Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson closes Twitter account two-hours after creating it following barrage of abuse

Darron Gibson of Manchester United (Getty Images)

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Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson has been forced to close down his Twitter account just two hours after setting it up on the social networking site because of the abuse he suffered from disgruntled United fans.

The Republic of Ireland international had joined many of his United team mates in setting up a Twitter account earlier today but has since deleted it.

The abuse seemed to be centred from Red Devils supporters, with tweeters questioning Gibsob’s importance to the side.

“You are an abysmal excuse for a footballer. You’re a one trick pony – a s*** one at that. What Fergie sees in you I don’t know,” one tweet read.

While another added: “Nothing would make me happier than if we sold you this summer, you’re probably a nice bloke, but an awful footballer.”

Gibson’s performances have led to criticism from some quarters this season as the United player has played more a peripheral role in the team.

Twitter, which allows fans to converse with their favourite sports stars, is used by a number of famous sportsmen including United team-mates Rio Ferdinand, Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.

The midfielder’s form has taken a dramatic dip since October, falling from 1119th place in the Castrol EDGE Rankings to 1484 at the start of March.