches and then be given the opportunity to move on loan somewhere for the 2022/23 campaign.
Do you think Ethan Laird is good enough to make it at Man United? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
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