Two of Manchester United’s departing group have posted emotional farewell messages as they bid goodbye to their boyhood club.
Full-backs Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Demetri Mitchell are among the 10 players who officially left United yesterday after the club allowed their contracts to expire.
Angel Gomes was also in the group who have departed Old Trafford, with the club allowing played aged 19 or over to leave, while keeping hold of all 18-year-olds are younger for the time being – because of the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic.
As well as Gomes, Borthwick-Jackson and Mitchell, Dion McGhee, Ethan Hamilton, George Tanner, Aidan Barlow, Kieran O’Hara, Alex Fojticek and Largie Ramazani have all left.
Borthwick-Jackson, 22, made 14 first team appearances for the club under Louis van Gaal in the 2015/16 campaign but now leaves after loan spells at Wolves, Leeds, Scunthorpe, Oldham and Tranmere. The left-back had been with United since the age of five.
“After 17 years at the club, it’s time for me to leave Manchester United,” Borthwick-Jackson wrote on Instagram. “Growing up as a kid from Manchester, all I wanted to do was play for United.
“To make my debut for the club I grew up supporting was a dream come true and a day that will stay in my heart forever.
“I’ve had some great experiences, made some great friends and had the opportunity to play with/against some great players.
“To that, I owe a huge amount of gratitude to those members of the club who believed in me. Likewise, I’ve had many negative experiences which in turn have become lessons, especially in recent years. It’s revealed some truths in football most people won’t ever see (in due time).
“Lastly I’d like to say a big thank you to all the fans who have supported me and continue to do so. I appreciate you. I’m looking forward to a new chapter that awaits me, wherever it may be.”
Mitchell, who featured only once for the first team, simply posted a series of pictures from his United days alongside the message: “Thank you Manchester United family.”
McGhee’s exit was confirmed midway through June and both he and Ramazani had already posted their farewell messages.
Mc Ghee said: “Since the age of 6, all I’ve known is Manchester United.
“I’ve gone through the youth ranks and learned a lot within the academy. I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Manchester United Football Club, staff, players, coaches, managers and the fans who have helped and influenced me to become the player I am today.
“I’m excited at the new opportunities coming up and I’m ready for the next challenge. Thank you all! Once a red, always a red.”