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Midfield has become a problem area for Manchester United of late as Ruben Amorim cannot find a partnership he is happy with.
So far he has chosen Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro as his most common midfield duo, but their future for both is certain beyond this season.
Players such as Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are struggling to find playing time and Toby Collyer has been loaned out to West Bromwich Albion.
With a rather bare-looking midfield department, United have been linked with numerous players this January and summer, with Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton linked to the club.
Ethan Galbraith
The Red Devils had a young, creative midfielder on their selection list, but sold him to Leyton Orient in 2023.
The Northern Ireland midfielder joined United’s academy from Linfield in 2017 and made one first-team appearance in the Europa League under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
After rather lackluster loan spells at Doncaster Rovers and Salford City, Galbraith left for Leyton Orient, where he really matured as a footballer.
He played a key role in their run to last year’s play-off final and secured a move to the Championship with Swansea City in the summer.
Rise this season
The Ulsterman has taken to England’s second division like a fish to water, playing twelve games so far this season.
He scored one goal and provided two assists. The 24-year-old was particularly impressive as Swansea defeated Premier League opponents Nottingham forest from the Carabao Cup, where he hit the crossbar with a thunderous drive.
Galbraith has also become a staple at international level, making six appearances for Northern Ireland this year.
He was excellent for his country last night, providing an assist in their impressive display 2-0 win over Slovakia in World Cup qualifying.
He has certainly impressed his fellow countrymen, as former Leeds United midfielder Stuart Dallas praised him football brainin which he praised “the spaces he picks up on the pitch, he’s really smart.”
Former Northern Ireland international Stephen Craigan also characterized him as a ‘silky top player’.
The young midfielder made such an impression that he was even tipped off by newspapers from his home country return to Old Trafford.
Gave up too quickly?
Of course, Galbraith still has a lot to learn and even his biggest fan wouldn’t suggest he should start at United.
Nevertheless, if Galbraith was still on the club’s books and on loan at Swansea, fans would demand he was given a chance, much in the same vein as Radek Vitek at Bristol City.
Key skills needed at Old Trafford
Galbraith is a stylish operator in the middle of the park. He is creative with a solid passing range, but also has a tremendous work ethic in midfield.
He also has a bite to his game because he is strong in the duel. His defensive acumen is also evident from the fact that he has played right back at various stages of his short career.
United’s midfield often cried out for legs and composure on the ball, and Galbraith has both in spades.
Future
All in all, Galbraith may never be good enough to be a starting midfielder for United. Nevertheless, his career trajectory is certainly heading in the right direction.
Crucially, United gave up too early and may have missed out on a valuable addition to their academy squad.
At 24, he still has plenty of time and one day he might just get the chance to prove his worth at Old Trafford, as an opponent or in the famous red jersey.
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