League One side Milton Keynes Dons have signed Manchester United defender Ethan Laird on loan until the end of the season. Laird is the Dons’ first signing of the January transfer window following the departures of defender Baily Cargill and forward Carlton Morris.
Ethan Laird Joins MK Dons on Loan
✍️ Ethan Laird is a Don! #DonDeal pic.twitter.com/e3sdTl8CL8
— MK Dons (@MKDonsFC) January 8, 2021
Laird ‘Buzzing’ to Join
Speaking to the club website about his move, Laird said: “I’m buzzing to get started.
“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.”
Dons manager Russell Martin added: “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.
Career So Far
This is 19-year-old Laird’s first loan move away from Manchester United, the club he has been at since the age of nine. He graduated from the Red Devils’ academy at the end of the 2019/20 season and has featured for the U21 side in the Papa John’s Trophy.
In addition to this experience, he has been part of travelling parties for some of Manchester United’s Europa League matches, including the away fixture against Partizan Belgrade last October.
His full senior debut also came in the competition when United faced Astana in Kazakhstan.
Internationally, Laird has represented England at U17, U18 and U19 level.
His arrival comes following the departure of centre-back Baily Cargill, who has joined League Two club Forest Green Rovers on a permanent deal.
The Dons have been in need of back-up in defence. Cargill’s form had been iffy at times, Matty Sorinola is going through his first season at the club so needs to be given time, and both Daniel Harvie and Regan Poole are only just fully settling into the campaign having both been away numerous times on international duty.
This will be a good experience for Laird, who will get his first taste of senior mens’ football.
Laird has linked up with his new teammates ahead of their FA Cup tie against Burnley tomorrow, but the deal is still subject to clearance.
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