The international midfielder comments on Manchester United’s exit and shares Darren Fletcher’s ‘top’ prediction

United are a leading force in English football when it comes to developing youth players.

More than 250 academy players have made their first-team debuts at United, with Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo shining examples of academy success.

Unfortunately, not everyone can follow the same path and many young players have to leave United to shine elsewhere.

Maxi Oyedele on leaving Manchester United

In one such case, Maxi Oyedele left United in the summer.

The Salford-born talent joined United from Burnley as a child and spent more than ten years in the United ranks.

Oyedele was hailed as a “wonderful” talent by Troy Deeney during a loan spell at Forest Green Rovers, but United decided to let him go.

Oyedele was sold to Legia Warsaw, with United having a “significant” sell-on clause as part of the deal.

The midfielder has now spoken to Sport Bible about his decision to leave United and take his talents to Poland.

Oyedele noted that coach Darren Fletcher spoke to him and described his departure as “unfortunate”.

Fletcher believes Oyedele will become a “top player” and that leaving United for Legia would ultimately help him.

Oyedele claims he had no further discussions with key figures at the club before his departure, which is why he valued Fletcher’s words.

“On my last day, as I was walking back to my car, I actually spoke to Darren Fletcher. He said to me, “It’s sad to see you go.” But I know that this next step will be really good for you. I want you to just take it with both hands. I know you’re going to be a top player and play at the highest level – just use that platform that you need to get to that point.” He also said he would look out for me. I appreciated that,” Oyedele said.

“But in terms of having a conversation about why, there was none of that. Obviously there were a lot of new first team recruits and a lot of changes at the club at that time. It was all a bit new. I was just there to work hard and train. And that’s it,” he added.

Oyedele is already an international player after leaving United

Oyedele was born in Salford but had actually represented Poland at youth level before leaving United.

The move to Poland may therefore have been well received and Oyedele received vindication almost immediately.

Oyedele was called up to the senior team by Poland in October and played against both Portugal and Croatia.

The 20-year-old appears to be in Poland’s immediate plans, but there would have been warnings about Oyedele losing out to England or even Nigeria later on.

An ankle injury has hampered Oyedele’s progression at Legia, but if he shines there should be more caps to come – just as Fletcher predicts.

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