Ethan Galbraith says he has enjoyed loan ‘in the trenches’ at Doncaster

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Ethan Galbraith was unlucky not to go out on loan in the 2020/21 season. After failing to play a prominent pre-season role for Manchester United last summer, it was clear he needed a fresh challenge to elevate himself from the under-23s.

Galbraith, 20, was sent on loan to League One strugglers Doncaster Rovers, and it has been a real struggle from a team perspective.

While his performances have earned acclaim from his manager, Galbraith could end up experiencing relegation with Doncaster, with the team in 23rd out of 24 teams.

They have picked up two wins in the last five though, and are just four points from safety. It’s all to play for, and Galbraith returned at the weekend after missing a month with a calf injury, returning to Carrington for physio treatment.

Regardless of what happens between now and mid-May, Galbraith believes the experience has been very beneficial, better than playing under-23 football.

‘In the trenches’

Speaking to Doncaster’s official website, Galbraith said: “It’s been a great experience.

“It shows, when you’re in this position, who will be with you in the trenches. Everyone in the team has got that spirit.

“It’s been a massive learning experience and I’ll take the bad with the good. As a team we just need to keep working hard and stick together.”

Galbraith has been through a lot in this character building loan, at a team which has seen a manager change, and lots of personnel switches too, with more players brought in loan in January with the club’s budget miniscule.

Staying up would be a real achievement for the whole team and a proud one for Galbraith if he can play a part over the next couple of months.

He has already played a total of 30 games during his loan spell, in which he has scored once and has three assists, showing he is more than capable of contributing at a professional level.

Whether he gets a chance at United under the new boss, its hard to say, United are likely to add more midfield talent, and there is a new generation coming through too.

Another loan to the Championship or even Premier League next season if there is interest, may be the step Galbraith needs to take, once his stint ‘in the trenches’ is done.