Former Manchester United duo Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard are all smiles in the wake of their respective Red Devils exits according to the French midfielder's Twitter profile.
The World Cup winner took to social media to upload a picture of him in a car alongside his ex-Old Trafford teammate Lingard with the caption: "My Bro," followed by the heart, handshake and prayer emojis. Both players appear happy, with Pogba grinning as they now begin to prepare for the next chapter of their careers.
United released two statements on Wednesday confirming the exits of both players, with the one for Pogba particularly eye-opening. It read: "Pogba's final season at the club started off in hugely promising fashion, with an astonishing four assists in our opening-day thrashing of Leeds United, but more injury problems would ultimately derail his ambitions.
"It was a low-key end to a United career that had brought so many individual high moments, so many beautiful goals, assists and pieces of skill. But for a boy that joined the Academy at 16 to make over 200 United appearances and lift the Youth Cup, along with two major pieces of silverware – not to mention the World Cup at international level – is something that should be applauded and celebrated."
Pogba's second spell at United is widely viewed by many as one that had some fleeting moments of brilliance, but for the most part underwhelming. United's own statement seems to suggest they share a similar view by highlighting his individuality.
The Red Devils broke their own record transfer fee of £89million to bring the Frenchman back to Old Trafford to try and win the biggest honours - yet he leaves with just a Europa League and Carabao Cup to show for his efforts.
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It hardly seems to be a source of regret for the man in question, who kept his own goodbye relatively short and sweet. "I feel privileged to have played for this club," he wrote on Twitter. "Many beautiful moments and memories but most importantly an unconditional support from the fans. Thank you Man Utd."
Lingard's farewell was notably more heartfelt, as he took to Instagram to say: "Over the last few weeks I've been emotional leaving a club that is family. After 22 years I've had so many special memories and moments that I will cherish forever.
"I'm a red through and through and Manchester United will always remain in my heart. Thank you to the players I've played with over the years I've made friends for life and we’ve had a lot of fun along the way.
"I want to say a big thank you to the coaches that I have worked under from the age of 9 to present. Each coach has helped me in many different ways and I appreciate the way each coach believed in me and taught me something different.
"A massive thank you to all the staff behind the scenes from dinner ladies to the cleaners to the kitmen because everyone has played a role in where I am today. It’s been emotional but to end on a high which has been your favourite celebration? Lots of love jlingz."
Both players had plenty of potential suitors tracking their situations once it became abundantly clear they were leaving Old Trafford once and for all. A return to Juventus appears to be the most likely destination for Pogba, who had also attracted interest from Real Madrid and, controversially, Manchester City.
Lingard could see his first permanent move away from Old Trafford come in the form of a return to the London Stadium, where he spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan with West Ham. With that being said, both Newcastle and Everton are rumoured to also harbour an interest in the England international.
