Developments in the "Red Devils" squad, Manchester United: Brazilian international midfielder Casemiro was the first to announce his departure and already played his final match at Old Trafford in the home game that saw a 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest last night, amid a warm atmosphere surrounded by Manchester United fans.
On the same day, Manchester United held a small farewell ceremony and presented a souvenir to Dutch left-back Tyrell Malacia, who has been sidelined due to injury and will see his contract expire after this season. This will be his final chapter at the Theatre of Dreams, as United officially announced on their website that Malacia will leave the team at the end of the season.
Next is Danish international striker Rasmus Højlund, who was loaned to Napoli and is now set for a permanent move after Napoli secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League. This was one of the conditions agreed upon with United, with the transfer fee set at £38 million.
Højlund posted on Instagram, “We (Napoli) have qualified for the Champions League, which means that under the contract, I am officially a Napoli player. I am now saying goodbye to Manchester United.”
“It feels strange because over the past year I have already felt like a Napoli player. The support from the fans made me feel at home and restored my confidence. I am truly grateful.”
“Saying goodbye to Manchester United is also emotional. My childhood dream came true when I played at Old Trafford in the red jersey.”
“So today's door symbolizes a confident new beginning. I will give my all to Napoli and thank the fans, players, and staff of Manchester United who made my childhood dream come true. It's time for a new dream. Let's chase it together.”
Meanwhile, three other prominent players loaned out — André Onana (Trabzonspor), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), and Jadon Sancho (Aston Villa) — are still awaiting clarity on whether they will stay or leave.