Jadon Sancho releases six-word statement as Man Utd transfer confirmed

Jadon Sancho was among the Manchester United players to send messages of support to Aaron Wan-Bissaka after his departure from the club was confirmed.

Wan-Bissaka has ended his five-year stay at United by joining West Ham in a £15million transfer. The right-back leaves after making 190 appearances for the club since his £50m move from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2019.

His exit will help pave the way for the arrivals of Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich in the coming days. Wan-Bissaka’s departure had been pending for some time, with the 26-year-old having lost his first-team place to Diogo Dalot, but he was clearly a popular member of Erik ten Hag’s squad.

“To everyone associated with Manchester United, thank you. You’ve helped me fulfil so many dreams of mine & I leave the club with memories to last me a lifetime,” Wan-Bissaka wrote on Instagram. “I’m so grateful for the love, help and support I’ve had from players & staff during the last 5 years and wish you all nothing but the best.

“Thank you to the fans, you’ve stuck by us throughout the ups and downs. Appreciate you. Thank you so much, Reds.”

His post attracted thousands of replies, many of which came from his former team-mates at United. Sancho articulated the feelings of the squad Wan-Bissaka has left behind by writing: “My family! All the best brother!” Marcus Rashford added: “Good luck my bro”.

Scott McTominay, Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Amad Diallo and Mason Mount were among the current United players to wish him good luck, while former United players David de Gea, Donny van de Beek, Eric Bailly, Wilfried Zaha, Brandon Williams, Odion Ighalo, Anthony Elanga and Hannibal Mejbri also replied.

Mazraoui is joining United as part of a £51.5m double transfer with De Ligt from Bayern and will take Wan-Bissaka’s place at right-back. Wan-Bissaka knew his place was under threat and leaves with a sizable payout, with United footing the bill for his remaining wages as West Ham were unwilling to match his £90,000-a-week earnings.

"It was a no brainer for me to join West Ham – I’m excited and happy to be hare,” Wan-Bissaka said. “It’s an amazing feeling to be back in London, and I’m excited for what’s coming. I was born here, so I know the ins and outs of London, which plays a big part in my life, so to be back playing in this city means a lot to me.

"I’m happy to be here, am grateful for the warm welcome, and I am excited to be playing for the club and will give it my all. I can’t wait to get on the pitch, get to know the players, and push on from there.”