Ethan Laird set to return to QPR’s first team – Man United News And Transfer News

21

Manchester United loanee Ethan Laird is set to return to first-team action with Queens Park Rangers this weekend.

Laird, 21, picked up a hamstring injury last month against Sunderland.

The right-back has made 26 appearances in the league for QPR in what is his second full season of regular professional football.

After playing 45 minutes for the QPR B-Team on Monday against Birmingham City, which QPR won 2-0, Laird has resumed match-geared training with the first-team squad.

Ahead of Saturday’s fixture against Wigan Athletic, who sit bottom of the table, head coach Gareth Ainsworth has stated that the Manchester United academy player should be involved in the matchday squad.

When asked about Laird (and two players who have also returned from injury – Chris Willock and Leon Balogun), Ainsworth said:

“[The squad is] absolutely fine.”

“We’re still carrying some injuries but the great news is Leon Balogun, Ethan Laird and Chris Willock coming through that game well and they will be in contention this weekend.”

QPR are currently 19th in the Championship with a mere three point safety gap between them and the relegation zone.

Laird has been coached by three managers this season at the West London club: Michael Beale, Neil Critchley, and Gareth Ainsworth.

He had missed the previous six fixtures because of this hamstring problem, but has been a regular starter throughout QPR’s mixed campaign.

His contract at United runs until this June. The club, however, hold the option of triggering a one-year extension.

United Matchday Magazine – be in the know about everything in red!
Still itching for more United content? Get everything you need right here. For just £3 per issue/£3.75 a month you’ll receive unique insights into United, straight to your inbox – before the big match and during the transfer window!

• Get the exclusive build-up to the match, plus team news, tactics and history.
• Not only that – United Matchday is jam-packed with articles, news, transfer news, puzzles, nostalgia and humour.
• Impress your friends and be in the know about everything in red!