Manni Norkett sends message as Manchester United release confirmed, teammates react

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Manchester United striker Manni Norkett has reacted to his release from the club being confirmed.

The Red Devils announced Manni Norkett‘s release last week as one of seven players who have been let go.

Norkett, 18, signed for Manchester United in 2018, with the club beating Everton and Wolves to his signature, the Newark Advertiser reported at the time.

The young striker stepped up to the under-18s team in 2021 and has had two productive seasons, playing a bit-part role in the FA Youth Cup win in his first season.

Norkett had a brief loan at non-league Gainsborough Trinity, and finished the 2022/23 season as Manchester United’s under-18s top scorer.

He scored in this season’s FA Youth Cup campaign and also made three appearances at under-21 level this season, however, he is not continuing with the club.

What isn’t apparent, is whether this has been Norkett’s choice, United’s decision, or a bit of both.

At the end of the season, Norkett spent time on trial at Leicester City where he featured for their under-21 side.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24

Manni Norkett responds to exit

Norkett responded on Instagram over the weekend after his release was announced.

Sharing a picture of the FA Youth Cup win, he wrote: “5 years done, it’s been a pleasure.”

Norkett has been affectionately nicknamed ‘R9’ by his Manchester United teammates during his time at the club.

Teammates bestowed the term on him in reference to the Brazilian Ronaldo, with a swathe of comments on his Instagram feed after his FA Youth Cup goal against Crystal Palace earlier this season.

This was referenced in response to his departure message. FA Youth Cup winners Sam Murray and Dan Gore referred to Norkett as ‘R9’ in their replies to Norkett’s farewell.

Manchester United will be providing Norkett with support after his exit from the club, along with Eric Hanbury, Charlie Wellens, Di’Shon Bernard, Ethan Galbraith and Axel Tuanzebe, who have all been released along with Phil Jones.

United said in a statement: “They will all be supported in securing professional contracts at new clubs, provided with a bespoke aftercare programme, and will always have a lifelong association with Manchester United.”