Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has announced his decision to leave the Premier League club at the end of the season.
Matic confirmed his impending departure from Manchester United on Friday evening through a post from his personal Instagram account.
The 33-year-old Serbian international brings an end to a five-year stay at the Old Trafford after joining the Red Devils in a £35m deal from Chelsea in 2017.
Matic ends five-year Manchester United stay
In a short post on Instagram, Matic wrote: "After a great deal of thought, I have decided that this season will be my last with Manchester United. I have informed the board, the manager, and the players of my decision.
"It has been a huge honour and a privilege to play for this great club. A big thank you to the fans for their unwavering support.
"I will now give everything until the end of the season to help my teammates finish as strongly as possible."
Matic, Pogba worsen Manchester United midfield crisis
Matic chose to leave Manchester United early, refusing to take up the option of an additional year on the two-year contract extension he signed in 2020.
The imminent departure of the 33-year-old plunges Manchester United into further crisis in defensive midfield with France midfielder Paul Pogba also set to leave the Old Trafford this summer when his contract expires in June 2022.
Manchester United have been linked with several midfield reinforcements, particularly Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips but no deal has been agreed upon yet.
The Red Devils' search for a new manager also affects the Premier League club's ability to start talks with potential new signings for the club ahead of the summer transfer window.
Matic has made 26 appearances for Manchester United this season in all competitions with two (2) assists to his name in the Premier League this season.