Manchester United have handed more Premier League appearances to academy graduates than any other team this season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has continued to put his faith in the youth, which has been rewarded by a place in the FA Cup semi-finals, while the Red Devils remain firmly in the race for Champions League football.
Solskjaer has made it clear that he wants to promote stars from the academy, as he has given Mason Greenwood and Brandon Williams plenty of opportunities, while James Garner, Angel Gomes, Axel Tuanzebe and Tahith Chong have all benefited as well.
The youngsters have lined up alongside established first team regulars including Jesse Lingard, Scott McTominay, Andreas Pereira, Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford.
According to the Daily Mail, Ethan Laird will be the latest to make the jump to the senior squad. The teenager, who turns 19 in August, has attracted Solskjaer’s attention after impressing for Man United’s under-23 side. Laird has played 10 games in the Premier League’s professional development league, supplying three assists so far.
The report revealed that he will provide competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right back, which means Diogo Dalot could be on his way out the door.
Unsurprisingly, loads of United fans gushed over the teenager’s promotion, with one supporter dubbing him a “good prospect” while another added he is “better than Dalot” in reference to the Portuguese’s dismal performance against Norwich.
Scroll down through some of the best reactions so far…
https://twitter.com/bbyFaceDssin/status/1277298929093218305?s=20
https://twitter.com/goldenninnho/status/1277316574798643201?s=20
Things you love to see. 😍
— Ash Milton (@mDvGamerHD) June 28, 2020
Anyone’s better than Dalot
— Josh (@Joshgiles01) June 28, 2020
About time he got his chance
— Tin (@Tin01) June 28, 2020
Get innnnn
— ETHAN LAIRD FC⚡🛑 (@fc_laird) June 29, 2020
This will be soo interesting. Aaron hasn’t use a year he already has a competitor
— Sxt (@steveflezzy) June 28, 2020
Competition? Lairds a good prospect but Wan Bissaka he’s the best RB in the world imo
— Kade oconnor (@oconnor_kade) June 28, 2020
United fans, do you think Ethan Laird deserves a chance? Let us know in the comments below!
