Ethan Laird is set to go back out on loan next season.
According to Manchester Evening News reporter Samuel Luckhurst, Laird is on the verge of joining Watford, which will be his third Championship loan spell after playing for Swansea and Bournemouth last season.
The 20-year-old is expected to join Watford after United’s final pre-season game against Rayo Vallecano.
Watford get their Championship campaign underway against Sheffield United on Monday night and could try to get Laird in before then. That said, Laird will likely need to wait to make his debut for The Hornets.
Diogo Dalot will start the season at right-back for United but he will need to prove himself over the season, unless Erik ten Hag decides to sign a new right back before deadline day. He’s already got his addition at left-back following Tyrell Malacia’s arrival.
Luckhurst adds: “United are open to recruiting a right-back but their defensive department is so bloated Ten Hag could field four separate back fours.”
SN’s verdict
I would prefer to keep Laird over Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
However, Wan-Bissaka is a hard sale, and I don’t think United will get any joy when it comes to receiving an offer for the right-back this summer.
At least Laird gets a better chance to develop at Watford.
Other defenders that need to be sold include: Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe.
