Manchester United releases Valdes, Powell
Manchester United announced Friday it had released 'keeper Victor Valdes and forward Nick Powell, with the out-of-favour pair now available to pack their bags and leave on a free transfer.
After the contracts of both players expired this summer, the club decided not to offer them new deals. This was revealed Friday when United released its retained list.
The organisation also released youngsters George Dorrington and Oliver Rathbone.
George Dorrington, Nick Powell, Oliver Rathbone and Victor Valdes have been released by #mufc. We wish them all the best for the future.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 10, 2016
Valdes, 34, joined United two summers ago following a decorated two-decade tenure at Barcelona. It was a fractured relationship from the start. Valdes made just two appearances for the Red Devils during the 2014-15 campaign after signing an 18-month deal with them.
The former Spanish international didn't feature for the club this season, prompting a loan to Belgian outfit Standard Liege during the January window.
While the move for Valdes was very much a case of a great player at the tail end of a stellar career, a lot more was expected of Powell.
The Crewe Alexandra youth product joined United in 2012 as a highly regarded striker. Powell, 22, had his opportunities, but couldn't escape the fringes of the first team. Two league appearances off the bench during the 2012-13 season saw Powell move on loan to Wigan Athletic the following year, before a similar loan to Leicester City the next campaign.
Powell spent last season with Hull City, making just three appearances as a sub for Steve Bruce's lot.