Man Utd goalkeeper retires aged 23 as David de Gea leads tributes from teammates

Manchester United goalkeeper Paul Woolston has announced his retirement aged just 23.

The North Shields-born stopper has been forced to call time on his short career due to injury, having joined the Red Devils from Newcastle in 2018. After rising through Sunderland 's ranks from the age of 10, Woolston's time between the posts has sadly come to a premature end, undergoing two operations and a lengthy rehabilitation period in recent years.

"Never thought I would have to write this at 23 but this chapter has had to come to an end," the ex- England youth international wrote on Twitter. "I can look back proudly on what I've achieved in my career but I am excited about what's in store for the future. A new chapter awaits."

Woolston, who signed a new deal with the Red Devils last summer, also told manutd.com : "To have to retire at just 23 has been really tough to come to terms with but I feel a lot more positive now. 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, 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. 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."

The 23-year-old received warm tributes from fans upon the announcement alongside his fellow