Ex-Manchester United midfielder, Thompson is dead

Joe Thompson, a former Manchester United’s academy midfielder, is dead at the age of 36.

His former club Rochdale said it was “devastated” to learn of his death on Friday.

Rochdale, in its statement disclosed that the their former midfielder died on Thursday “peacefully at home with his family by his side”.

Thompson made over 200 appearances for Rochdale, who he joined from Manchester United’s academy backed in 2005.

The club posted a tribute on X, describing their former midfielder as “a warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age”.

Thompson retired from professional football in 2019. He was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in 2024.

He represented clubs like Southport, Carlisle United, Bury, Tranmere Rovers and Wrexham before his death .

Ex-Manchester United midfielder, Thompson is dead