Manchester United have today announced that 19-year-old midfielder Oliver Rathbone, who made an appearance for Walsall's Reserves side last season, has been released as new manager Jose Mourinho looks to build his squad ahead of the 2016/17 Barclays Premier League campaign.
The Blackburn-born academy graduate, who made just one appearance for United's reserves last season, failed to make a first-team appearance for the Red Devils over his time with the club, but earned rave reviews for his overall performances for the Under 18s.
Oliver was named among a Walsall XI for their Final Third Development League clash with Bradford City, which took place at Chasetown's Scholars Ground on Wednesday, 27th April.
It remains to be seen whether Oliver will ultimately join the club, and he will no doubt have several sides chasing his signature over the summer.
It remains to be seen whether Oliver will ultimately join the club, and he will no doubt have several sides chasing his signature over the summer.