Manchester United youngster Ethan Laird joins QPR on a season-long loan after helping Bournemouth gain Premier League promotion and impressing with Swansea last season
- Manchester United full-back Ethan Laird has joined QPR on a season-long loan
- Laird had been set to join Watford this summer but the deal fell through
- The 21-year-old youngster played 26 times in the Championship last season
Manchester United youngster Ethan Laird has joined Queens Park Rangers on a season-long loan deal.
The England youth international is joining up with Michael Beale’s team as they look to build on last season’s 11th-placed Championship finish.
Laird may make his debut as soon as Tuesday, as QPR play host to Blackpool at Loftus Road.
Manchester United full-back Ethan Laird has joined QPR on a season-long loan deal
The 21-year-old could make his QPR debut on Tuesday when they take on Blackpool
Laird explained that he was ‘delighted’ to join Beale’s side, telling the club’s official website: ‘It feels brilliant, and I am delighted to get it over the line. I can’t wait to get started.
‘I like to play with confidence and be exciting, and I feel I have the freedom to do that here.’
QPR manager Michael Beale was also pleased with his new signing, adding: ‘Obviously, it is nice to take a boy from Manchester United and for them to trust us with one of their best young players in terms of developing him onwards and upwards.
New QPR boss Michael Beale expressed his delight in bringing the 21-year-old in on loan
‘He has done really well in the Championship already, and I think he is someone we can be really excited about.
‘I like the full-backs to be an addition to our attack, and he provides that. He is very aggressive in terms of one-versus-one attacking, and he is capable of providing assists as well as goals.’ He added.
Laird had initially been set to join Watford this summer, as they embark on the first season back in the second tier.
However, the deal collapsed following concerns over playing time after Hornets boss Rob Edwards signed Europa League-winning Spain international Mario Gaspar.
The United academy graduate impressed on loan at Swansea City last season
The 21-year-old enjoyed a successful spell in the…