Ethan Galbraith: The former Man United youngster cut loose too soon | OneFootball

The midfield has become a problem area for Manchester United lately as Ruben Amorim cannot find a partnership he is content with.

He has so far chosen Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro as his most common midfield duo but both their futures are from certain beyond this season.

The likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are struggling for game time and Toby Collyer has been sent out on loan to West Bromwich Albion.

With a rather bare looking midfield department, United have been linked to numerous players this January and summer with Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton being linked to the club.

Ethan Galbraith

The Red Devils had a young, creative midfielder on their squad list but sold him in 2023 to Leyton Orient.

The Northern Irish midfielder joined the United academy from Linfield in 2017 and made one first team appearance in the Europa League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

After rather limp loan spells at Doncaster Rovers and Salford City, Galbraith departed to Leyton Orient where he really matured as a footballer.

He was instrumental in their run to the playoff final last year and secured a move to the Championship with Swansea City during the summer.

Rise this season

The Ulsterman has taken to life in England’s second division like a duck to water, playing 12 games so far this season.

He has scored a goal and provided two assists. The 24 year old was particularly impressive when Swansea knocked Premier League opponents Nottingham Forest out of the Carabao Cup, where he struck the crossbar with a thunderous drive.

Galbraith has also become a key component at international level, playing six times this year for Northern Ireland.

He was outstanding for his nation last night, providing an assist in their impressive 2-0 victory over Slovakia in World Cup qualifying.

He has certainly impressed his fellow countrymen as former Leeds United midfielder Stuart Dallas lauded his footballing brain, praising “the spaces he picks up on the pitch, he’s really clever.”

Former Northern Ireland international Stephen Craigan also characterised him as a “silky, top-class” player.

The young midfielder has been so impressive, that he has even been tipped by newspapers from his home country to return to Old Trafford.

Given up too soon?

Of course Galbraith still has much to learn and not even his biggest fan would suggest he should start at United.

Nonetheless, if Galbraith was still on the club’s books and was on loan at Swansea, fans would be demanding he was given a chance, much in the same vein as Radek Vitek at Bristol City.

Key skillset needed at Old Trafford

Galbraith is a classy operator in the centre of the park. He is creative with a solid passing range but also has an immense work ethic to get about the midfield.

He also has bite to his game as he is strong in the duel. His defensive acumen can also be seen by the fact he has played right back at different stages of his short career.

United’s midfield has often cried out for legs and calmness on the ball and Galbraith has both in spades.

Future

All in all, perhaps Galbraith will never be good enough to be a starting midfielder for United. Nonetheless, his career trajectory is certainly moving in the right direction.

Crucially, United gave up too early and have potentially missed out on a valuable squad addition from the academy.

At 24 years old, he still has plenty of time on his side and perhaps one day, he may be given the chance to prove his worth at Old Trafford, as an opponent or in the famous red jersey.

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