Ethan Galbraith's future at Manchester United has come under the spotlight following Erik ten Hag's appointment as first-team manager.
The Northern Ireland midfielder spent last season on-loan with League Two side Doncaster Rovers.
Galbraith impressed during his time at the Eco-Power Stadium despite Doncaster's relegation from League One, scoring one goal in 36 appearances and grabbing four assists.
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He has one year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford, but is now the time for the 21-year-old to make the move and play regular first-team football elsewhere?
MEN Sport ran its eye over 17 players who are currently on loan, either domestically or overseas, and assessed what would be best for each of their careers.
Brandon Williams
Despite already boasting 50 United first-team appearances to his name, a season-long loan move elsewhere in the Premier League was in Williams' best interests this season. He has produced some good, encouraging performances for Norwich City and will return to Old Trafford having benefitted from a full season of playing regularly at the highest level.
The left-back area, just like the right side of the defence, has been a troubled area for United this season, meaning that could work to Williams' advantage. Taking that into account, plus the fact that the 21-year-old could benefit from working with Ten Hag - a manager renowned for developing youth - he could prove to be a valued squad player next term.
Verdict: Keep.
Donny van de Beek
The eyes of the world are going to be focused on Van de Beek this forthcoming summer. If Ten Hag cannot spark his United career into life, nobody ever will.
Since joining Everton in January, injury issues have hampered his hopes of announcing himself to the Premier League, with him having missed the Toffees' last ten games. But considering United's midfield is set to have a very, very different look to it next season, and Ten Hag holds the license for getting the best out of Van de Beek, he deserves a chance, with the slate wiped clean, to prove himself. He could be like a new signing if things work out well.
Verdict: Keep.
Di'Shon Bernard
Bernard spent this season on loan at Championship club Hull City and made a lasting impression on the club and its supporters. Tigers boss Shota Arveladze has already placed on record his desire to keep hold of him and you get the feeling that this could be a deal that happens.
He has been with United since 2017 and has only ever made one first-team appearance. Although he is only 21 and his best years lie ahead, it would be in Bernard's best interest to offload him and allow him to settle at Hull in a place he will feel wanted and valued.
Verdict: Sell.
Teden Mengi
Mengi is another centre-back that impressed in the Championship this season. He joined Birmingham City on loan in January and made ten appearances, but it would have been more had it not been for injury problems.
At just 20, Mengi, who is under contract at Old Trafford until 2024, could still prove himself as a valuable asset for the future. However, another loan spell, this time for a full campaign, could be exactly what he needs, allowing United to evaluate his long-term future 12 months down the line.
Verdict: Send out on loan.
Ethan Laird
If you're wanting an example of a footballer experiencing a season of two halves, look no further than Laird. He shone brightly on loan at Swansea City in the first half of this season, grabbing four assists in 21 appearances in an attack-minded wing-back role, before being limited to just six outings for Bournemouth post-Christmas, with injury troubles hampering his progress.
United are believed to have high hopes for Laird, with the youngster displaying some encouraging signs. The right-back area should be deeply assessed by Ten Hag this summer and the youngster might fancy his chances of grabbing the Dutchman's attention.
Verdict: Keep.
Ethan Laird struggled for opportunities at AFC Bournemouth. (Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images.)
James Garner
Of the 17 players United have sent out on loan, none of them have attracted as much attention and hype as Garner. He has spent this season on loan at Nottingham Forest and been a shining light in a season that has seen them rise from the bottom of the Championship to the brink of the Premier League.
Comfortable on the ball and a wizard from set-pieces, plenty of excitement surrounds the 21-year-old. He must be given the chance to prove himself next season by Ten Hag, even if he has to accept the role as a squad player, opposed to starting week-in, week-out.
Verdict: Keep.
Tahith Chong
The last of United's Championship loan contingent, Chong experienced a difficult season at Birmingham, in the sense that injury problems disrupted his rhythm of fulfilling his potential on a weekly basis. But when he was fit and firing, he showed regular brilliance, earning constant praise from the Birmingham faithful.
He recently had a one-year contract extension triggered, meaning United, seemingly, continue to have high hopes for him. However, he will have a few barriers to break down if he wants to become a first-team player next season. Another loan move could suit him best.
Verdict: Send out on loan.
Matej Kovar
Goalkeeper Kovar put pen to paper on a new contract at Old Trafford in January, keeping him at the club until June 2023, before joining Burton Albion on loan. He had to be patient to earn his chance for the League One club, not earning his debut until April, but he kept four clean sheets in six appearances, conceding just three times.
The goalkeeping department will be under scrutiny this summer, with it not yet clear who could be Ten Hag's No.1. Lee Grant is poised to depart and Dean Henderson could be sold, meaning it is impossible to predict the pecking order. But you wouldn't think Kovar will be close to making the top-three.
Verdict: Send out on loan.
Ethan Galbraith
Like Kovar, Galbraith spent time in League One this season, suffering relegation to League Two with Doncaster Rovers. The midfielder made an encouraging 36 appearances, scoring one goal and grabbing four assists.
He has already made his senior debut for Manchester United and signed a long-term contract last season which will keep him at Old Trafford until June 2023. He made his senior bow for Northern Ireland in a friendly against Luxembourg at Windsor Park in September, 2019.
But, despite only just turning 21, it is hard to see Galbraith having a long-term future at Old Trafford. He has just over a year left on his contract and the Reds should try and find a suitor for him that would secure a transfer free.
Verdict: Sell.
Nathan Bishop
Still in with a chance of earning promotion with Mansfield Town via the League Two play-offs, Bishop has been one of the biggest success stories within United's army of loanees this term. He has made more than 50 appearances for the Stags, keeping 15 clean sheets.
Although uncertainty continues to surround the goalkeeping department ahead of next season under Ten Hag, it is hard to imagine Bishop returning from a League Two loan stint and becoming a key part in his plans. Out-of-contract in 2023, United should cash-in, as the chances of him ever becoming a regular at Old Trafford are unlikely.
Verdict: Sell.
Reece Devine
Devine spent the first half of this season on loan at Scottish club St Johnstone, before returning to England and joining League Two side Walsall in January. He was impacted by injury not long after arriving in the Midlands, meaning he was restricted to just eight appearances.
He is out-of-contract at United this season and it is unlikely that his stay will be extended. He should soon be free to find a new permanent home.
Verdict: Release.
Dylan Levitt
Uncertainty surrounds Levitt's future. He has spent this season on loan at Dundee United and made a lasting impression on the club and its supporters, scooping the fans' Player of the Year award.
Dylan Levitt's contract is up this summer. (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
He is out-of-contract at Old Trafford this summer but United have the option to trigger a one-year extension. Although nothing can be ruled out, it is hard to see him ever forcing his way into the first-team fold in M16.
Verdict: Release.
Amad
Also north of the border in Scotland is Amad. He joined Rangers in January in pursuit of regular first-team football and opportunities have not been as forthcoming as he would have liked, playing just 12 times.
He has started to turn the screw recently, scoring twice in his last three games, meaning he could be hitting the high notes as the conclusion of his loan nears. Considered a star for the future, United might be best allowing him to spend another season out on loan to aid his development.
Verdict: Send out on loan.
Axel Tuanzebe
After his opportunities at Aston Villa dried up following Steven Gerrard's appointment as manager, Tuanzebe joined Italian outfit Napoli on loan in January. However, his fortunes have failed to change, making just two appearances.
It has been a forgettable season for the 24-year-old, playing just 13 games, meaning he has a big decision to make on his future. Turning 25 in November, you would have thought his breakthrough moment at United would have arrived by now if it was coming. United should cut ties and attract a transfer fee whilst they can.
Verdict: Sell.
Andreas Pereira
If any club that has a United player on loan this season is likely to try and turn it into a permanent transfer this summer, it is Flamengo. The Brazilian club signed Pereira on loan last summer and have already expressed their desire to sign him on a permanent deal.
Andreas Pereira has spent this season on loan in Brazil. (Image: Ernesto Benavides/AFP via Getty Images.)
It has been reported that Flamengo were recently close to signing him in a £6.5million deal. However, that has not yet materialised. Nevertheless, you would still expect him to be moved on, Flamengo or otherwise.
Verdict: Sell.
Facundo Pellistri
Despite regular international call-ups for Uruguay, Pellistri has struggled to leave his calling card at Alaves this season. He has made 21 appearances for the Spanish club, but has failed to score a single goal or grab an assist, largely because of the fact the bulk of his appearances have been from the bench.
But at just 20-years-old there is still time for Pellistri to prove himself to United and Ten Hag. The Dutchman will almost certainly want to assess him over the coming weeks and months, but a loan move, perhaps in England with regular opportunities, could serve him best.
Verdict: Send out on loan.
Anthony Martial
Last but not least, Martial. He joined Sevilla in January after experiencing a decrease in opportunities at United and he has struggled to impose himself in Spain, scoring just one goal in 12 matches.
Injuries have not helped his cause, though. But when you take into account that he has scored just two goals in 23 appearances for United and Sevilla combined this season it does not bode well. United, although they will suffer a financial loss, need to offload him permanently.
Verdict: Sell.
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