Dreams come true for young Man United fans who meet their heroes and watch them train

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and members of his first team squad took time off from their busy training schedule ahead of this weekend’s visit to Bournemouth to welcome lucky fans from across the UK at United’s Carrington training ground.

First team players including Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho were on hand to make dreams come true for fans with serious and life-limiting illnesses.

Dream Days

The Manchester United Foundation holds Dream Days twice a year for fans with life-limiting illnesses. The days are a dream come true for the young fans, many of whom deal with intense pain and discomfort on a day-to-day basis. For some of them, the chance to meet the players is a truly uplifting experience at a time when they need it most.

The Foundation works closely with charities which specialise in granting wishes to seriously ill children and adults.

A typical Dream Day will involve the fans and a family member or carer arriving at Carrington in time to watch the team train from the Jimmy Murphy visitors’ centre.

Museum trip

Following this, they meet their heroes and have lunch. They then have the option of going to Old Trafford for a museum and stadium tour or this opportunity can be taken at a later date.

Harley, aged 13, couldn’t get enough of the day and meeting his hero, Kobbie Mainoo.  “It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said. “Today was really fun. I was having surgery in January and now I’m here, it’s crazy.”

John, father of 18-year-old Lydia, said: “We’ve had an incredible day. Lydia has had the best time. It’s great memories for her and for our family. She’s United mad, football mad, and has ben since a young age, so it’s just brilliant to be here today.”

United legend Wes Brown was also in attendance, greeting guests and providing them with goodie bags and shirts in anticipation of the day.

Giving back

“I enjoy giving back,” said Rasmus Højlund. “I’ve been a young fan myself and I know how it is, so it’s good that we can have days like this.

“They are so happy to see us, and we are happy to see them too. That’s what football is all about. It’s been a really positive experience.”

For further information or to enquire about future Dream Days for you or a loved one please contact [email protected]. Applicants must be a minimum seven years of age.

Pics Emma McWilliams