Former Man Utd Star, 37, Surprises Fans with Comeback at Unexpected Club After 4-Year Hiatus

A former Manchester United star, Darron Gibson, has made a surprising return to football at the age of 37. This marks his comeback after a four-year hiatus. Gibson, who had a significant career in the Premier League, is now playing for Wythenshawe in the North West Counties League.
Darron Gibson’s Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Gibson made 94 appearances in the Premier League. He scored 18 goals in 60 matches for Manchester United, where he was once compared to the legendary Paul Scholes. He later became a cherished player at Everton, contributing to 69 additional appearances.
Recent Comeback
- Team: Wythenshawe
- Debut Match: Wythenshawe vs. AFC Liverpool
- Match Result: 3-1 win
- Performance: Played over half of the game before being substituted
- League Position: Fourth in the North West Counties League
- Points: 28 from 13 matches, just three points from the top
Gibson’s signing created a buzz among fans, particularly when it was teased in a viral TikTok video that garnered over 700,000 views. The excitement surrounding his return reflects the strong connection he maintained with football.
A Personal Journey
Gibson’s return comes less than a year after he bravely shared his struggles with addiction to sleeping pills and a life-threatening seizure. His dependence on medication began in 2013 after a significant knee injury resulted in insomnia, compounded by alcohol issues. Following his retirement in 2021 due to mental health and injury concerns, Gibson took time to focus on raising awareness about addiction and being a dedicated father.
Career Statistics
Years | Club | Games |
---|---|---|
2005-2012 | Manchester United | 60 |
2006-2007 | Royal Antwerp (loan) | 33 |
2007-2008 | Wolverhampton (loan) | 24 |
2012-2017 | Everton | 69 |
2017-2018 | Sunderland | 30 |
2018-2019 | Wigan Athletic | 18 |
2020-2021 | Salford City | 11 |
2025- | Wythenshawe | 1 |
As he embarks on this new chapter, Gibson demonstrates resilience and a commitment to enjoying the game he loves, no matter the level. His journey serves as an inspiring example of overcoming personal adversities while rekindling a passion for football.