Manchester United shot-stopper Paul Woolston has announced his retirement from professional football due to an injury.
The 23-year-old goal-minder has undergone two operations and a lengthy rehabilitation period, but he has, unfortunately, had to end his football career.
Woolston joined the Red Devils back in 2018 after his stellar performances during his playing days for Newcastle United’s Under-18s.
He has represented England up to the Under-18s level.
Woolston was also part of the England squad that travelled to the European Under-17 Championship and Under-17s World Cup.
Ever since joining United, he represented the Under-23s to the highest standard and regularly trained with the first team, and learning from the club’s groups of world-class goalkeepers.
“To have to retire at just 23 has been really tough to come to terms with but I feel a lot more positive now,” said Woolston.
“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, teammates, coaches, the medical staff and the 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.”
