“Thank you” – Manchester United player says farewell to fans after a tough four years
Manchester United said goodbye to one of their players while beating Brighton 3-0 on the last day of the Premier League season.
Michael Carrick’s first game as the permanent head coach ended with an easy win on the South Coast, and club captain Bruno Fernandes set a new record for most assists in the league.
United made some changes to the starting lineup. Casemiro wasn’t in the squad at all, as he had already played his final game for the club against Nottingham Forest.
Casemiro isn’t the only player leaving this summer. Defender Tyrell Malacia’s contract ends next month, and it’s confirmed he will leave as a free agent. Carrick gave him a rare chance to play again in the final minutes against Brighton.
Malacia made just his third appearance this season, and his 50th since joining United in July 2022. Despite injuries, he has been a respected figure in the team and got to wear the United shirt one last time.
It was a special moment from Carrick. After the game, Malacia thanked the fans and the club on social media for all their support during his tough four years.
He wrote, “Grateful for every moment, every challenge and every memory. Thank you to the fans, my teammates, the staff, and everyone at the club for the support throughout this journey. It’s been an honor to wear this shirt. Wishing the club all the best for the future.”
Casemiro and Malacia are the only confirmed players leaving so far. Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton is expected to sign a new one-year contract soon.
There will likely be a few more permanent transfers, with Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee also expected to leave.
Jadon Sancho will leave as a free agent after his loan at Aston Villa ends, as United probably won’t extend his contract.
Carrick’s team will also try to sort out Marcus Rashford’s future, as Barcelona, where he’s on loan, seem unlikely to buy him this summer.
United plans to extend Heaton’s contract before the transfer window, while goalkeeper Altay Bayindir might leave permanently, and they also hope to sell Andre Onana.