Farewell, Red Devil – Prolific youth striker Charlie McNeill departs Manchester United
Highly-acclaimed Manchester United academy striker Charlie McNeill is leaving the Manchester Reds this summer, as the 20-year-old confirmed the Red Devils exit with an emotional statement on social media.
McNeill returned to Manchester United’s academy following a headline move from city neighbours Manchester City in 2020 after rejecting a new contract offer at the Etihad Stadium. The club paid a figure of £750,000 to acquire his services for a striker who has been a prolific scorer at youth levels, and citing his lauded goal-scoring prowess, he made a great impression on his return to Carrington.
McNeill brought accolades to United’s academy side; having won the FA Youth Cup in 2022, alongside current first-team stars Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, he was handed his senior debut for the club by Erik ten Hag in September that year.
Charlie McNeill Bids Emotional Farewell to Manchester United
Looking for regular game time in the first-team setup, the Manchester Reds sent him on loan to Newport County for the 2022–23 season. McNeill could only score a couple of goals in 20 appearances for the League Two side. United believed in Charlie McNeill as he boarded the plane to the United States of America to take part in pre-season with the first team, making an appearance against Wrexham.
The Red Devils cut Charlie McNeill’s year-long loan to Stevenage short in January after it failed to meet expectations. The termination was a mutual agreement between both clubs. Lack of playtime triggered an end to his spell in League One and eventually an end to his time at Old Trafford.
Farewell Note
Penning down an emotional goodbye message following his time at United, McNeill wrote:
“My time has now come to an end at Manchester United, and I would just like to say thank you. Thanks to all the coaches, staff, fans, and everyone involved at the club for the best 4 years ever, from joining the club to winning the FA Youth Cup to then making my first team debut at 18.”
“That was my dream come true, and I will be forever grateful for getting that opportunity and living my dream of playing at the Theatre of Dreams for my boyhood club, which I can thank the manager for.”
“I’ve made some friends for life and learned valuable lessons along the way. I love the club, and it will always have a special place in my heart. Once a red, always a red.”
More Manchester United News-
- Cristiano Ronaldo wants Al-Nassr to sign Bruno Fernandes this summer
- Manchester United negotiate favourable terms in deal that sees impressive Spanish youngster join Benfica
- Ian Wright, Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher in agreement over Manchester United vs Man City FA Cup final result
He is a youngster that United liked, and it is sad that it did not work out as all the parties would have liked. I hope he has a bright future ahead of him.
Keep up to date with all the latest Man United news and opinions by following We all Follow United’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.
