Ethan Laird: Swansea City sign Manchester United defender on season-long loan
- Published
Ethan Laird made 25 appearances for MK Dons last season
Swansea City have signed Manchester United defender Ethan Laird on a season-long loan.
The 20-year-old, who can operate on the right of defence or at centre-back, played under Russell Martin during a loan spell at MK Dons last season.
Laird has made two senior appearances for United.
"He can play wing-back, he can play centre-half, and he'll add a big character as well," said Swansea head coach Martin.
"He is a fantastic person. He really added to us as a group at our previous club and he will do the same here. You can't help but love him as a guy.
"He will add a lot of energy and athleticism as well and explosiveness in the final third."
Laird has represented England at under-17, under-18 and under-19 level.
Swansea are without Wales right-back Connor Roberts, who injured his groin playing at Euro 2020 in June, while fellow defenders Kyle Naughton and Ryan Bennett missed Swansea's weekend draw with Sheffield United with what Martin described as minor injuries.
Laird, who becomes Martin's third Swansea signing after Jamie Paterson and Flynn Downes, will be eligible for to make his debut in the Welsh club's Championship game against Stoke City on Tuesday.
Laird's two United appearances came during their 2019-20 Europa League campaign.
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