Loan Watch: Laird adds to contingent

Monday 15 August 2022 12:59

The completion of Ethan Laird's loan move to Queens Park Rangers means four Manchester United players are now spending the season away from the club.

Right-back Laird sealed a third temporary Championship switch in the past two seasons and could make his debut for his new club on Tuesday night, against Blackpool at Loftus Road.

"As a young player, all I want to do is play football," he told the Londoners' official club media. "I've said this many times. Being able to get it over the line to know I'm going to be playing football is all I can ask for. I'm just glad it's happened and I can't wait to get started."

Reds manager Erik ten Hag told us last Friday that he expected more loan exits to occur before the deadline on 1 September, although Facundo Pellistri's injury looks like ruling this out as an option for the Uruguayan.

We'll keep you up to date with any more loans that are confirmed in the current window.

Meanwhile, two United loanees were in action this weekend, with Dean Henderson and Alex Telles appearing for their respective clubs.

Henderson was in inspired form for Forest, as Steve Cooper's men earned their first Premier League win in 23 years with victory over West Ham United at the City Ground.

A first-half goal from Taiwo Awoniyi was enough to earn the three points for newcomers Forest, but it was anything but straightforward.

The visitors, managed by former Reds boss David Moyes, peppered the home side’s goal and only some great goalkeeping from Henderson – and the woodwork – preserved Forest’s clean sheet.

The Hammers also had the ball in the net in the first period, but it was ruled out after a VAR check.

While he produced a string of fabulous saves, Henderson’s most important contribution to the fixture came in the 61st minute, when the keeper got down expertly to stop Declan Rice’s penalty, following a handball by Forest defender Scott McKenna.

Despite continued pressure from the visitors in the latter stages, Henderson and his defence stood firm and sealed a vital three points for the newly promoted side.

Elsewhere, Telles made a substitute appearance for Sevilla, as the Spanish club fell to a 2-1 away defeat to Osasuna on the opening weekend of La Liga.

Sevilla enjoyed the majority of the possession in the match, but the hosts were the more clinical, scoring in both halves to win the fixture.

Telles was introduced on 80th minute, with Sevilla trailing 2-1, but could not turn the tide in his side’s favour as last year’s fourth-placed side slipped to a surprise defeat. 

In the same division, former Reds Academy forward Largie Ramazani opened the scoring for Almeria against Real Madrid, only for the European champions to hit back and win 2-1.

Laird seals London loan move

 Article

Young right-back Ethan Laird has secured another switch from United to a Championship club.

Unfortunately, Alvaro Fernandez was left out of Preston North End's 1-0 win at Luton Town due to the injury he sustained in midweek.

The 19-year-old marked his first competitive senior start with two assists in the Carabao Cup victory over Huddersfield Town but may return for the home game with Rotherham United on Tuesday night.

"He was with us today and he said he's okay," confirmed boss Ryan Lowe on Saturday. "But he's not and we've got to be careful because he isn't our player - and we have to do right by the parent club - and we don't want to lose him for any longer either.

"He will be on the grass with us on Monday, so hopefully he can play a part Tuesday."

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