Ethan Galbraith confirmed his Manchester United exit on Tuesday as he reflected on the "dream" chance to play for the club.
Galbraith spent six years on United's books after joining them from Linfield back in the summer of 2017.
The midfielder was just 16 years old when he signed an initial three-year deal with United, penning his pre-contract in front of legends Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt.
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Galbraith - who has spent this season on loan with Salford City - said on Facebook: "All good things come to an end , last 6 years been some of the best moments / experiences i coulda only dreamed of. Time for the next chapter."
He added on Instagram: "After 6 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 fulfill that dream. It’s been a privilege & I feel very fortunate to have been able to represent the club.
"I step into the next chapter of my career a more mature well rounded person and I’m excited for what's next..."
Galbraith joined United in 2017 after impressing in two trials after being spotted by United scout Tony Coulter playing for Linfield Under 16s.
Speaking at the time, he said: "It is massive, and I am buzzing for it. I am over the moon," the excited teenager said.
"I signed my pre-contract with Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs back in January. It was unbelievable meeting them.
"I went over to watch United play Liverpool at Old Trafford. Then I went into a wee room to sign the contract, and when I saw Giggs and Butt, it was mental.
Ethan is captain of Northern Ireland Under 17s
"They told me how much work I would have to put in. They told me how much I need to work, and this is just the start of it.
"It is a challenge, but I can't wait for it."
It is understood Galbraith is one of five players being released by Manchester United this summer. The others being goalkeeper Ondrej Mastny - who was on loan with Portadown - Axel Tuanzebe, Phil Jones and Charlie Wellens
The 22-year-old - who scored four goals in 38 appearances across all competitions for Salford - is attracting interest from Newcastle United and a number of clubs in the EFL.
Championship pair Stoke City and Sunderland are two clubs monitoring the Northern Ireland international's situation, alongside League One outfit Derby County.
Galbraith was tipped for big things when he joined Manchester United from Linfield in the summer of 2017. He has made just one senior appearance for the Red Devils, back in 2019 as a late substitute in a Europa League game against Astana.
During his time at Old Trafford Galbraith has had two loan spells. Last season he was with League One side Doncaster Rovers.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Mastny joined Portadown on loan back in January and enjoyed his spell at Shamrock Park, despite the club's relegation from the Irish Premiership.
He played nine league games for Niall Currie's side, including one display in the post-split games, that coming against Glenavon on the final day of the season.
The Czech Republic youngster recently told the Manchester Evening News: "I am really enjoying it. When I came here it was 'you come from Man United, wow'. I don't really realise how big it is now but I couldn't quite believe it for a year or two, it was just surreal.
"Now I am more used to it. I trained with the first team this pre-season and then for the first two weeks before I got injured. After a few training sessions you take it as your teammates. You are always training, we always talk.
"But it is special, not everyone gets the chance to do it."
He added: "After injuries and all the hard times I have had to overcome my main goal is to play as much as possible. I am not thinking too much into the future, with football it is hard to do. I just want to play as much as possible."
It is understood United will also release Axel Tuanzebe, Phil Jones and Charlie Wellens this summer.
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