Ethan Laird's Future To Be Decided By Erik Ten Hag During Manchester United Pre-Season

The immediate future of Manchester United's Ethan Laird is set to be decided by Erik ten Hag after the first few weeks of pre-season, according to reports.

The young right-back has spent the last two seasons on loan at various clubs, building his first-team experience ahead of the challenge to compete in the first-team at Old Trafford.

He started out with a season with Russell Martin's MK Dons in 2020/21, where he proved his fitness across the season.

Under Martin's tutelage, Laird made 29 appearances for The Dons that season, with 23 of them being starts in the league.

The following season, Laird followed the young manager to Swansea City, and it was another successful spell.

Involved in every league game possible, the 20-year-old was considered as one of the most exciting talents in the Championship.

However, he made a surprise January switch to Scott Parker's Bournemouth, he went onto start just four matches for the Cherries as he struggled to make his way into the team following an injury going into the move.

Overall, despite the struggles on the south coast, Laird's two seasons on loan have been highly successful and a decision has to be made whether he could now join the United squad, or if another year away from the club could be beneficial.

It has been reported by Richard Fay of the MEN that Ten Hag is set to cast his eye over the right-back in the opening weeks of pre-season before United come to a decision on his future.

With no firm decision made on Laird, he will join the United squad from the start of pre-season on 27 July.

However, it is unclear whether he will be apart of the touring squad, who face Liverpool on 12 July for their first game in Thailand.

The report also added that Bournemouth had the opportunity to keep Laird on loan for next season.

The clause was one that included the need for promotion to the Premier League, which they eventually achieved through the automatic positions, even though they made it more difficult than it should've been.

But, due to Laird's disappointing spell at the Vitality last season, there has been no indication that this clause will be triggered.

With previous reports from Samuel Luckhurst of the MEN saying that United have offered Aaron Wan-Bissaka to at least one club, it could be a possibility that Laird operates as Diogo Dalot's back-up next season.

After being classed as one of the most talented youngsters to come through the academy in recent years, it would be a good chance for supporters to finally see what his talent involves.

He has a chance to prove his worth to Erik ten Hag - who has trusted gifted youngsters previously - and attempt to push his way into his plans at Old Trafford for next season.

Laird made his United debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a Europa League fixture against Astana in 2019.