Manchester United defender Ethan Laird seals transfer to Birmingham City

Ethan Laird has secured a permanent transfer from Manchester United to Birmingham City on a three-year deal for a reported £750,000.

The right-back made two senior appearances for the Reds' first-team, both in the Europa League. He debuted against FC Astana in November 2019 before featuring as a substitute versus AZ Alkmaar the following month.

The 21-year-old then secured several loan spells to a number of EFL clubs including MK Dons, Swansea and Bournemouth, who were in the Championship at the time. Laird was a regular for Queens Park Rangers during his loan stay last season, playing 33 times of which 30 were starts.

He netted his first senior goal in August’s 3-1 win over Hull and went on to tally two assists. Prior to his loan move to Loftus Road, he chalked up three appearances in pre-season, racking up 148 minutes of action. His exit from United marks an 11-year association with the club having first joined aged 10.

ALSO READ: United to continue De Gea talks after contract expires

Upon his transfer, Laird - who has also represented England at Under-17, 18 and 19 level - said: “It feels great. I feel like this is important to me now, this is the time where I get to showcase myself and not really think about anything else. It is a new step, a new pathway now and I am excited to get started.”

In a goodbye message to United fans on Instagram, Laird added: "It’s time to say goodbye @manchesterunited been at United since I was 10 coming through the ranks at this great club has been a huge privilege for me.

"It’s always been my dream to play for United so making my first team debut in 2019 in the Europa League was a dream come true. I want to thank everyone at the club for giving me the opportunity, especially my