Manchester United announce summer departures for Alyssa Aherne and Aoife Mannion | OneFootball

Manchester United have announced the first two players that will be leaving the club this summer, with Alyssa Aherne and Aoife Mannion both on their way out.

Both Alyssa Aherne and Aoife Mannion’s contracts were set to expire in the next month and Manchester United have chosen to let the players leave the club on a free transfer.

A club statement from United said: “Everybody at United thanks Aoife and Alyssa for their contributions during their time at the club, and wishes them the best of luck for the future.”

Aoife Mannion at Manchester United

Aoife Mannion joined Manchester United from city rivals Manchester City in 2021, making 55 appearances for the Red Devils during her four years at the club.

Halfway through her first season on the red side of Manchester Mannion suffered a horror injury and after tearing her ACL there was real doubts over whether or not the Republic of Ireland international would make a return to football.

Depsite all of her hardship, Mannion made a miraculous recovery and was able to return two years later much to the relief of United fans.

Following her return to the team Mannion was rewarded with two-year contract extension that would see the 29-year-old stay with United until June 2025.

While Mannion returned to the United team in 2023 she played a very different role after the career-altering injury, being used primarily as a substitute.

It is still unknown where the Republic of Ireland defender will end up this summer, but having spent her whole career in England (Aston Villa, Birmingham city, Manchster City and finally Manchester United) there could be plenty of interest from the WSL.

Academy graduate Alyssa Aherne says farewell

While Mannion joined United from across the city, there is no doubting Alyssa Aherne’s allegiance to the club she departs this summer, having come through the club’s academy system.

Aherne was the 21st United player to sign a professional contract with the team in 2021.

Although she has been with United since 2018, the 21-year-old spent 2023/24 on loan with both Everton and Sheffield United where she was able to develop away from Manchester.

Tributes have poured out for Aherne following her departure as despite never playing in the WSL for her childhood club, she played an important role in various youth teams.

Like Mannion, Aherne is expected to stay in England with thee 21-year-old’s career sure to blossom soon.