Departing duo post their thanks
Departing Manchester United players Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba have both used their social media accounts to thank fans and club staff for their support throughout their Old Trafford careers.
Both midfielders came through the United Academy - featuring together in the 2011 FA Youth Cup-winning side - and helped the club to win several major trophies. Lingard scored in both the 2016 FA Cup and 2017 EFL Cup finals and Pogba in the 2017 UEFA Europa League final against Ajax.
Lingard’s exit brings to an end a 20-year association with the club, having first joined United as an Under-9 in 2001. Following various loan spells in the Championship, the England international made his first-team debut in 2014 and became a regular presence in the side the following year.
Born and bred a red. Over the last few weeks, I've been emotional about leaving a club that is family. After 22 years I’ve had so many special memories and moments that I will cherish forever. @ManUtd will always remain in my heart. A massive thank you. Lots of love Jlingz ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PJyglJBsNk
— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) June 1, 2022
Aged 29, Lingard leaves United with 232 club appearances. It has been an incredible journey and one that he reflected on poignantly in an Instagram post on Wednesday evening, which you can read in full below.
“Born and bred a red.
"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.”
Pogba joined United’s Academy from Le Havre aged 16 and made his first-team debut, after impressing in the Under-18s and Reserves side, under Sir Alex Ferguson.
He left for Juventus in 2012 and enjoyed great success in Turin with four consecutive titles before his United return in 2016.
On Twitter, he shared this message with United fans:
“I feel privileged to have played for this club. Many beautiful moments and memories but most importantly an unconditional support from the fans. Thank you @ManUtd.”
I feel privileged to have played for this club. Many beautiful moments and memories but most importantly an unconditional support from the fans. Thank you @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/YLT3lUHOmT
— Paul Pogba (@paulpogba) June 1, 2022