How is Ethan Laird getting on away from Manchester United at AFC Bournemouth?

At Swansea, Laird became a prominent presence in the side, starting 18 games and appearing as a sub twice. 

The Manchester United player was enjoying a good spell with the club and was playing a key role in Russell Martin’s side.

But in January, United recalled their player and loaned him back out to the Cherries. 

Since then, the 20-year old has struggled to breakthrough into Scott Parker’s side. 

Laird has only appeared twice for the club, both times coming off the bench. 

His debut came in an 18-minute cameo against Stoke City, where the Cherries won 2-1.

Laird’s second appearance came in a 24-minute run out against Preston North End, where Parker’s side lost 2-1. 

Laird was left out of the squad entirely when the club faced Peterborough United midweek.

Parker explained his absence, claiming there are still things that the player needs to improve upon to start earning greater playing time. 

“He just wasn’t in the squad. I just feel that he needs work,” said the Bournemouth boss, via Bournemouth Echo. 

“He needs a bit more work really to get to the levels of what we ask of our full-backs, to get to the level for him to perform at his optimum and us to all see the best Ethan Laird.

“So that was a decision I made, for him to do that.”

Parker confirmed that he has spoken to Laird about the situation and that he was very understanding of what he needs to do to get back into the side. 

This does not bode well for Laird’s immediate future as he struggles to get game time.

But this could be a great learning experience for the defender as he continues his development. 

The decision to move Laird away from Swansea to Bournemouth was unusual, and this certainly doesn’t look like it’s paid off as his playing time has