'I wanted to contribute more this season': Edinson Cavani pens heartfelt farewell to Manchester United fans and insists he'll leave Old Trafford with a 'happy memory' despite lack of game time

• Edinson Cavani has confirmed he is leaving Manchester United this summer
• The 35-year-old Uruguayan striker endured a mixed spell in England
• Cavani scored 17 goals in his first season but only two in his second campaign
• He is among several players who are set to depart Old Trafford  

Edinson Cavani has insisted he will leave Manchester United with happy memories despite the club's dismal campaign and his own injury-hit season as he confirmed his Old Trafford exit.

The 35-year-old Uruguayan striker had been widely expected to depart the club in the summer after two years at United.

Cavani enjoyed a bright start to his career in England, scoring 17 goals in his first season for the Red Devils.

But he struggled in his second campaign with just two goals in 20 appearances as he missed large parts of the season with various injury problems.

Cavani quickly became a popular figure among United fans but supporters have grown frustrated with his lack of game time.

He has only completed 90 minutes for the club once since the start of January, which came in the 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in United's final game of the season last Sunday.

In an interview with United's website, Cavani thanked the supporters and admitted he hoped for more this season.

'I sincerely have nothing but words of gratitude towards the fans and supporters of Manchester United,' Cavani said.

'Honestly, they have shown me a lot of respect from the very first moment I arrived. I think they've greatly recognised all the hard work I've always tried to put in in the best way possible, giving my best for this team.

'I really am very grateful, and I'll be leaving here with a happy memory of that affection they showed me and always displayed.'

'I wanted to contribute more this season. One of the things that has left me with a slightly bitter taste is that when we had a highly enjoyable and pretty decent [2020/21] season, we weren't able to have the supporters along with us.

'And now, this season, with the fans coming back into the grounds and stadiums, I haven't really been able to have the kind of campaign, if I'm being honest, on a personal front that I would really have liked.'

Cavani is among several players who will be leaving United as the club prepares to embark on a new era under manager Erik ten Hag.

Nemanja Matic and Lee Grant have confirmed their departures, while Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata are all set to head for pastures new - although they have not yet confirmed their future plans.