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'I was buzzing when I got told' - Laird reacts to Man Utd debut in Astana defeat

  /  autty

Ethan Laird has spoken of his delight after he made his Manchester United debut on Thursday night.

The United full back was one of six players to make their first appearance for the club as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side fell to a 2-1 defeat against Astana in the Europa League.

Jesse Lingard opened the scoring for United early on with a brilliant strike, before a second-half double gave the hosts a surprise win in Group L.

United have already secured their passage to the knockout stages of the Europa League, and although the result was a disappointing one, Laird admits it is a game he will never forget.

"I was buzzing when I got told (I was playing)," Laird told MUTV.

"A disappointing result but we learn from this and come back better.

"When you have the likes of Jesse (Lingard) it always gives you confidence and I just got on with the game."

Laird's debut was confirmed by Solskjaer a day before the game when he was name-checked along with fellow youngsters Dylan Levitt and Di'Shon Bernard.

The 18-year-old impressed on his first start for the club, but it was a less memorable night for central defender Bernard who was unfortunate to put the ball into his own net to give Astana the win.

Speaking after the game Laird insisted the goal wouldn't affect his teammate and instead wanted to focus on the fact both had been given a chance by Solskjaer.

He added:"We learn from this. It's great that we got the opportunity."

Related: Manchester United