Ethan Laird Names Former Chelsea Defender As Role Model At Bournemouth Last Season

Ethan Laird had two important seasons on loan before returning to Manchester United for Erik ten Hag's first pre-season tour.

The talented right-back had stints at MK Dons, Swansea and Bournemouth. All were different experiences which helped to mould the 20-year-old.

Whilst on tour with United, Laird has spoken on the major influences that he had during his time on loan.

"At Swansea I knew some of the players already, some of the ‘legends’ you can say were literally just retired," he told the club website.

"We had Wayne Routledge – literally just retired. Nathan Dyer – literally just retired. So obviously, Nath, I spoke to Nath and he helped me.

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“Some of the players there are exceptional. The captain, Matt Grimes, technical, but there’s so many players but you just take it in from what they do on the ball,

"So that was a bit different for me, just watching them and then you realise ‘oh, I need to do the same to do that.’

"While I was at Bournemouth, there was a lot more, you could say like experienced pros there. Players who had been in the Premier League, came down, Premier League, been back."

In particular, Laird highlighted the help he received from former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill.

"Gary Cahill, for example, he was there. And I remember just soaking up everything he said.

"Champions League winner, England international, like, crazy. So I remember whenever he talked it was like *whoosh* and I just took in everything.

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“Any little tips he gave me on the pitch, any little encouragement, any criticism. I took it all in. But I feel like, in that sense I feel that Bournemouth I learnt quite a lot.”

Being able to soak in the environment of a team fighting at the top of the Championship table would've been great for Laird's development, despite the fact he did not hit the ground running like many thought he would.

The right-back would only make six appearances for the Cherries due to multiple factors.

With all sorts of experience under his belt, Laird will be looking to make an impression on Ten Hag as pre-season progresses.

After a 45-minute cameo against Melbourne Victory, the youngster will be sniffing at the chance to get on the pitch again to impress.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka looks to be second in the pecking order currently, with Diogo Dalot being one of the standout performers in pre-season so far.

The former Crystal Palace defender might not be needed at Old Trafford, and Laird could be thinking that there is a spot to challenge for there.