A Man Utd player who started his Premier League journey alongside Marcus Rashford has just earned his first million from a new business!
A former Manchester United midfielder who debuted in the Premier League alongside Marcus Rashford says he’s “incredibly proud” to have passed £1 million in sales after retiring from football.
James Weir made his senior debut for United in the closing minutes of their 3-2 win over Arsenal in 2016. He spent eight years at Old Trafford, coming up through the club’s academy. That game against Arsenal was his only senior appearance for the club. Later that summer, he signed a three-year deal with Hull City, but injuries limited him to just seven games.
Weir also played on loan at Wigan Athletic and for Bolton Wanderers before moving abroad to Slovenia, where he joined FK Pohronie. He spent time in Hungary with MTK Budapest and finished his career playing in Slovakia for FC ViOn Zlate Moravce.
He played alongside Rashford and Ravel Morrison as a youth and decided to retire in 2024 at 28 years old. He shared: “After a lot of thought, I’ve decided to hang up my boots professionally. It’s bittersweet, but I can look back on my career with happy memories. Despite injuries, I met amazing people, made lifelong friends, and travelled the world doing what I love.”
Following his love for travel, Weir became an independent travel agent after retiring—a job that keeps him flying around a lot. “I create tailor-made trips and unforgettable experiences,” he says on his website. “My passion for exploring the world helps me plan the perfect journeys for my clients. Being a former Premier League player, I know the importance of providing top-notch, personalized service. Whether it’s a UK break or an Antarctic adventure, I’ve got you covered. No trip is too big or small.”
The Association of Former Manchester United Players, the official charity supporting ex-players, describes Weir’s journey as proof that hard work, belief, and determination can lead to success after football.
Weir said, “I started my own travel business and now help former teammates, their families, and other travelers enjoy smooth, stress-free trips. I’m proud to say I’ve just passed £1 million in sales.”
Talking to the Manchester Evening News in 2025, he explained how he got into the travel business: “It was around New Year’s Eve after I returned from Slovakia. I was chatting with a friend of my sister’s who worked at a travel company’s head office. She told me about the opportunity to run my own business through a franchise where you work as much as you want.
“I’ve always loved traveling and was lucky to visit many places in Europe and beyond when I was younger with Man United. In football, you’re told exactly what to do and when, but I like having more freedom now. It’s hard work building my business and clients gradually, but I’m really enjoying it and believe I made the right choice.”