Man Utd's "best young player" leaves despite being fast-tracked into first team
Ethan Galbraith, who was once described as Manchester United's "best young player", will leave Old Trafford this summer.
The Northern Ireland international's contract expires in June, and he will not offered a new deal. He made his senior debut for United in November 2019 but hasn't played in the first team since, spending the last two seasons on loan at Doncaster and Salford.
Galbraith, 22, has paid tribute to United in an emotional social media post and insists he's "excited for what's next" in his blossoming career. A number of English Football League (EFL) clubs will be considering a move for the talent after his loan spells.
Galbraith confirmed his Old Trafford departure on Tuesday. The midfielder wrote: "After six years, my time has come to an end with this magnificent club, Manchester United. I want to thank the club, coaching staff and 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 honoured to have been able to represent the club.
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"I step into the next chapter of my career a more mature, well rounded person and I'm excited for what's next."
The 22-year-old midfielder spent this season on loan at Salford (Getty Images)What do you make of Ethan Galbraith's Manchester United exit? Let us know in the comments below!
Galbraith joined United's academy from Linfield in 2017 and quickly graduated to the first team. A source even told the Manchester Evening News in August 2020, "He's the best young player outside the core first-team group at the club."
Galbraith's one and only United outing came against Astana in the Europa League, as he failed to earn another run out. He was on the receiving end of a telling off from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after a friendly against Aston Villa in September 2020.
Solskjaer, who was United's manager at the time, said: "Galbraith... I spoke to him after the game and he knows a couple of times he gets caught on the ball but that's the learning he needs. That's going to make him, next time he's on the pitch, be ready for it."
Galbraith was sent on loan to Doncaster for the 2021-22 campaign and did well, making 36 appearances in all competitions as the team suffered relegation to League Two. He's played 38 games for Salford so far this season, with their campaign still ongoing.
Salford, who are co-owned by Gary Neville and other former United players, are currently competing in the League Two play-offs. Galbraith was not in the squad for the first leg of their semi-final against Stockport, which finished 1-0 to Salford.
As reported by Manchester World, Newcastle, Stoke, Sunderland and Derby are all interested in signing Galbraith on a free transfer. If the Magpies agree a deal with the player, they are likely to loan him out to a club in the EFL.
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