Manchester United send perfect message after Brandon Williams statement

Manchester United's Brandon Williams has bid a heartfelt farewell to the club as his 17-year tenure at Old Trafford comes to an end.

Having joined the Red Devils at the age of nine, Williams has now reached the conclusion of his four-year deal signed back in 2020. The defender made a notable impact with 51 appearances for United's senior squad, having emerged under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's wing in 2019, and even netted a goal in the Premier League.

Last season saw the 23-year-old on loan at Ipswich Town, where he added two goals to his tally over 17 games. With Manchester United officially announcing his release, Williams is now in search of a new footballing home.

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The club expressed its gratitude towards the academy product with a touching statement: "Brandon Williams is to leave Manchester United at the end of the contract, with best wishes from everybody at the club. Brandon will always be welcome back at the club, through our Academy's successful Alumni programme, and we would like to wish him the very best of luck for the future."

Williams has taken to Instagram to share a touching message of thanks and affection for Manchester United as he parts ways with the club that has been his home since he was seven years old. In a poignant post featuring a video montage set to Adele's 'Hometown Glory', the young defender expressed his feelings.

"I always hoped I would have never had to make this post but here we are," he said. "Since the age of 7 this Manchester United football club has been part of my life from the cliff to Carrington day in day out.

"But to have been able to make brothers which will last a lifetime I want to thank my teammates, especially the ones I’ve shared the past 17 years with. Thank you to the staff the kitmen, maintenance workers, security, and physios I could go on and on you were all amazing and of course the coaches.

"Then most importantly THANKYOU to you fans the backbone of the club the reason we work so hard for to be able to perform at the highest level because you all deserve it. Watch this space! OVER AND OUT ONCE A RED ALWAYS A RED."

Commenting below Williams' post, the club said: "It’s been a privilege watching you grow from a boy to man, Brandon. We’ll be following your next steps with a close eye and be behind you every step of the way. Once a Red, always a Red," followed by a red love heart emoji.

United have confirmed the departures of several players, including Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane, as part of their official retained list. Martial, who netted 90 goals in 317 appearances during his nine-year tenure at Old Trafford, and Varane, who was with the Red Devils for three seasons, will both be moving on following the expiration of their contracts.

The club also disclosed that discussions are ongoing with Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton about potential new contracts, while young player Omari Forson has been formally offered a new contract. In addition, Charlie McNeil is set to leave in pursuit of 'new opportunities elsewhere', and Marcus Lawrence, Kie Plumley, and Under-21 player-coach Tom Huddlestone will also be exiting the club.