Real Sociedad de Futbol v Manchester United - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg
Manchester United endured a miserable season (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United announced the departure of three first-team players after the final game of the season.
Ruben Amorim’s side concluded a miserable campaign by beating Aston Villa 2-0 at Old Trafford.
Villa, who missed out on Champions League qualification, went down to ten men when Emiliano Martinez was sent off for bringing down Rasmus Hojlund as he raced through on goal.
The hosts made their numerical advantage count in the second half, sealing a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen.
Immediately after the victory, Manchester United confirmed Eriksen as one of three first-team players who would be leaving the club this summer along with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.
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Eriksen, 33, made 107 appearances for the Red Devils since joining on a free transfer in 2022.
Evans returned to Old Trafford for a second spell in 2023 and played over 200 games for the club across his two stints in Manchester.
Manchester United FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League
Christian Eriksen bids farewell to Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)
Lindelof, meanwhile, departs as one of Manchester United’s longest-serving players, having arrived at the club back in 2017.
‘Manchester United have confirmed that Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Christian Eriksen will leave the club at the end of the season,’ a statement read.
‘The departure of the experienced trio was confirmed following United’s final game of the season on Sunday, as we beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Old Trafford, with Eriksen scoring the second goal from the penalty spot.
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-ASTON VILLA
Victor Lindelof has been at Old Trafford for almost a decade (Picture: Getty)
‘Lindelof, who made the most appearances for the club out of the three, has represented United 284 times, since his arrival from Benfica in the summer of 2017, and won Emirates FA Cup and League Cup winners’ medals during his time here, lifting both trophies in the preceding two campaigns.
‘Evans has served United with distinction for more than a decade as a senior player, across two spells at the club.
‘While Eriksen’s spell at Old Trafford has lasted only three years by comparison, the Dane’s impact has been strongly felt in M16 during that time.
Manchester United FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier League
Jonny Evans has had two spells at the Premier League giants (Picture: Getty)
‘Everybody at United thanks Victor, Jonny and Christian for their contributions during their time at Old Trafford, and wishes them the best of luck for the future.’
Manchester United’s victory over Aston Villa came as a surprise not only because of the club’s dismal Premier League form but following a deflating Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
Addressing the United fans at Old Trafford after the Premier League finale, Amorim said: ‘First of all, I want to apologise for this season. I know you are really disappointed with me and the team.
FBL-ENG-PR-MAN UTD-ASTON VILLA
Manchester United beat Aston Villa on the final day (Picture: Getty)
‘Secondly, I want to say thank you. We are very grateful for your support this season and I know it was really hard to support us in many games.
‘But now we have to make a choice. Do we stick in the past? Because this season is in the past. It’s over. We could fight each other or we stick together and move forward.
‘Six months ago, after my first three games in charge, we had two victories and one draw and I told you a storm is coming. But today, after this disastrous season, I want to tell you the good days are coming.
‘If there is one club in the world that have proved in the past that they can overcome any situation and any disaster, it’s our club. It’s Manchester United Football Club.
‘Now I want to say sorry also to my players. Sometimes I was not fair but I’ve tried always to be honest with you guys.
‘Thank you very much and see you next season.’
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