Former Manchester United Midfielder Philip Mulryne Ordained in Catholic Church

For a lot of former professional footballers, a career in management, coaching, broadcasting or punditry is commonplace once they hang up their boots. However, ex-Manchester United man Philip Mulryne has taken a different path, as he was ordained into the Catholic church on Saturday. 

As reported by Ben Nagle of the MailOnline, the former Northern Ireland international became a deacon as a result. He was appointed to the Dominican Order by Diarmuid Martin, who is the Archbishop of Dublin.

The MailOnline Sport Twitter feed posted some snaps of the former footballer during the ceremony:

This step means Mulryne is on the right route to becoming a priest in 2017. Mulryne joined the priesthood in 2009 after an invitation from the bishop of Down and Connor.

Per Nagle, the former Norwich City and Leyton Orient man was declared bankrupt earlier this year. The ex-midfielder represented his country 27 times, scoring three goals. 

At Old Trafford he made just one senior appearance, on the final day of the 1997-98 season, before moving to Norwich and spending six years at Carrow Road. Mulryne helped the Canaries to the Premier League in 2004, when they secured promotion as champions of the second tier.