Manchester United will promote young right-back Ethan Laird to their first team training squad, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said.
The Norwegian is committed to blooding academy stars in his side, which was reflected during United's 2-1 FA Cup win over Norwich when three homegrown talents - Mason Greenwood, Brandon Williams and Marcus Rashford - were all brought on at the same time.
Centre-back Teden Mengi and midfielder James Garner have been training with the senior squad in recent weeks, along with Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes.
And speaking after the Norwich game, Solskjaer lauded his youngsters, while tipping Laird to be the next cab off the rank.
“They keep on working every single day,” Solskjaer told reporters at Carrow Road when asked about his young players. “Jimmy [Garner] is training with us, Ethan [Laird] will probably come in with the group, Teden has been there.
“Tahith and Angel have been working hard behind the scenes. Hopefully, they keep on developing and get an opportunity and I’m sure they'll take it.”
MEN Sport understand that Laird and Garner will be among those United youngsters considered for loans next season.
The right-back, who turns 19 in August, has impressed with his performances for Neil Wood's United Under-23s side in the past year after overcoming a significant injury at the outset of the 2019/20 campaign.
He can play across the back line but is a naturally attacking right-back, who United hope could challenge Aaron Wan-Bissaka for a first place place in the future.
