QPR manager launches defence of Ethan Laird after Manchester United loanee booed by fans

Queens Park Rangers boss Gareth Ainsworth has defended Manchester United loanee Ethan Laird after he appeared to be booed.

Laird made his return from injury in QPR's defeat against Wigan on Sunday and he played 80 minutes in that game before being substituted, but as the 21-year-old walked off the pitch, he appeared to be booed by his own supporters.

The young defender, who signed for QPR on a season-long loan in the summer, sustained a hamstring injury in January and, although the problem was initially not thought to be serious, the player had last played on February 14 due to that issue.

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On his return to action against Wigan, he was forced to leave the pitch with cramp and it's been suggested the boos from QPR fans derived from their frustration at key players being unavailable amid their poor run of form.

Ainsworth discussed that incident in a press conference this week and he launched a strong defence of the United loanee.

“Ethan is OK. He came off with cramp,” Ainsworth told West London Sport. “Even though there were frustrations from some fans – without knowing the full story or the full facts – I was disappointed that there were a few boos when he came off.

“I hope they were not aimed at Ethan. He gave everything and that’s all you want from your players. The boy couldn’t run any more because it was his first game after a few months out. I am in awe of him for doing that.

“There were some negative feelings when he came off but I can’t understand that, and he’s back in training and fine.”

Laird is contracted at Old Trafford until June 2023, but the club have the option to extend for a further year.

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