Tom Thorpe: Released Manchester United defender hasn't given up on Old Trafford dream

Released Manchester United defender Tom Thorpe has vowed to continue playing "the United way" and hopes one day to return to Old Trafford.

Thorpe, 22, was one of four players let go by Louis van Gaal this week having made just a single senior appearance for the club, a short cameo off the bench against West Ham United in September.

While United's injury problems reached crisis point in the first half of the season many expected Thorpe to come into the first team, only for the manager to turn to Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett instead.

The centre-half is now without a team but in a message posted through his Instagram account he has paid tribute to his boyhood club, also revealing he has offers from clubs both in England and abroad.

He posted: "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the United fans that have sent me messages of support over the last season. They have all asked the same question and all I can say is 'it's not for want of trying'.

"My ambition has and will always be, to play for Manchester United. I believe I have displayed, on a regular basis, the qualities expected of its players by this great club and naturally I am disappointed that our association has come to an end. That association however has afforded me expressions of interest from several other clubs including enquiries from abroad.

"However, no matter where my football career takes me I will continue to work as hard as humanly possible to improve the prospects of the club I play for. I will always remain grateful to United for the fantastic coaching I have received and for the success we have experienced in the academy.

"Whoever I play for, they will have a player brought up the United way."

Thorpe captained United in their 2011 FA Youth Cup triumph and wore the armband as United sealed the Under-21 Premier League crown in his final season at the club last term.