Man United star breaks his silence with emotional social media message after being released... with the academy graduate waving farewell following 17 years at the club

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A Manchester United star has bid an emotional farewell to fans after the club confirmed his release.

Despite a disappointing finish in the Premier League, Erik ten Hag's side recovered to secure European football by defeating arch-rivals Man City in the FA Cup final last month.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first summer window fast approaching a number of changes to the playing squad are expected to be made, and the club announced earlier this week that seven players are set to leave when their contracts expire.

One of those not to be offered a new deal at Old Trafford was 23-year-old full-back Brandon Williams, who joined the club as a youth product after growing up locally.

Now, in a 141-word statement posted on his Instagram account, Williams paid tribute to the staff and fans for their support in his near two-decade stint at the club.

Brandon Williams bid an emotional goodbye to Manchester United supporters after the club announced he was one of seven players who were released after the 2023-24 campaign

The 23-year-old academy graduate insisted that he hoped he would never have to leave United

Williams took to social media to pen the emotional message to Red Devils supporters

'I always hoped I would have never had to make this post but here we are.' Williams wrote.

'Since the age of 7 this Manchester United football club has been part of my life from the cliff to Carrington day in day out.

'But to have been able to make brothers which will last a lifetime I want to thank my teammates, especially the ones i've shared the past 17 years with. 

'Thank you to the staff the kitmen, maintenance workers, security, and physios ! could go on and on you were all amazing and of course the coaches. 

'Then most importantly THANKYOU to you fans the backbone of the club the reason we work so hard for to be able to perform at the highest level because you all deserve it. 

'Watch this space! OVERANDOUT ONCE A RED ALWAYS A RED.'

United's official account commented on the post: 'It’s been a privilege watching you grow from a boy to man, Brandon. 

'We’ll be following your next steps with a close eye and be behind you every step of the way. Once a Red, always a Red' 

After becoming an England youth international during his time at United's academy, Williams made his senior debut for United in 2019 during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's reign at the club.

Williams spent last season on loan at Ipswich, making 15 Championship appearances as the Tractor Boys secured automatic promotion 

He made 36 appearances across all competitions during his maiden campaign and netted his first goal for the club in a 2-2 draw with Sheffield United.

Since then, the star who, reportedly earns £65,000-a-week at Old Trafford, increasingly found himself on the fringes and spent the 2021-22 season on loan at Norwich.

After joining Ipswich on loan in August, Williams made eight Championship starts before the new year until an injury saw him return to United for treatment as the Tractor Boys secured automatic promotion.