Manchester United record-breaking academy star to leave club despite contract offer

Shola Shoretire looks set to depart Manchester United as a free agent despite being offered a new contract by the club.

The 20-year-old has been locked in transfer talks with the club across the second-half of the season as he considers what to do next in his professional career. ManchesterWorld understand while United are still hoping a late agreement can be reached, there is a growing expectation he will leave for free once his contract expires at the end of the week.

United still believe they are well-placed to facilitate Shoretire's development with pre-season exposure and a possible loan exit next season, while the player is exploring all of his options and the opportunity for a fresh start after 11 years at the club.

United have been in contract talks with Shoretire for a number of months and they were only prepared to let him leave on loan in the January window had he signed a new deal.

Shoretire made his senior debut at the age of just 17 and holds the record as the youngest player to represent United in European competition. He was given his first-team debut by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer against Newcastle in February 2021 and four days after that game, he was handed another appearance from the bench against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

United scrapped plans to send Shoretire out on loan in the final days of the summer transfer window in 2022 after Erik ten Hag indicated he wanted to oversee his development. He spent six months on loan with League One side Bolton last season, making 16 appearances.

Shoretire was named the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year for the 2020/21 season.