Ethan Galbraith’s six-year stint with Manchester United will come to an end when his contract with the club expires next month. The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international made just one first team appearance for the Red Devils, coming off the bench in a Europa League match against Astana in 2019. He was well thought of at United, and internationally, with former Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough describing Galbraith as ‘our little Iniesta or Xavi’. Galbraith had spent last season on loan at Doncaster Rovers and this campaign on a short-term deal with Salford City in League Two, but will not return to Manchester United over the summer.
Galbraith confirmed his departure from Manchester United with an emotional statement on social media, thanking the club, coaching staff and players for helping him become a better player and person. He wrote: ‘After six years, my time has come to an end with this magnificent club Manchester United. I want to thank the club , coaching staff and players for helping me become a better player, a better person and for making me feel at home. My earliest ambition as a boy was to become a professional footballer and I’m forever grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity and support to fulfil that dream. It’s been a privilege and I feel very fortunate to have been able to represent the club. I step into the next chapter of my career a more mature well rounded person and I’m excited for what’s next.’
Galbraith signed his last deal at Manchester United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and it is likely that a team higher up the pyramid will take a punt on him on a free transfer at the end of the season. For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.