Ethan Laird has said his goodbyes to Manchester United after completing a permanent move to Birmingham City.
The 21-year-old’s exit was announced yesterday, with Laurie Whitwell confirming that United received £750,000 and included a “good” sell-on fee in his contract.
Laird made two senior appearances for the Red Devils, both of which came in Europa League matches in the 2019/2020 season, against AZ Alkmaar and Astana.
More recently, the defender completed a loan move with Queens Park Rangers across the past campaign. He has also been loaned to MK Dons, Swansea City and AFC Bournemouth.
He joined Carrington at 10 years old and worked his way through the Academy setup to become a promising prospect at senior level. Injuries have impacted his game time but hopefully, he is now able to continue his development on his new venture with the Championship side.
Laird bids farewell
Laird took to Instagram yesterday to bid farewell to United. Take a look at his departing message below:
I know United fans who are gutted at Ethan Laird leaving. He has reached an age where if he wants to succeed as a footballer he needs to be playing regularly. Sadly he was never going to be afforded that opportunity with his way blocked by two quality right backs. At Birmingham he will be first choice right back which was an opportunity he simply had to take. Having his best friend Tahith there probably also helped him decide. I think he’ll thrive playing regularly.
United should probably have inserted a buy back option. It was vital to get a good sell on inserted just in case Dortmund come calling.