Ethan Galbraith can't help but smile as he remembers the dramatic dying seconds of his team's stunning fightback win against Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup. That match wrapped up with Galbraith briefly donning a fan's glasses after the pitch-side pile-on.
With the clock ticking into the 97th minute, Galbraith cracked the upright with a long-range shot from distance, and his teammate quickly hammered in the rebound before sprinting toward the East Stand to celebrate, with fans swarming the players.
Stunning Reversal
The victory capped an incredible recovery given Swansea had been behind 2-0 deep into the second half. Amid the delirium, there was some minor mishaps. Galbraith explained, "There was a fan sort of calling out and myself and Keysy [Josh Key] were wondering: 'What's he on about here?' Then we noticed the glasses. It was a funny incident putting them on. We are on the pitch as footballers but we're people, too, so to have a laugh with the fans is always good."
Pep Guardiola Test
The result booked a next round game at home against Pep Guardiola's side on Wednesday, opponents Galbraith came close against at the equivalent round of the FA Cup with the London side in February. He had arguably the best view when the underdogs took the lead in spectacular fashion, with a teammate's volley from about 45 yards going in via the woodwork and the opposition keeper. It seems unfair that it was recorded as an own goal.
"You would have wished they would've awarded it to him for having a go from that far out," says Galbraith, who played in the middle before shifting to right flank after they changed tactics. That meant facing off against the England international, with whom he exchanged jerseys, and the attacker was among the Manchester squad who complimented the way the underdogs attacked the game.
Guardiola's System
"Fitness-wise they are outstanding but even the simple things and basic skills, they can just execute repeatedly," he explains. "It seems as if they never miss a pass and they are adept at dictate and neutralize a game. You can feel you're doing well and then suddenly they will just thread a ball through a line without you even noticing. You have to be switched on at all times of the game. It takes a resilient mindset and attention just to keep pace."
Swansea Move
The Welsh side sought to acquire Galbraith in January and beat off competition to secure him in the summer in a £1.5m deal. He established himself as a fans' favourite across multiple campaigns at his former club and has quickly done the same in south Wales. At Orient he linked up again with his former manager, who four years ago gave Galbraith his debut prolonged spell in senior football on loan at his loan club from United. Then came a spell at League Two the Manchester club, before he moved on from his boyhood club.
Development Path
"I was perhaps a bit naive going into men's football. I think a lot of players would say development squad matches is very different. Sometimes it seems the ball is moved without serious challenge. There's not many physical contests. Once you start playing professional matches you have to learn quickly."
Country Call-ups
He has shown that growth for his team and nation, performing well for the Green and White Army, who remain in contention for the international competition next summer via the playoffs and for whom he has started the recent fixtures, including home and away fixtures against a football powerhouse. The ex-coach, Galbraith's previous international manager, paid him the ultimate compliment, saying he was Northern Ireland's "midfield general" given how he controls possession and his ability to spot a game-changing assist.
Early Days
This marks quite the ride for the youngster from the local area in the Belfast suburb, just outside Northern Ireland's main city, who was raised observing his father, the elder Galbraith, also a central player, play for a local club.
Red Devils Debut
Galbraith's single match for United came in Kazakhstan in 2019, a European competition trip to Astana, where they played on an synthetic surface and the arena covering was sealed owing to the weather of bitter cold. "It was a lengthy journey and it was chilly," he comments, smiling. "The week before, several youth players and I practiced as a group, so that helped us acclimatise. Just to accompany the senior squad and make an appearance at the end was unbelievable."
Leaving United
What was the challenge was it to move on from Old Trafford, the club he joined from Linfield aged 16? "The decision proved quite easy, because I got to the stage where I realized I wasn't going to make it at the top level. I'm very appreciative for the experience gained but it reached a stage where I believed I required a fresh start, drop down the leagues and play first-team games. Now I'm steadily working my way back up."
Welsh Adaptation
This occurs during mid-afternoon at the team's practice facility but Galbraith has somewhere to be at 5pm: a road rules assessment, another progress toward getting on the road. Before his recent move to Sketty, the mid-twenties player was a constant rider in Swansea's so-called player transport, a team vehicle driven by academy staff, Pete and Howard, which ferries players to and from sessions and fixtures.
"I travel with Gonçalo Franco, the Brazilian, the midfielder – a former passenger used to be in it but has begun using his own car. It's nice to spend time with the guys but I'm planning to be the next one to drive independently and behind the wheel. Franco likes to pull a few pranks; he's always up to all sorts."
Supporter Connections
When he represented Leyton Orient, Galbraith would mix with followers on the Tube after beginning his trip at Brentwood. "I tried|I attempted|My aim
