Former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley has retired from football at the age of 37. Bardsley, who famously knocked out Wayne Rooney during a friendly boxing bout, spent the second half of the 2020/21 season at Stockport County, but injuries limited him to just six league appearances in the past three seasons. The 13-time Scotland right-back started his football adventure at United, joining their academy in 1993. A decade later, Bardsley made his first-team debut and clocked up 18 games before starring at Sunderland, Stoke and Burnley.
Early Career
Phil Bardsley began his football career at Manchester United’s academy in 1993. He made his first-team debut for the club in 2003 and went on to make 18 appearances for the Red Devils. During his time at United, Bardsley enjoyed loan spells at Royal Antwerp, Burnley, Rangers, Aston Villa and Sheffield United.
Sunderland
In 2008, Sunderland signed Phil Bardsley on a permanent deal. He went on to become a fan favourite with 200 top-flight appearances for the Black Cats. Bardsley played for Sunderland until 2014 when he joined Stoke City.
Stoke City
Bardsley played for Stoke City for three years, making 63 appearances in the process. During his time at Stoke, he played in the Premier League and helped the club finish ninth in the 2014/15 season.
Burnley
Bardsley’s last hurrah in the Premier League came with Burnley, who he made 71 appearances for before his deal expired last summer. He left Burnley after injury problems.
Retirement
Phil Bardsley retired from football after a 20-year playing career. He spent the second half of the 2020/21 season at Stockport County, but injuries limited him to just six league appearances in the past three seasons. After just two games for the League Two side, who lost to Carlisle on penalties in the playoff final, Bardsley decided to hang up his boots for good.
Boxing Bout with Wayne Rooney
Phil Bardsley is famous for knocking out Wayne Rooney during a friendly boxing bout on a night out. SunSport exclusively revealed the video of Red Devils legend Roo lying unconscious on his kitchen floor after being hit by Bardsley. His then-boss Louis van Gaal was left incensed by the bizarre collision. But there were no hard feelings between the pair, with Rooney even exploring the chance to sign Bardsley at former club Derby.
Conclusion
Phil Bardsley had a successful football career, playing for Manchester United, Sunderland, Stoke City and Burnley. He retired from football after a 20-year playing career. Bardsley is famous for knocking out Wayne Rooney during a friendly boxing bout on a night out.