What can Swansea City fans expect from Ethan Laird?

Ethan Laird joined Swansea City on loan from Manchester United until the end of the season.

The signing comes with the Swans in desperate need of a full back in the absence of Welsh international Connor Roberts, who will be sidelined until the end of the year.

Laird worked under new manager Russell Martin at his previous club MK Dons and spoke to the media about the move.

“I am buzzing, I cannot wait to get started and get out on the pitch.

“This is a big club, a very big club, and the type of club I want to play for. I played here once before at the stadium when I was 16 (for Manchester United under-23s) and I really enjoyed it.

“It was exciting to watch the game against Sheffield United, the fans here are intense and I cannot wait to play in front of them.

“I just want to get out there and experience it.

“I also love working with Russell [Martin] and I just know he can get the best out of me. The big thing about him is trust. When I came in from United, he told me exactly how it was straight away.

“I just learnt so much in that short amount of time, it was unbelievable so I knew if I worked with him again, I could continue to improve and develop.

“I love the style of play. I think it is the best way to play football, it is entertaining, and it is how you want to see your team play, getting those passes in. That’s what I enjoy and that’s why I am here.”

Laird is a popular young player amongst United fans, with many believing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sees a long-term future for the Basingstoke-born defender.

He played against Kazakhstan champions Astana in the Europa League group stage last season after the Red Devils secured qualification to the knockout phase, before joining Martin’s Dons in January.

Laird featured 24 times in League One, helping them to 13th place finish.

In light of his signing, we spoke to Manchester United and MK Dons fans to see what Laird could provide in the white of Swansea.

Manchester United Perspective

“He’s been one of the most highly rated youngsters in United’s academy for years now and can play either position at full-back.

“He’d be a more attacking-minded player, always looking to get forward with overlapping runs and support the winger. Swansea have experimented with wing-back formations too, so it could be a perfect fit.

“His development is key as he became a fans favourite at MK Dons last year and I expect the same to happen for him at Swansea. Solskjaer rates him highly, and Swans fans should be really excited about the signing, but don’t fall in love with loan players as you’ll only get your heart broken.”

@JoeLyonsJourno, Prost International writer and Stretty News contributor.

“A unique full back who attacks like a winger, gets bums off seats. Very mature for his age, plays with no fear – which is key.

“Personally, I think he was always destined for a loan in the Championship. Toughest league in England for me but I really see him having a future at United as there’s not many like him in terms of style. He’s similar to Lamptey in stature and they cover ground very quickly.

“On top of that Russell Martin likes to play good football, knows him well and will instil that confidence in him which saw him flourish at MK Dons. Only concern is injuries. With the Championship having 46 games plus cup competitions, he needs to be used smartly.”

@TyroneMc__, founder of Trafford Tunnel.

“Laird is effectively your typical modern wing back. He showed at MK Dons last season that his biggest attribute is his ability to drive forward at speed, get to the by-line and deliver a ball into the box.

“I think this will suit Swansea as a team which prefer to play on the front foot and dominate teams as their style can help cover for Laird’s main weakness, his actual defensive ability. While it’s not worryingly bad, defending is definitely something he needs to work on.”

@JRidgeJourno, editor at The United Stand News.

MK Dons Perspective

“Ethan Laird was a valuable part of the team last season.

“He was really positive going forward and he was very accurate in picking out players with his crosses into the box.

“He loved to bomb forward with the ball and he was never scared to try and take someone on. If I had any complaints, he was sometimes careless when it came to defending giving away set pieces in dangerous areas but he was very quick to the ball when the opponents had it.”

“It’s a good signing and it does feel a bit like Ethan Laird might be what Mason Mount was to Frank Lampard for Martin and Swansea. He could have easily played at a Championship club last season, so having him in League One was brilliant.”

@Calstagram123, MK Dons supporter

It looks like an overwhelmingly positive reaction on arrival for Laird, who could make his debut tonight against Stoke City.

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