Manchester United are preparing to say goodbye to history-making Newcastle-born Nigerian attacking midfielder Shola Shoretire.
When Shoretire replaced Mason Greenwood in the 76th minute of a Europa League clash against Real Sociedad on February 25, 2021, he set a new record as the club’s youngest ever player in a European match, at the age of 17 years and 23 days.
He also set a club record when he replaced Marcus Rashford on 89 minutes for his Premier League debut on February 21, 2021, sporting no.74 at the back of his jersey – the highest squad number ever won by a Manchester United player in a competitive men’s first-team fixture.
Shoretire’s contract with the Red Devils expires today, June 30, and he has been offered fresh terms to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
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According to Manchester Evening News, Shoretire is among nine Manchester United players leaving the club today, the others being Anthony Martial, Raphael Varane, Brandon Williams, Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, Charlie McNeill, Kie Plumley and Marcus Lawrence.
Arguably the standout performer in Manchester United’s development squad, he won the Premier League 2 Goal of the Season for his brilliant effort against Chelsea at Kingsmeadow in January.
Shoretire has not made a single appearance for Manchester United’s first team since the appointment of Erik ten Hag as coach, although he received call-ups for Carabao Cup, Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League matches.
The 20-year-old has been on the books of Manchester United for more than a decade and joined the club after stops at Whitley Bay Boys Club, Newcastle City Juniors, Wallsend Boys Club, Hebburn Town and Cramlington Juniors.