Manchester United player Paul Woolston is forced to retire at 23 due to constant injuries and surgeries. Woolston played in the U23s side for United and enjoyed several loan spells at Gateshead, Blyth Spartans, South Shields. He also featured for the England U18s and was also a part of the squad in the U17 Championship and U17 World Cup.
Woolston faced a hip injury and had to face two operations in order to recover. However, his rehabilitation took too long which also forced his decision to retire from professional football. The footballing world also recently saw the forced retirement of Sergio Aguero due to heart issues. It is very disheartening when a player is forced to retire even when they have the will to play.
David de Gea offered support to his fellow teammate Paul Woolston and had a few comforting words for the 23-year-old goalkeeper. This is what the United no.1 had to say to Woolston,
“It’s always bad when someone has to retire at a young age. 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.”
How did Manchester United help Paul Woolston for his life after retirement?
Paul Woolston had to retire because of his injury and even completing two operations could not help him to achieve maximum fitness. This means he could not play the sport again at least at the professional level ever again. All of his effort and hard work to play at the top level all of sudden went down the drain because of this sudden retirement.
Players usually start playing from a very young age and that does not help much in their academics. Woolston will have to focus on something new to survive and keep his life going. Manchester United offered Paul Woolston different programs and placement opportunities to help him with a career after retirement.
United also offered him informal and formal knowledge to go after the coaching badges. This also helps him in traveling abroad with younger players. He could look at coaching as a career if he is unable to make a career as a player by restrictions.
It is unfortunate and saddening to see a player retire even before he could play at the peak of his age. As evident before, injuries are the worst that can happen to any player and that was also the case on this occasion. However, Manchester United have helped Paul Woolston to help him move forward. This will help him even after his retirement and could open new doors for him.
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