Another member of Wigan’s FA Cup-winning side has decided to hang up their boots as Roger Espinoza has confirmed his retirement at the age of 37.
Espinoza’s most recent club was Sporting Kansas City, who he played for nearly 400 times across two different spells, but in between those two stints, he was part of the famous Wigan team that managed to beat a then resurgent Manchester City in the 2013 FA Cup final.
Now 11 years on, the former Honduran international has revealed that he is calling time on his storied career following the conclusion of the 2023 American season.
As confirmed in an official club announcement, the number 11 will be honoured with a special pre-match ceremony at the home ground of Children’s Mercy Park before their game against Austin FC, along with a fireworks show immediately following the game.
Widely considered not just a footballing veteran but a legend of the league, he goes down as the player with the second-most appearances in Sporting KC history, winning three US Open Cup titles and helping carry them to 10 Audi MLS Cup Playoff appearances.
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His time in Greater Manchester, however, was relatively fleeting; the midfielder went on to become somewhat of a utility player throughout his career after joining the Latics halfway through the season but was quickly thrown into the first team through necessity.
Following injuries to Maynor Figueroa and Jean Beausejour, Espinoza was deployed as a left wing-back under Roberto Martínez in that FA Cup final over a decade ago which proved to be a big shock and remains Wigan‘s only major trophy. He played for 42 games before leaving in December 2014.
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Having racked up a total of 455 appearances all told – not including his caps for Honduras (52), who represented at two World Cups and even at the Olympics – scoring 17 goals and notching 49 assists, his playing career spans two decades and has already begun the transition into coaching.
👏 Wishing all the best in retirement to Roger Espinoza!
An FA Cup winner with Latics in 2013, thank you for your efforts during your time with us & best of luck for the future! 🙌 #wafc 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/IKhzepyadP
Paying tribute to his long-standing teammate and mate nicknamed ‘Lucky Lefty’, fellow Kansas City legend Graham Zusi was one of countless who paid tribute to Espinoza on social media, writing: “What a human. Ultimate teammate, leader, competitor and friend. Congrats, hermano!”
Roger Espinoza’s retirement also means that there are now just four surviving members of that 2013 FA Cup-winning side: James McCarthy, Callum McManaman, Jordi Gómez and goalkeeper Joel Robles.
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Meanwhile, then-manager Martínez is in charge of the Portuguese national team competing at Euro 2024 as we speak, and ex-Wigan talisman Shaun Maloney is still at the club only now as the head coach himself, and has been in post since January 2023.
Featured Images — Andy Witchger (via Flickr)/Wigan Athletic (via X)
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Manchester United to wear special one-off shirt for important awareness campaign
Danny Jones
Just to pre-empt any Manchester United fans fearing they’re still in total delirium the next time they see that iconic red shirt, we can confirm it isn’t just your rose-tinted glasses deceiving you – the club will be wearing a special one-off shirt with a notable difference very soon.
All eyes may now be on Wednesday, 21 May but this limited edition kit has already caught the eye of many supporters for one very obvious reason.
In case you haven’t seen it for yourselves already, Man United have confirmed that both the men’s and women’s squads will be will be wearing a slight variation on their home shirt for their next two matches as part of a special campaign for an important charitable cause.
Joining forces with their usual primary shirt sponsors Snapdragon and global health campaigners Product RED, this one-off alternative strip will be unveiled on the pitch this week.
Product Red, or simply (RED) as it will read on the jersey itself, is a worldwide charity that’s been working to fight global health crises since 2006.
(RED)’s key aim is to end the AIDS epidemic and related injustices by raising money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
The organisation officially partnered with the club and Snapdragon back in January in an effort to help drive awareness and generate further backing for their work – it just so happens that teaming up with one the planet’s biggest brands and one synomyous with that colour made for the perfect collaboration.
With that in mind, putting together a one-off Man United kit with (RED) slap bang in the middle as is close to a commercial/charitable tap-in as you’re probably ever going to get.
Set to be debuted by Manchester United Women in their WSL fixutre against Arsenal this Saturday, 10 May and then again by Ruben Amorim’s side in the Premier League the following day (Sun, 11 May); plus, a select few limited edition replicas shirts will be made available for fans to purchase.
Be first in the know, Reds 👀
Get notified when our limited-edition @RED collection drops ⤵️#MUFC || @Snapdragon
It goes without saying that given the nature of the front-of-shirt sponsor swap, these will no doubt become somewhat of a special item among kit collectors from the off.
More importantly, however, the funds raised through selling these one-off Man United shirts will provide much-needed income for the non-profit and their crucial efforts.
The unveiling of the comes not long after the bedlam that ensued inside Old Trafford during the second leg against Athletic Club, in which United booked their return trip back to Bilbao for the Europa League final, leaving plenty of fans of seeing nothing but the colour red ever since.
MUWFC also sealed their spot in the Women’s Champions League next season to with an important point in the Manchester Derby this past weekend, confirming a finish above Man City this year.
Safe to say it’s been a good few days to be a (RED).
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.
Danny Jones -
27th June 2024 
