01 July 2023 , 08:28
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Manchester United defender Ethan Laird has completed a move to Birmingham City.
Laird, 21, has joined the Championship club in a deal understood to be worth an initial £750k.
The versatile defender has agreed a three-year contract at St Andrews, having spent last season on loan at Queens Park Rangers, scoring one goal in 33 outings in all competitions. Laird also has previous experience on loan at MK Dons, Swansea City and Bournemouth.
"It is a new step, a new pathway now and I am excited to get started," he told the club website. "I feel like this is the time where I get to showcase myself and not really think about anything else."
Erik ten Hag's summer plans are taking shape (The FA via Getty Images)A product of United’s youth academy, he departs Old Trafford having made two first-team appearances for the Red Devils, with both coming in the Europa League during the 2019-20 campaign.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
His exit marks the end of an 11-year association with United, having initially joined at the age of 10.
Ethan Laird impressed on loan at QPR last term (Getty Images)United have also confirmed the exits of loan duo Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst.
A club statement on Friday night detailed that the duo would be returning to Bayern Munich and Burnley respectively following the conclusion of their temporary stints in Manchester.
United won’t be looking to sign Dutch international Weghorst on a permanent basis and he may be reintegrated into the fold at Turf Moor by Vincent Kompany, following the Clarets’ return to the Premier League.
Sabitzer saw his time at United brought to a premature end due to a knee injury and the £60million arrival of Mason Mount makes it unlikely that the Austrian will return, whether on loan or permanently.
Wout Weghorst scored just two goals for Man United during his loan stint (Getty Images)United are set to continue contract discussions with David de Gea however.
The Spaniard, 32, is now a free agent after seeing his contract expire. He was offered an extension, only for the club to withdraw the offer and return with lesser terms.
“David de Gea’s contract is due to run out but discussions remain open with the long-serving keeper,” the club said.
United are keen on Inter Milan’s Andre Onana as a replacement, while the door is also open to Dean Henderson starting the season as No.1.