"?Former Manchester United youngster Philip Mulryne, a midfielder who spent seven years in the junior and reserve ranks at Old Trafford during the 1990s, took the next step on his journey to priesthood over the weekend when he was ordained as a Catholic deacon.
Mulryne, who was also at Norwich for six years and helped the Canaries earn Premier League promotion in 2004, has been studying to become a priest since shortly after his retirement from professional football in 2008 following further spells with Cardiff and Leyton Orient.
The 38-year-old was ordained in the role of deacon at a service at Dublin's Saint Saviour's church. Now a member of the Dominican Order, Mulryne, a former international with 27 senior caps to his name, is expected to be fully ordained as a priest in 2017.
Pictures of the ceremony have been shared all over social media in the days since.
Ex-footballer Philip Mulryne swaps the 'Red Devils' for Holy Orders as he is ordained a deacon: https://t.co/3SHucEzUFZ pic.twitter.com/OGSfFRcheP
Brother Mulryne actually made his international bow for Northern Ireland before he'd played a first-team game at club level, taking to the field against Belgium in 1997.
His United debut came eight months later in a League Cup tie, while his only Premier League appearance in United colours came on the final day of the 1997/98 campaign against Barnsley.
@irishdominicans bro. Philip Mulryne ordained deacon in St. Saviour's. pic.twitter.com/MLRnyxNLAB
In fairness, he faced stiff competition at Old Trafford from the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Roy Keane and others for his preferred position in central or right-midfield. It's no real wonder he didn't break through there.
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