From playing with Rashford to non-league and new career
Ten years after lining up with Marcus Rashford for Manchester United, Joe Riley tells BBC Sport about his new career - and why he does not miss full-time football.
Joe Riley, a former Manchester United player, started for the club in 2016 against Danish side Midtjylland in the Europa League. That same match saw Marcus Rashford, a teammate of Riley's, make his senior debut for the club. Born in Lytham, Lancashire, Riley joined United at the age of six and played for the club's under-18s with Rashford, Scott McTominay, and Dean Henderson.
Riley made his first-team debut at 19 and played 79 minutes in the UEFA Europa League match against Midtjylland at Old Trafford, where he received a standing ovation from the 58,609 crowd. Despite his promising start, Riley left United at 21 with only two first-team appearances to his name, as he struggled with injuries. He pursued a new career in financial protection advising while playing non-league football.
Riley grew up in a family of footballers, including his brother Scott McTominay and aunt Lisa Jones, who worked closely with United's under-18s. He credits McTominay and Rashford for being like family during his time at United. Riley's two years with Bradford City, where he suffered from injuries, were followed by a foot issue that required surgery and a nine-month recovery period.
Riley is now working in financial services, having completed his studies, and is looking forward to his next chapter in life.
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