Man Utd confirm permanent transfer exit of 21yo defender

Manchester United have announced that right-back Ethan Laird has secured a permanent transfer to Birmingham City.

The Athletic report that United will get a fee of around £750,000 and a good sell-on clause for sanctioning his exit.

The Red Devils recently triggered a one-year extension in his deal. Otherwise, he could have walked out as a free agent this summer.

He said: “It feels great. I feel like this is important to me now, this is the time where I get to showcase myself and not really think about anything else.

“It is a new step, a new pathway now and I am excited to get started.”

Laird joined United at the age of 10 and climbed up the ranks. He also represented England at Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 level.

The 21-year-old spent last season with Queens Park Rangers, playing 33 times, of which 30 were starts.

Laird was unlikely to force his way into the United first-team

The United graduate made only two senior appearances for the Red Devils, against FC Astana and AZ Alkmaar in 2019.

It would have been tough for him to see regular minutes with Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka ahead of him in the pecking order.

Brandon Williams is another player who can fill in the right-back spot if required.

There were doubts over Wan-Bissaka’s future in January. However, the former Crystal Palace defender fought his way into the team.

Erik ten Hag has two robust options at the right-back spot, which blocks Laird’s pathway.

His exit makes sense for both parties. The youngster could find much-needed game time at Birmingham City to develop his skills.

He will link up with Tahith Chong down the right flank like he did during his United’s youth set-up days.

Laird possesses immense potential, but United have better alternatives at this point.

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