Manchester United players enjoyed a special day at Carrington, meeting young supporters with life-limiting illnesses at Manchester United Foundation’s latest Dream Day.
Club captain Bruno Fernandes led the men’s first team as they met fans and their families at the training ground and was joined by the full squad including Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Alejandro Garnacho.
Dream Days take place twice a season, giving young Reds from across the UK the chance to visit Carrington and meet their favourite players. As well as having the unique opportunity to watch the team train from the sidelines, the guests also relished receiving autographs, posing for photos and speaking one-to-one with the players who they usually only see through their television screens.
Expressing how much these days mean to players, Fernandes said: “Seeing their smiles makes us realise the real meaning of what we do; for these kids to care about us and look up to us is very special. They’re very excited to come here and to meet us and we also enjoy meeting them – we’re very happy to give back to the fans.”
Speaking at his first Dream Day since joining the club earlier this year, Ayden Heaven said: “It’s a humbling experience being here today; I enjoyed speaking with the group and being a part of a special day.”
Longstanding supporter of the Foundation, Jonny Evans took the time to bring extra shirts to sign and give away to the Dream Day guests.
He said: “The Foundation is an incredible organisation, and these days are great for us to give back to fans and contribute in any way that we can. I had some spare shirts and thought it was the perfect opportunity to give something special to the kids as another memory from the day.”
David, aged 14, plays for the Manchester United powerchair team, and was thrilled to have such an exclusive experience, saying: “It’s been insane, meeting all the players and watching them train; not many people get to see professionals train at the highest level of sport. I think it’s just an incredible experience to see how they do it; a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you’re never going to get again.”
On meeting the players, David added: “Rasmus Hojlund and Harry Maguire were really nice; very chatty and sociable. I thought Bruno was really nice as well – he’s my favourite player and a role model as the captain, he’s a great leader.”
Kenzi, from South Wales, styled his hair like his favourite player Garnacho specially for the day. He said: “I bleached my hair to look like Garnacho and I can’t believe I now get to meet him! It’s been a brilliant day; it’s really hard to describe it but it’s been lovely to meet all the players.”
For more information about Dream Days and Manchester United Foundation please visit www.mufoundation.org