Manchester United goalkeeper Lee Grant has retired from professional football.
The 39-year-old played mostly in the Championship, making 356 of his 511 appearances in England’s second division.
Goalkeeper Lee Grant Announced Retirement From Professional Football
All the best for the future, Lee Grant ❤️ pic.twitter.com/CrWRRqidWT
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) May 26, 2022
Manchester United Move a Boyhood Dream for Goalkeeper Lee Grant
After announcing his retirement from football, Grant told manutd.com: “After 511 appearances, I’ve decided it’s the right time to move into the next stage of my career.
“There have been so many fun moments mixed in with the odd challenge, but I’m grateful for each and every one.
“Fulfilling a boyhood dream of playing for Manchester United was something I thought was out of reach, so to have achieved that fills me with great pride and emotion!
“Although I haven’t as many games in the last four years, I’ve given everything to the group every single day on the training pitch and in the dressing room. The opportunity to join the biggest club in the world was one I could never turn down and I’m so grateful for the lessons learned and the friends I’ve gained.
“The opportunity to challenge, set standards, and ultimately learn from truly exceptional players and staff has been so valuable.
Grant’s Career
Grant has played for six different clubs in his career. Burnley, Derby County, Oldham Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke City make good reading for his CV before you even factor in Manchester United.
Embed from Getty Images
He played most for Derby County, making 186 appearances for the Rams, and keeping 53 clean sheets. He made 145 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, 127 for Burnley, 35 for Stoke and 16 for Oldham.
Grant was named Young Player of the Year at Derby in 2002/03, eventually gaining the senior awards at Burnley in 2012/13 and Stoke in 2016/17.
At Stoke, he caught the eye of Manchester United, who were looking for a third-choice goalkeeper and signed him in 2018. He has managed a four-year stay at Old Trafford, making two senior competitive appearances, including in Europe v Astana.
Played for Some Amazing Clubs
Grant continued: “I’ve been extremely fortunate to play for some amazing clubs, Derby County, Oldham Athletic, Sheffield Wednesday, Burnley, Stoke City and now to finish at the pinnacle – Manchester United.
“I’m thankful to each and every club for what they have given to me, each one has shaped me into who I am. The relationship with the supporters of these great clubs will always be one of my most treasured memories.
“There are too many incredible football people to thank as I’ve received untold amounts of help from so many special people over the last 23 years. I do however want to say a huge thank you to my family and in particular my wife, Helen, for moving around the country with me, allowing me to pursue my dream.
“Football has given me so much but it can also be tough on partners and children. Without them it would never have been possible to achieve what I did.
“AS I move into the next stage of my career, I’m excited and hungry about the beginning of a new journey and the hard work that lies ahead!”
Grant represented England at u16. U17, U18, U19 and U21 levels and became a safe pair of hands between the sticks.
His time at Manchester United, with few appearances, doesn’t do his career half the credit it deserves but it was something he wanted and dreamed of doing.
Grant has been confirmed as Ipswich Town’s new first-team coach where he will work under former Manchester United assistant Kieran McKenna, who is head coach at Portman Road.
