Elaborating on the deal with MUTV, the manager added: “When this situation came up, and we've the options we’ve got at full-back. You’ve got Brandon [Williams], who has really come through and developed. Aaron [Wan-Bissaka] has been fantastic.

“Luke [Shaw] is potentially one of the best left-backs in England, for me. Then we’ve got Diogo [Dalot] and Tim [Fosu-Mensah] - they’re both fit. You’ve got loads of full-backs.

“Ashley’s mindset was that he wanted to try a new adventure and he he’s approaching 35 now. He’s done a fantastic job and he’s served this club fantastically. I think it was an opportunity for him that we had to say yes to. We got a transfer fee for someone who’s been so loyal to the club.