Manchester United goalkeepers have rallied around Paul Woolston after the U23 shotstopper was forced into retirement at the age of only 23.
In a statement on the club’s official website, United confirmed Woolston’s decision to hang up his boots following a ‘significant determination to return to fitness, including two operations and a lengthy rehabilitation period.’
Woolston – who went under the knife twice in two months in March and April last year – made 19 Premier League 2 appearances for the reserves after joining the club on a free transfer in 2018, having left their Newcastle counterparts.
Man United’s Paul Woolston has been forced into early retirement at the age of only 23
Woolston made 19 Premier League 2 appearances for the reserves after joining in 2018
United did not specify what sort of injury had forced him into early retirement but transfermarkt claim Woolston has been suffering from a hip problem.
But the club’s first-team goalkeepers – including No 1 David de Gea and understudy Dean Henderson – have paid tribute to Woolston, with the Spaniard revealing he spoke to him about the bigger picture.
‘Well, it’s always bad when someone has to retire at a young age,’ De Gea said. ‘I’ve spoken with him, the other day, and said to him that the most important thing is life, more than football, in terms of a proper life.
‘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.
The shot stopper went under the knife twice in two months in March and April last year
But the likes of David de Gea (centre) have rallied around him following his early retirement
‘I trained with him and he had a very good left foot, I remember, and it’s sad for him and for the club. But, as I said before, I was speaking with him and, first of all, it’s life and being in good conditions to have a good life.
‘Of course, in life, sometimes…