22-year-old Manchester United star confirms he’s leaving the club

Di’Shon Bernard has confirmed he’s leaving Manchester United following the club’s decision to not trigger a 12-month extension in his contract.

United had the option to extend the highly-rated defender’s deal until 2024. However, the club have released the 22-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window, where the Premier League giants are expected to sign a new centre-back.

Bernard quickly rose through the ranks after joining United’s youth system from Chelsea in 2017. He was handed a senior appearance in the Europa League by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2019. After mixed loan spells at Salford City and Hull City, he moved to Portsmouth in January to spend the second half of the season in League One. He made 10 appearances for Pompey, who are understood to be interested in signing him permanently.

Talented defender confirms Manchester United exit

“Although my time @manchesterunited has come to an end, I am nothing but proud of my journey so far with all the experiences and all the achievements I’ve accomplished along the way,” Bernard tweeted.

“A big thank you to all the staff, teammates and anyone who has helped me on my journey.”

United, meanwhile, are looking to bring in a new centre-back amid uncertainty over Harry Maguire’s future at Old Trafford. Ten Hag wants to sign a new right-sided central defender to challenge and provide cover for Raphael Varane, with Maguire more comfortable on the left.

AS Monaco’s Axel Disasi and Napoli defender Kim Min-jae have been linked with United.

In order to fund a move for a new defensive addition this summer, Ten Hag will have to sell Maguire. Tottenham Hotspur have shown an interest, but the England international is reluctant to depart despite only managing eight starts in the Premier League last season.