While Manchester United were labouring to a 1-0 extra-time win over West Ham, loaned out youngster Ethan Laird was enjoying a more comfortable evening.
Laird is on loan at MK Dons and he featured in a one-sided 4-1 away win at Rochdale.
The United youngster was a constant threat on the right side, tormenting Rochdale’s defence.
He ended the game with eight successful dribbles, the same number as the rest of his teammates combined, per WhoScored.com.
It was Ethan Laird’s cross which led to MK Dons’ opening goal, with Will Grigg touching it back for Matt O’Riley to score.
Laird was a persistent threat and he has been an integral part of MK Dons improved form over the past month.
United are looking for competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka at the position and Laird may be able to go on and provide it.
Laird has now played seven games on loan at MK Dons and is picking up the sort of experience United want him to get.
The team have climbed up to 14th in the table and are just eight points behind the play-off spots. There could really be something to play for by the end of the season.
United’s loanees Tahith Chong and James Garner have also had bright starts to their recent spells. Laird’s consistently impressive contribution shows he too is leading the way.
He was named in WhoScored.com’s League One team of the week after his performance.
Manchester United loan exits 20/21
- Aliou Traore
SM Caen (season)
- Joel Pereira
Huddersfield Town (season)
- Andreas Pereira
Lazio (season)
- Diogo Dalot
AC Milan (season)
- Di’Shon Bernard
Salford City (until end of season)
- Jake Carney
Portadown (season)
- Ethan Laird
MK Dons (Jan to end of season)
- Jesse Lingard
West Ham (Jan to end of season)
- James Garner
Nottingham Forest (Jan to end of season)
- Tahith Chong
Club Brugge (Jan to end of season)
- Facundo Pellistri
Alaves (Jan to end of season)
- Teden Mengi
Derby (Jan to end of season)
- Dylan Levitt
NK Istra (Feb to end of season)
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