The option to extend Manchester United defender Ethan Laird's contract by one year has been triggered. Laird is technically out of contract at the end of the month, but the club have the option to extend his stay at Old Trafford by a further year and the Manchester Evening News understands that has been exercised.
The one-year contract renewal means Laird, a product of the academy, is tied to the club until the summer of 2024. After his summer break, the 21-year-old will be assessed in pre-season and another loan move will be considered. ALSO READ: Where United stand on their summer transfer targets as window opens Laird spent the 2022-23 season on loan with Queens Park Rangers and it's understood he wants first-team minutes at this stage of his career.
He was sidelined with a hamstring injury in January but he still made 30 starts in the Championship. The right-back faces competition from Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for a place in the United first-team squad and any permanent offers for Laird, who has already enjoyed four different loan spells, are expected to be listened to.
Laird has been at United since the age of 10 and he made his first-team debut against Astana in the Europa League in 2019. He's also represented England at Under-17, U18 and U19 level during his career. READ MORE: