Manchester United youngster Ethan Laird has signed for MK Dons on loan for the remainder of the season to mark the League One side’s first signing of the January transfer window.
Ethan Laird, 19, featured twice in the Europa League last season, but has played predominately for the U23s, so this move will hopefully mean regular first team football.
MK Dons have gained a right-back with a big future.
Speaking about his new signing, MK Dons boss Russell Martin said (via mkdons.com): “Ethan is someone with real quality and we’re really pleased to be able to bring him in. He’s chosen to come here over a number of options, which is brilliant for us.
“He’s very explosive but with lots of quality on the ball and he can play in a couple of positions in defence or further forward, which gives us some more versatility.
“He’s really highly thought of at Man United and we are very grateful to them for allowing us the opportunity to work with him. We’re looking forward to that opportunity and hopefully he’ll come in and add something to the group.”
The youngster will be keen to use his time at MK Dons to repay Martin’s faith and show that he can improve to edge closer to United’s first-team.
And that must be the ultimate aim for Laird.
“I’m buzzing to get started,” Laird said.
“The manager has shown a lot of faith in me and what I can do for the team, and that’s all I could ask for – it’s now up to me show why he was right to choose me.
“I need to work my way into the team and get to know the lads, but I want to make as much of an impact as I can while I’m here. That’s something I’ll always hold myself too – how can I affect my teammates and the Club in a positive way.
“This is the perfect place for me to continue developing, with the way the team play. They are aggressive, they like to get in behind and they leave it all out on the pitch and that’s my idea of football.
“I believe in the manager’s idea of the way we play and I want to make sure that I can help make that happen. I know we can achieve good things if we stick to the manager’s beliefs and implement them on the pitch.
“In terms of who I am – I’m quick, I like to dribble with the ball and I’m always looking to get in behind and put in crosses. I have bundles of energy and I’ll be looking to put that to good use!”
He joins a side positioned 16th in League One so there’s plenty of work to be done, and he will get good experience between now and when he returns to Old Trafford.
A good move. We wish him all the best!
Wishing @EthanLaird all the best at MK Dons between now and the end of the season.
— StrettyNews.com (@StrettyNews) January 8, 2021
