Ethan Laird And Eric Bailly Both Rumoured To Make Way For An Overloaded Manchester United Defence

Having signed three players this summer, Manchester United will now be keen to do some offloading in order to balance out Erik ten Hag’s squad, with defenders Eric Bailly and Ethan Laird attracting interest. 

This week saw United announce the previously known arrivals of Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez. The pair have already featured for the Reds in a behind closed doors friendly against Wrexham. United won 4-1 and Eriksen scored. 

The arrival of Martinez is of particular importance here as United are currently overflowing with defenders – many being surplus to requirements. 

The Athletic’s United correspondent Laurie Whitwell reported on Thursday that both Bailly and Laird could be on their way out of the club as a result of the Argentine’s arrival. However, the terms of the pair's departure are likely to differ. 

After having a number of impressive outings in pre-season, Bailly has sparked interest from Italy. Serie A’s AS Roma and AC Milan are said to be interested. 

Eric Bailly against Liverpool. (Man Utd)

Martinez’s arrival has put Bailly in a tough spot at United despite the Ivorian’s desire to fight for his spot in the squad, as reported earlier this summer.

All things considered, he would be the fifth choice central defender – should he decide to stay. With that in mind, the exit door may once again begin to appeal to the 28-year-old. 

Previous reports have stated that Bailly is already aware of former United boss Jose Mourinho being interested in a reunion, but the player wanted to speak to Ten Hag first before making a decision. 

Promising right-back Laird did not get a whole lot of minutes on the clubs tour of Thailand and Australia but reportedly played the full 90 minutes against Wrexham on Wednesday. On the tour, he hardly put a foot wrong. 

However, United do currently have two more experienced options in Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the books. The latter is rumoured to have been shown the door by Ten Hag too. But should the former Crystal Palace man fail to secure a move away, Laird’s minutes at United could be limited next season. 

Adding up all of the above, a Championship return suddenly no longer looks like the worst option for the 20-year-old – with freshly relegated Watford said to be interested in taking the England youth international on a season long loan. 

Ethan Laird during pre-season. (Alamy)

Whitwell’s report claims that the Hornets are currently searching for a homegrown right-wing back to bolster their options ahead of next season, with Laird peaking the Londoners’ interest. 

Laird, who turns 21 next week, has enjoyed a solid transition into senior football after his outstanding academy career was marred by nagging injuries. 

The attacking full-back had a great six month spell at League One’s MK Dons in 2021 before following his then manager Russell Martin to Swansea last summer. Laird adapted to the Championship seamlessly but a second half relocation to promotion chasing Bournemouth did not work out because of fitness issues. 

Laird is still by consensus a very interesting long-term option for United at the right-back position. However, the facts are that he is at present a diamond in the rough at best and needs more minutes to develop.

A Premier League loan would be ideal but a full season of regular playing time in the second tier of English football would not be the worst either.

Manchester United are set to take on Brighton & Hove Albion on the opening weekend of the Premier League season on 7 August as Erik ten Hag makes his competitive bow at Old Trafford, much to the excitement of fans worldwide.