Manchester United announced the departure of three first-team players after the final game of the season.
Ruben Amorim’s side concluded a miserable campaign by beating Aston Villa 2-0 at Old Trafford.
Villa, who missed out on Champions League qualification, went down to ten men when Emiliano Martinez was sent off for bringing down Rasmus Hojlund as he raced through on goal.
The hosts made their numerical advantage count in the second half, sealing a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen.
Immediately after the victory, Manchester United confirmed Eriksen as one of three first-team players who would be leaving the club this summer along with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans.
Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you.
Eriksen, 33, made 107 appearances for the Red Devils since joining on a free transfer in 2022.
Evans returned to Old Trafford for a second spell in 2023 and played over 200 games for the club across his two stints in Manchester.
Lindelof, meanwhile, departs as one of Manchester United’s longest-serving players, having arrived at the club back in 2017.
‘Manchester United have confirmed that Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Christian Eriksen will leave the club at the end of the season,’ a statement read.
‘The departure of the experienced trio was confirmed following United’s final game of the season on Sunday, as we beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Old Trafford, with Eriksen scoring the second goal from the penalty spot.
Christian Eriksen on Man Utd exit
‘It’s the best way possible with the season in mind. It was good to finish off with a bit of a smile on people’s face and give something back to the fans.
‘On the pitch, Bruno [Fernandes] was asking if I was going to take the penalty. I said no and that I’ll give it to Jonny [Evans]. But Jonny didn’t want to take it.
‘It was a nice gesture. Bruno is the number one and he decides. And luckily he gave it to me today. It was a good way to see it off.
‘Wednesday was a big blow. To lose a final is never nice. But we showed character to bounce back and finish the season with a smile and to give something to us and the fans.
‘My time here has been really special. There has been some good moments and bad moments. I like the pressure to be able to play for a club like United. It’s been a special three year.
‘The next chapter starts with a bit of a holiday and then go with the national team and then another holiday. Then we will see where we are going to play football.’
‘Lindelof, who made the most appearances for the club out of the three, has represented United 284 times, since his arrival from Benfica in the summer of 2017, and won Emirates FA Cup and League Cup winners’ medals during his time here, lifting both trophies in the preceding two campaigns.
‘Evans has served United with distinction for more than a decade as a senior player, across two spells at the club.
‘While Eriksen’s spell at Old Trafford has lasted only three years by comparison, the Dane’s impact has been strongly felt in M16 during that time.
‘Everybody at United thanks Victor, Jonny and Christian for their contributions during their time at Old Trafford, and wishes them the best of luck for the future.’
Manchester United’s victory over Aston Villa came as a surprise not only because of the club’s dismal Premier League form but following a deflating Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.
Addressing the United fans at Old Trafford after the Premier League finale, Amorim said: ‘First of all, I want to apologise for this season. I know you are really disappointed with me and the team.
‘Secondly, I want to say thank you. We are very grateful for your support this season and I know it was really hard to support us in many games.
‘But now we have to make a choice. Do we stick in the past? Because this season is in the past. It’s over. We could fight each other or we stick together and move forward.
‘Six months ago, after my first three games in charge, we had two victories and one draw and I told you a storm is coming. But today, after this disastrous season, I want to tell you the good days are coming.
‘If there is one club in the world that have proved in the past that they can overcome any situation and any disaster, it’s our club. It’s Manchester United Football Club.
‘Now I want to say sorry also to my players. Sometimes I was not fair but I’ve tried always to be honest with you guys.
‘Thank you very much and see you next season.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.