Man U defender Laird joins Bournemouth on loan

LONDON, CMC:

Manchester United full-back Ethan Laird, who is eligible to represent Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, has joined English Championship leaders Bournemouth on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old, who was born in the United Kingdom, was recalled by his parent club from his previous seasonlong loan deal at second-tier rivals Swansea City.

His 21 appearances this season for the Swans included a 4-0 Championship defeat by his new club in November.

Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake told the club’s website: “Ethan is an exciting prospect and we are very pleased to have brought him on board.

“His style of play fits perfectly with ours and I’m confident he can help us build on what has been an excellent first half of the season.

HAPPY TO SECURE SERVICE

“He has impressed during his two previous loan spells and is very well thought of at Manchester United, so we couldn’t be happier to have secured his services.”

Laird has played twice for Premier League club Manchester United at senior level. He featured in Europa League matches against Astana and AZ Alkmaar in 2019.

He comes in to add competition in the right-back department for Jack Stacey, with Adam Smith having undergone surgery on a knee injury.

The deal is understood to have been put in place earlier this week, with the final pieces of paperwork completed and approved on Thursday.

Laird’s signing is the Cherries’ second in as many days, following the £1 million (US$1.35 million) arrival of fellow defender James Hill from League One Fleetwood Town on Wednesday.

Described as “strong, aggressive and ticks all the right boxes” by Man United academy pundits, Laird has already been capped by England at the Under-17, Under-18 and Under-19 levels, but is believed to be keen on representing Reggae Boyz.