Leyton Orient must avoid past mistakes to make Man Utd capture a home run | OneFootball

Ethan Galbraith's contract expires next summer and Orient will be wary of this.

Ethan Galbraith was once touted as a wonderkid in the Manchester United academy.

He was once compared to legendary names such as Xavi or Iniesta by former Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough, such was his lofty potential.

Galbraith made his professional debut for the Red Devils as a late substitute in a Europa League tie against FC Astana, before eventually finding himself out on loan - first at Doncaster Rovers then at Salford City.

His manager during his time at Doncaster was none other than current Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens, who was clearly impressed by the Northern Ireland international as, shortly following his United release in 2023, he quickly found himself signing a two-year deal at E10.

As we come up to the January window, Galbraith's deal is entering its final six months, which puts the O's in a perilous position.

Galbraith has been in incredible form this year

Last year was hit-and-miss for Galbraith, who spent the majority of the first half of the season playing at right-back following a host of defensive issues from the O's during the opening few games.

After the turn of the year, however, he returned to his natural midfield role and found form, which coincided with a great run for Orient, who were unbeaten for eight consecutive games - putting daylight between themselves and the drop zone before eventually finishing in the top half of the table.

This year the Northern Ireland international has only missed one of the O's 13 league games and has thoroughly impressed in recent months - particularly standing out in their dominant win at promotion contenders Stockport County.

Galbraith's creative influence has also been on full show this season, with him ranking as the second most chances created for the O's as per FotMob.

His recent development means has served a reminder of his potential and means that still just 23, it is surely only inevitable that interest from a higher level will arise in January - having been linked with Championship sides Sunderland and Middlesbrough before he joined Orient.

Similar mistakes have been made by Orient

In recent years, the O's have made errors in allowing important players to run down their deals before moving on to a higher division.

In 2020, Marvin Ekpiteta joined Blackpool on a free transfer, with the defender establishing himself as a key player and eventually club captain in Lancashire.

The following year, James Brophy, Danny Johnson and Conor Wilkinson all departed the club on free transfers after each only missing a handful of games while being key players under both Ross Embleton and Jobi McAnuff.

After securing the League Two title in 2023, three-time player of the year Lawrence Vigouroux departed for then-Premier League side Burnley, while forward Paul Smyth re-joined former club Queens Park Rangers.

This sets a worrying precedent regarding Galbraith, who has been crucial in the O's push up the table in recent weeks. Should he be allowed to walk for free, it enforces the idea that E10 is a stepping stone - something that a club with high investment in recent years will not want to see happen.

If Orient want to progress as a club, it is key that players that have such a vital role in the side are kept, as he is already seen as a cult hero by sections of the fanbase.

Snapping Galbraith up after his United exit was smart business from the East London club and could become a real home run deal if they can extend his contract and ensure he starts to reach his full potential in E10.

It feels like offers will come for the midfielder - as they always do for the EFL's brightest talent - but the priority for the O's has to be avoiding the mistakes of the past and tying him down before it's too late.

Should Galbraith get the opportunity to stake his place in the side for years to come, he could go on to be one of the O's best signings in recent years. A player of his calibre doesn't come along often for a club of Orient's size.