Paul Woolston poses with Man Utd goalkeepers at Carrington just a day after being forced to retire aged 23
PAUL WOOLSTON posed with Manchester United’s goalkeepers at Carrington the day after being forced to retire aged just 23.
The former Newcastle youngster announced he was quitting the beautiful game after an unknown injury forced him into two operations.
And Woolston was welcomed by United’s current senior stoppers as he visited Carrington on Thursday.
David De Gea, Dean Henderson, Tom Heaton and Lee Grant all posed for a touching picture with a smiling Woolston.
The North Shields-born keeper joined United from Newcastle in 2018.
He made a number of appearances for the Under-23s before injury cut his career short.
United’s senior goalies expressed their sadness at seeing Woolston hang up his gloves at such an early age.
And each one wished the youngster well for his next career move.
De Gea said: “Well, it’s always bad when someone has to retire at a young age.
“It was sad. I have been training with him, when he was fit, and it’s very sad news.
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“I wish him all the best. He’s a great lad, a great goalkeeper and we all feel really sorry for him.”
Henderson noted: “It’s devastating for himself and for all of us around him.
“He will always be made welcome here. I’m hoping he will do a bit around the Academy and hopefully pass on his experiences.
“I think he’s got a lot to give to the football club, going forward.”
Heaton revealed: “It’s a tough moment. It can’t be nice when you reach that point where you’re having to retire.
“He’s got support from the entire football club, especially the goalkeeping department, and obviously I wish him all the best.”
Grant added: “I’ve been so, so impressed with how he’s carried himself across all of it.
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“I think for him and his situation there’s two things that he’s got going for him. One is personality but two he’s an intelligent young man.
“I’m really positive about that. I know for him at this moment it can be a bit daunting but certainly the people I’ve spoken to around the football club as well, he will have that support.”