Few players can say they experienced more contrasting fortunes than Manchester United right-back Ethan Laird last season.
After giving an excellent account of himself during the first half of the season on loan at Swansea City, where he had been reunited with former MK Dons manager Russell Martin, Laird joined promotion-chasing Bournemouth in January. It was a kick in the teeth for the Swans, but it seemed like the right decision at the time, as a temporary stint at the Vitality Stadium offered him the chance to add a first promotion to his CV.
Furthermore, a move to the south coast would give the United youngster the opportunity to trial himself as a natural right-back, opposed to being the attack-minded wing-back he had been at Swansea. However, his short-term spell with the Cherries was plagued by injury troubles, meaning he made just six appearances.
