Ex-Man Utd star once dubbed ‘next Ryan Giggs’ fundraising in desperate attempt to save his career
A FORMER Manchester United wonderkid once dubbed the ‘next Ryan Giggs’ is fundraising in attempt to save his career.
Callum Gribbin spent 11 years at the club and was compared to the Red Devils legend due to his speed, dribbling and left foot.
The 24-year-old first made a name for himself in a friendly against Ajax for United’s Under-13s team in Edwin van der Sar‘s testimonial.
Gribbin also reportedly impressed Jose Mourinho while he was manager at the club between 2016 and 2018.
But after suffering many injuries, he was released in 2019 before joining Sheffield United, which was then followed by spells at Barrow and Radcliffe.
Now playing for United of Manchester, he is fundraising to save his career as he requires surgery.
Gribbin ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, medial ligament and posterior ligament due to a bad tackle.
The PFA will pay for 50 per cent of the surgery, but Gribbin and his club can not afford the other half.
His target was to raise £8,000 by the deadline of March 17 and he has met his target with two days to spare.
The attacking midfielder is set for a 9 to 12 months spell out.
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An United of Manchester statement read: “Injuries are commonplace but sometimes the injuries are severe, affecting not only the player’s ability to play football, but also their life outside including their family life and their ability to work.
“These ligaments provide stability to the knee and are devastating for anyone in terms of mobility, not least someone who relies on football as an occupation.
“We appreciate that times are hard for everyone, but if you can help by chipping in anything you can afford, no matter how small, it would help Callum through an incredibly tough period in his life.
“He wouldn’t ask for this support himself – but he needs it more than ever.”
Gribbin thanked fans on Twitter saying: “Thank you so much to everyone who has donated.”