I was scared of Wayne Rooney as a Man Utd youngster… now I’m playing under him at Birmingham

6 months ago 44

BIRMINGHAM CITY full-back Ethan Laird has recalled the “scary” time he crossed paths with Wayne Rooney in Manchester United training.

Laird, 22, joined United’s academy at the age of 10 and quickly caught the attention of several club coaches.

Ethan Laird came through Man Utd’s academy before making two senior appearances[/caption]

The full-back now plays for Birmingham under the management of Rooney[/caption]

Just five years after arriving at the club he was promoted to train with the first team where he met Rooney.

The full-back recently admitted that the England legend’s elite mentality struck fear into him and his team-mates.

However, he is yet to reveal that to his new manager.

Laird said: “I haven’t actually told Wayne this! When I was really young, a couple of us trained up.

“I must have been about 15 or 16. We went to the first team and saw all these stars.

“Wazza was there and you could see from the off his mentality, the tackles he put in, he worked hard.

“It was almost scary for us as young kids: this is the level.

“You see it in the way he is as a manager with us now and he wants that.”

Laird joined Birmingham from Man Utd in June following several Championship loan spells.

However, the former Man Utd star has lost three of his first four games in charge and is yet to register a win.

Wayne Rooney was appointed as Birmingham manager last month[/caption]