According to sources, Craig Cathcart, a graduate of the Manchester United academy, will stop playing football professionally when he turns 34.
After leaving Watford as a free agent at the conclusion of the previous season, the Northern Ireland international most recently signed a one-year contract with Belgian team K.V. Kortrijk. During his time at Old Trafford, he had spent the 2007–2008 season on loan with Royal Antwerp in Belgium.
Cathcart graduated from United’s academy program and spent time on loan at Antwerp, Plymouth Argyle, and Watford before transferring permanently to Blackpool in 2010. He moved from Bloomfield Road to Vicarage Road in 2014 after joining for Watford, where he stayed until his departure earlier this year.
The 34-year-old was a substitute against Watford in the FA Cup semifinal and was on the bench for United’s historic 7-1 victory against Roma in the Champions League at the end of the 2006–07 season. His chances of making his senior debut were then dashed when he sustained a season-ending knee injury during practice.
He was named Academy Player of the Year for the 2006–07 season. He played alongside fellow Northern Irishman Jonny Evans in a pre-season friendly against Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa during the summer of 2008.
Cathcart has scored two goals for his country and captained the Green and White Army during Euro 2024 qualifiers against San Marino and Finland in March. He made his last appearance for the national team against Slovenia earlier this month.
Speaking about his decision to leave Old Trafford, Cathcart revealed it was the club’s signing of Chris Smalling which made him pursue a career away from United.
He said in 2011 ahead of United’s 3-2 Premier League win at Blackpool in January: “Even though United had Vidic, Ferdinand, O’Shea and my old Northern Ireland mate Jonny Evans, I still thought there might be a chance. But when they signed Chris Smalling from Fulham, I realised the writing was on the wall. So when Ian Holloway said he was giving me the opportunity to play first-team football in the Premier League, I didn’t think twice.”
