Manchester United’s 23-year-old goalkeeper Paul Woolston forced to retire from football

Paul Woolston joined Manchester United in 2018 from Newcastle United’s under-18 team. He was highly rated at the Manchester United academy and signed a new contract with the Red Devils last year.

The 23-year-old had two operations and a lengthy rehabilitation which has now forced him to retire from professional football at such a young age.

Manchester United said in an official statement: “Following significant determination to return to fitness, including two operations and a lengthy rehabilitation period, Paul has, unfortunately, had to end his playing career.”

Manchester United’s 23-year-old goalkeeper Paul Woolston forced to retire from football

Paul Woolston said: “To have to retire at just 23 has been really tough to come to terms with but I feel a lot more positive now.”

“I am really proud of everything that I have achieved, many people dream of playing football at this level. Of course, I would have loved to have gone on further but it has been an absolute honour to represent Manchester United during my time here.

“The support of my family, friends, team-mates, coaches, the medical staff and entire Manchester United Academy has been phenomenal. Everyone has played a major part in my journey by keeping my spirits up, allowing me to reflect positively on my playing experiences and begin to look to the future.

“Right now, I am fully focused on the next stage of my career. I am ready to use all of my learnings, resilience, drive and determination to make a real success of my life.”

Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper David De Gea was also sad for the young goalkeeper. He said: “It was sad. I have been training with him, when he was fit, and it’s very sad news. I wish him all the best. He’s a great lad, a great goalkeeper and we all feel really sorry for him.”

Another Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson said about Paul: “Look, I was speaking to Woolly last night and it’s devastating for himself and for all of us around him. He was a great guy to work with throughout the age groups. When I was in the younger age groups, I even remember playing against him when he was at Newcastle. For such a young lad to retire at the age he is, is devastating.”

Read: Toby Collyer signs for Manchester United until 2025