Manchester United have seen Tom Thorpe's contract run down without offering him an extension, so the composed centre-back is set to look for a new employer as soon as the transfer window opens.

Thorpe, who has been at the club since the age of seven, when the first team moved training camp from The Cliff to Carrington in 2000, has captained United on both under-18 and under-21 level in recent years, peaking in 2011 when he wore the armband and lifted the FA Youth Cup. After Thorpe's inevitable departure, however, only winger Jesse Lingard, goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, striker Will Keane and defender Tyler Blackett are remaining at the club. The likes of Michael Keane, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Ravel Morrison and Paul Pogba have all left after the 6-3 beating of Sheffield United in the final over two legs.

However, the leader of this generation expresses no bitterness towards the club, after not getting the first team chances that Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett were handed by Louis van Gaal this season. After all, Thorpe has been superior to both of them both this and in previous under-21 campaigns, so a rant would've actually been understandable. Regular and knowledgeable United youth followers have been united in their views on the centre-back and none could really understand why the defender was never considered, or even given a proper chance, by van Gaal. Thankfully, the 22-year-old defender chose to act accordingly to his game, composedly and classy.

Graceful exit from Thorpe

Thorpe's Instagram statement, next to a collage of him lifting various pieces of silverware in the United shirt, reads the following:

"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the United fans that have sent me messages of support over the last season. They have all asked the same question and all I can say is "it's not for the want of trying". My ambition has and will always be, to play for Manchester United. I believe I have displayed, on a regular basis, the qualities expected of its players by this great club and naturally I am disappointed that our association has come to an end. That association, however, has afforded me expressions of interest from several other clubs including enquiries from abroad.

"However, no matter where my football career takes me I will continue to work as hard as humanly possible to improve the prospects of the club I play for. I will always remain grateful to United for the fantastic coaching I have received and for the success we have experienced in the academy over the last 15 years. I would like to thank; Mark Dempsey, Paul McGuinness and I would especially like to thank Warren Joyce for his guidance, encouragement and inspirational coaching techniques - I think even Coach Carter consults him!

Whoever I play for, they will have a player brought up the United way!

Thanks for everything."