2.98 progressive runs per 90: The Manchester United man finding his feet in the EFL

Ethan Laird enters the final year of his contract at Manchester United next season and his long term future looks up in the air having struggled to adjust to life at AFC Bournemouth.

The 20-year-old performed very well in the second half of last season on loan at Milton Keynes Dons and continued his development under Russell Martin in the first half of 2021/22 at Swansea City.

Laird has since made just two substitute appearances for the Cherries with Jack Stacey keeping his place at right back despite the England U20 international’s impressive 2021.

Manchester United deciding to recall him from the Swans and re-deploy him on the South Coast, suggests a certain level of interest in his development that could mean that he is in the future first team plans at Old Trafford.

Although, from another angle, failing to displace Stacey heading into the final year of your contract is not a good look in hoping to push for first team involvement at one of the biggest clubs in the world.

The Cherries have played a back four for the vast majority of this season, and that does not suit Laird very well, decreasing his attacking licence compared to the right wing back role he has thrived in.

With Djed Spence and Isaiah Jones taking the headlines for their attacking influence from right wing back in the Championship this season, Laird will be devastated to be rotting away on the bench when he was one of the first names on the team sheet in South Wales.

The 20-year-old has completed 2.98 progressive runs per 90 this season, according to Wyscout, encapsulating his intent to get forward.

Stacey does provide greater defensive solidity, which is more valuable in a back four, but the Red Devils may be a little frustrated with Scott Parker’s