Ethan Galbraith, a midfielder for Northern Ireland, announced his departure from Manchester United after six years, but feels he has grown as a "more mature and well-rounded player" because of his time there.
In an emotional statement on social media, the 22-year-old has announced that he would be leaving Old Trafford and joining another team for the upcoming season.
The Glengormley player, who joined United as a 16-year-old on a one-year academy agreement in 2017 and later switched to a professional deal the following season, played just one game for the Red Devils, coming on as a substitute in a Europa League match against Astana in November 2019, while Ole Solskjaer was manager at Manchester United.
Instead, the ex-Ballyclare Comrades, Glentoran, Crusaders, and Linfield player spent the majority of his time on loan; he played for Doncaster Rovers for a season before making 38 appearances and scoring four goals for League Two club Salford City this season.
After excelling for Northern Ireland's Under-21 team, Galbraith was called up for the first time by Michael O'Neill and made his debut against Luxembourg in September 2019. Since then, he has played in two senior international matches for Northern Ireland.
Galbraith praised the team for their support in enabling him to realize his dream of being a professional player and said that he will now aim to continue his club career outside of United.
"After 6 years, my time has come to an end with this magnificent club @manchesterunited. I want to thank the club, coaching staff & players for helping me become a better player, a better person and for making me feel at home," he wrote on Instagram.
"My earliest ambition as a boy was to become a professional footballer and I'm forever grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity and support to fulfill that dream. It’s been a privilege & I feel very fortunate to have been able to represent the club.
"I step into the next chapter of my career a more mature well rounded person and I’m excited for what's next..."
In other news, As he is ready to depart Manchester United this summer, Phil Jones has declined the offer of a testimonial.
The 31-year-old, who has had a difficult few years at Old Trafford, appears destined to leave this summer when his contract expires.
Jones is entitled to a testimonial to recognize his devotion to the team after playing for them for more than ten years, but that won't be happening, according to The Athletic.
According to reports, the footballer is aware of his "flagging popularity" at Old Trafford and frequently makes the joke, "Apart from my mum and dad, who else would turn up?" when questioned.
Jones joined the team in 2011 as one of the brightest new talents in English football, but injuries set in after a promising beginning.
Jones has started just two games in the past three years due to a persistent knee issue. Since May 2022, when he was last seen with the senior squad, the defender hasn't even been able to practice with Man United's first team.
Jones has made only 16 starts since Jose Mourinho renewed his contract with him in 2019. Five of those saw him substituted at halftime. The former Blackburn defensive mid fielder is one of five Man United players who, according to The Manchester Evening News, appear destined for release this summer.
Defender Axel Tuanzebe, midfielder Ethan Galbraith from Northern Ireland, goalie Ondrej Mastny from the academy, and midfielder Charlie Wellens from the academy are all on their way out.
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