Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard to leave Manchester United when contracts expire in summer
Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard will leave Manchester United for free when their contracts expire at the end of June, the Premier League club have announced.
Academy graduate Pogba left Old Trafford as a free agent in 2012 to join Juventus and returned for a record-breaking £89million four years later.
The French international has had a topsy-turvy time during his second spell with United, failing to cement a regular place in the United starting line-up.
United said in the statement confirming his departure: “Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Paul on his successful career, and thank him for his contributions to Manchester United.
“We wish him all the best for the next steps on a remarkable journey.”
Pogba scored 39 goals in 233 first-team appearances for United, who he first joined from French club Le Havre in 2009.
A key part of the triumphant FA Youth Cup side of 2011, the midfielder joined Juve the following year and enjoyed a medal-laden time in Turin.
Pogba returned to Old Trafford in 2016 but struggled to live up to the billing, with EFL Cup and Europa League triumphs in his first campaign back at United proving to be his only silverware.
The 29-year-old – a World Cup winner with France in 2018 – is now leaving United on a free transfer for the second occasion, with a return to Juve potentially on the cards.
Paris St Germain, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester City are other clubs to have been linked with him in recent months.
Pogba later posted a farewell video on social media and a caption thanking United.
“I feel privileged to have played for this club,” he said.
“Many beautiful moments and memories but most importantly an unconditional support from the fans. Thank you Manchester United!”
Lingard, like Pogba, leaves after failing to force his way into the plans of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
The 29-year-old rose through the ranks and scored 35 goals in 232 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring in the 2016 FA Cup, 2016 Community Shield & 2017 EFL Cup wins.
England international Lingard has been frustrated by a lack of playing time and saw a January exit blocked. He enjoyed a successful loan spell at West Ham, scoring nine goals in 16 appearances last year.
"Manchester United can confirm that Jesse Lingard will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of June," the club said in another lengthy post.
"We'd like to take this opportunity to thank Jesse for all of the memories he's helped create during his two decades here and wish him the best of luck in his future career."
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