Manchester United midfielder confirms he will leave club this summer

Midfielder Ethan Galbraith has announced his departure from Manchester United.

The Northern Ireland international, who has spent this season on loan at nearby League Two side Salford City, will officially leave the club when his contract expires at the end of next month. The Manchester Evening News revealed on Monday that the youngster is one of five players who are set to be released at the end of this season.

Galbraith, 22, joined United's academy from Linfield in 2017 and he signed his first professional contract with the club the following year. He made his senior debut for the Reds in November 2019, stepping off the bench as a late substitute in a 2-1 Europa League defeat to FC Astana.

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That marked his one and only appearance at senior level for United and he has spent each of the last two seasons out on loan, spending the 2021/22 campaign with Doncaster Rovers in League One and this season with Salford. He has made a total of 38 appearances for the Ammies this season, scoring four goals.

Announcing his departure from Old Trafford in an emotional Instagram post, the youngster said: "After six 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.

"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 fulfil that dream. It's been a privilege and I feel very fortune to have been able to represent the club.

"I step into the next chapter of my career a more mature, round-rounded person and I'm excited