Former Manchester United teammates Abbie McManus and Jess Sigsworth have traded football boots for fire hoses, transitioning from Women's Super League careers to the fire service. The pair, who moved from United to Leicester together, found their friendship helped navigate an unexpected career change after both faced forced retirements.

McManus received medical retirement in 2023 following a severe leg break that ended her playing days after 18 months of rehabilitation attempts. Sigsworth's journey ended in 2024 after multiple knee injuries, including one in 2017 and another at Leicester that she knew immediately would finish her career. Both described the mental challenge of leaving football behind after dedicating their lives to the sport since age 16.

They discovered striking parallels between elite sport and emergency response work. The teamwork, pressure situations, and fitness demands mirror their football experiences, with Sigsworth noting they thrive under scrutiny. Daily routines at the fire station echo football training camps, complete with shared meals and post-incident analysis.

Recently, the duo represented emergency services in a seven-a-side tournament in Spain, winning the competition. While McManus adapted well to the new challenge, Sigsworth's brief goalkeeping appearance ended with an early lob, providing a humorous reminder that some skills don't transfer perfectly.