Man Utd star announces emotional exit as Mason Greenwood makes feelings clear

Shola Shoretire has bid an emotional farewell to Manchester United after completing a left-field transfer to Greek side PAOK on Tuesday evening. Mason Greenwood was among the past and present United players to pay tribute to Shoretire on social media after he made his departure official.

The 20-year-old attacker, who has spent the last nine years in the club’s academy, departed as a free agent earlier this summer after his contract expired.

He has joined PAOK, the reigning Greek Super League champions, and posted an open letter to United on Instagram to confirm he moved on.

“I joined Manchester United as an 11 year old boy with a dream of one day playing in the first team,” Shoretire wrote to complement a ‘thank you’ graphic.

“I feel extremely proud to be able to say I have achieved that dream. To make it even more special, I was given the opportunity to represent this club in the premier league and in Europe.

“I’ll forever be grateful to the many players, staff members and supporters who have played a massive part in my journey to this point.

“From the first day I arrived at the cliff training ground I have felt at home and part of the MUFC family.

It’s been a tough decision for me to leave somewhere that’s been all I’ve known for half of my life but I believe this is the right step for me.

“Once a red… Thank you @manchesterunited!”

Greenwood commented on his close friend and former teammate’s Instagram post with a clapping emoji after the duo were spotted training together earlier in pre-season.

Former United stars Willy Kambwala, Charlie McNeill and Teden Mengi were among the others showing love, as well as current duo Kobbie Mainoo and Joe Hugill.

Shoretire made five senior appearances for United after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer handed him his debut against Newcastle United in February 2021.

He then appeared in the Europa League a few days later, aged 17 years and 23 days old, making him the youngest player to appear for the club in European competition.

The Newcastle-born star struggled to push on from there, though, and he spent the second half of the 2022/23 season on loan at Bolton Wanderers, registering one goal and two assists.

Shoretire remained at United last season rather than leaving on another loan, despite interest from overseas and the Championship.

He enjoyed a strong season for the U21s, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in 12 appearances, often captaining the side.

United remained hopeful he would sign a new deal, but it didn’t come to fruition, and he will now continue his promising career elsewhere.