New Queens Park Rangers boss Neil Critchley insists Man United loan Ethan Laird should stay at Loftus Road for the rest of the season.
The right-back has been enjoying a successful spell at the west London club, leading to speculation that he could be called up to United in January as Diogo Dalot’s replacement.
United boss Erik ten Hag appears to dislike Dalot’s natural alternative Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is reportedly set to move to West Ham or Wolves, leaving ten Hag with no cover for the Portugal international in the position of right back.
This has led to much speculation that Laird could be removed before his loan with Critchley, but the Rangers boss is not impressed with that idea.
“On any 12-month loan, there is a natural break in the middle of the season and that applies to all players,” Critchley said via West London Sport.
“But Ethan has had a fantastic season here and he plays every week and I’m sure Manchester United will be happy with Ethan and the way he’s been playing and his development.
“My goal is to continue with that. I see myself as someone who can coach players to get better at the team they play for.
“Ethan is someone I’ve known for many years at United and I tried to sign him earlier at Blackpool, which didn’t happen, so I’m glad he’s here and hopefully for the rest of the season. ”
The decision, of course, does not rest with Critchley or his club. United have the power to call the player.
Laird himself, on the other hand, should have a say and, if given the choice, it would be interesting: guaranteed first-team football, with potential Premiership playoff drama, rather than potentially sitting on the bench. for most of the rest of the games. the season.
On the other hand, any injury or loss of form to Dalot could catapult Laird into the United first team at the height of the season.
With any transfer budget likely to be allocated to a striker in January, whether or not Wan-Bissaka leaves could be the deciding factor in what happens to Ethan Laird in the coming weeks.
