Introduction

In a stunning turn of events, former Manchester United talent Marnick Vermijl has traded in his professional football career for a life as a postman. Now 32 years old, Vermijl was once hailed as a wonderkid in the famed Red Devils academy, sharing the pitch with notable stars such as Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Ravel Morrison, and Michael Keane. His exceptional skills caught the eye of legendary manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during his time with Standard Liege's youth team.

Early Career and Debut

Vermijl made his first-team debut under Sir Alex Ferguson in 2012, where he played alongside icons like Wayne Rooney in a League Cup match against Newcastle United, helping secure a 2-1 victory. However, that would be the height of his time at United, as he only featured once more in a disastrous League Cup outing against MK Dons under Louis van Gaal before parting ways with the club in 2015.

Post-Manchester United Stint

Following his departure from Old Trafford, Vermijl had stints with Sheffield Wednesday, Preston North End, and Scunthorpe United, participating in various competitions across England. In 2019, he moved back to the Netherlands, joining Dutch side MVV Maastricht. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the end of his contract a year later, ultimately influencing his decision to shift to a lower league to reunite with family while playing for Thes.

Embracing a New Lifestyle

This transition allowed Vermijl to embrace a semi-professional lifestyle, which he found liberating. 'I was fed up with professional football,' Vermijl confessed to Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad. He noted the immense pressure of being heavily dependent on the decisions of managers as a major factor in his decision to step away from the limelight.

Life as a Postman

Now, as a postman, Vermijl relishes the opportunity to balance work with family life. He shared, 'I have to get up at four o'clock in the morning, but I'm home by noon and can pick up my children from school daily. That is a luxury.' He is a proud father to a daughter and a son, and this new role allows him to enjoy quality time with his little ones while leaving behind the stresses of professional sports.

Conclusion

Vermijl’s story sheds light on the often-untold struggles faced by athletes transitioning out of professional sports, revealing that happiness and fulfillment can sometimes be found far away from the pitch. His journey is a poignant reminder that life after football can lead to unexpected and rewarding paths.