Manchester United goalkeeper Paul Woolston forced to retire at 23

The Red Devils shot-stopper has had to cut his playing career short due to undisclosed injuries.
Aiden Beswick
By Aiden Beswick
Published 23rd Mar 2022, 16:22 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2022, 07:00 BST

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Manchester United goalkeeper Paul Woolston has been forced to retire at the age of 23 due to undisclosed injuries.

The shot-stopper had two operations for undisclosed injuries but hasn’t been able to return to full fitness.

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Woolston joined the Red Devils from Newcastle United in 2018 and was part of the club’s youth academy.

He was capped at Under-18 level for England and spent time on loan at north East based non-league clubs Gateshead, Darlington, Blyth Spartans and South Shields.

Paul Woolston of Manchester United U21's looks dejected after the EFL Trophy match between Accrington Stanley and Manchester United U21` at The Crown Ground on December 08, 2020 in Accrington, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)Paul Woolston of Manchester United U21's looks dejected after the EFL Trophy match between Accrington Stanley and Manchester United U21` at The Crown Ground on December 08, 2020 in Accrington, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
Paul Woolston of Manchester United U21's looks dejected after the EFL Trophy match between Accrington Stanley and Manchester United U21` at The Crown Ground on December 08, 2020 in Accrington, England. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

“To have to retire at just 23 has been really tough to come to terms with but I feel a lot more positive now,” Woolston told United’s media team.

“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.

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“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.

Gateshead FC host Blyth Spartans on Boxing Day. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Gateshead FC host Blyth Spartans on Boxing Day. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Gateshead FC host Blyth Spartans on Boxing Day. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

“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.”

Woolston has represented England at Under-18 and 17s level, featuring in the European Under-17 Championship and Under-17s World Cup.

The Red Devils confirmed they will be helping Woolston’s post-playing career with ‘informal and formal education sessions’ and support towards coaching badges.

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