Former Manchester United midfielder James Weir has announced his retirement at the age of 28. Weir made his Premier League debut alongside Marcus Rashford in January 2016 when the Red Devils defeated Arsenal 3-2 at Old Trafford. This appearance marked his only game for United, as he later moved to Hull City, rejecting a new contract offer from United.
Weir also had loan spells at Wigan and Bolton and subsequently played in Slovakia and Hungary before deciding to retire. On Instagram, Weir expressed his gratitude to his family, friends, coaches, teammates, and fans while reflecting on his career. He acknowledged the highs and lows of professional football and expressed excitement for his next endeavor outside of the sport.
Weir also shared his perspective on leaving Manchester United, stating that he felt it was time to move on due to limited first-team opportunities and strong competition within the club. He recalled his debut for United, emphasizing the pressure and the encouragement he received from his teammates. While Weir has retired, former teammate Jesse Lingard has just embarked on a new challenge, joining FC Seoul in South Korea at the age of 31.
Lingard expressed his excitement for the opportunity and his willingness to embrace the new culture and chapter in his career. The text also highlights the opportunities given to young players by former United manager Louis van Gaal, with Marcus Rashford being cited as one of the success stories. Lingard’s development under Van Gaal’s guidance is also noted, along with his significant contributions during that period, including the winning goal in the FA Cup final.