Who is Ethan Galbraith? The 'very talented' Manchester United midfielder on Sunderland's radar

Sunderland are understood to be keeping tabs on Manchester United midfielder Ethan Galbraith – but who is he?
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The 20-year-old midfielder played regularly for United’s under-23 side last season and has earned two senior caps for Northern Ireland.

We take a closer look at the player’s situation:

What’s his background?

Ethan Galbraith playing for Manchester United Under-23s.Ethan Galbraith playing for Manchester United Under-23s.
Ethan Galbraith playing for Manchester United Under-23s.

After growing up in Northern Ireland, Galbraith joined United’s youth academy on a one-year scholarship in 2017.

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The midfielder then signed a two-year professional contract a year later and made his only senior appearance to date after coming off the bench in a Europa League match against Kazakh side Astana.

Galbraith is under contract until 2023 at Old Trafford after penning a three-year deal last year.

What type of player is he?

Galbraith has captained United’s under-23 side and made 17 appearances in Premier League 2 last term.

The 20-year-old operates in a midfield anchor role, is comfortable on the ball and has an eye for a defence-splitting pass.

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Reports from Manchester have suggested Galbraith has shades of Michael Carrick about him.

What’s been said about him?

Speaking about Galbraith in October 2020, United’s under-23 coach Neil Wood said: "He’s matured a lot over the last 12 or 18 months and he knows he’s the type of person if he puts the effort and work in, he’s a very talented player.

"There’s a chance he can get himself pushed into that first-team training.

"There’s an opportunity for him but at the same time he has to make that happen and then he has to take that opportunity if it comes along."

What are the chances of Sunderland signing him?

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The Echo understands Sunderland are interested in a loan move for Galbraith.

Clearly the 20-year-old is rated highly at United, yet it seems they feel a loan move is best for the next stage of his development.

Sunderland need to revamp their central midfield options after experienced trio Max Power, Grant Leadbitter and Josh Scowen were all released at the end of the 2020/21 season.

Yet if the Black Cats do pursue a move for Galbraith they are likely to face competition from Championship and League One clubs.

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