The Manchester United first-team squad paid a special visit to young patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, The Christie and Francis House Children’s Hospice to deliver some early Christmas gifts.
23-month-old Millie-May from Irlam was met by Jesse Lingard and Memphis at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
Lingard said: “It’s a great feeling to meet these children and it’s good to give something back. I’ve seen a lot of kids in here and hopefully most of them make it home for Christmas.
“It’s very important for us to come here today; we’re role models to a lot of these kids and what we do on and off the field, the kids are going to want to copy, so we’ve got to be good role models and set a good example for everyone.”
The players split into three groups for the visits, which are organised annually by Manchester United Foundation.
Andreas Perreira and Sergio Romero meet Umar, 12, at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital
Each was delighted to help raise spirits during the Christmas period.
Captain Wayne Rooney visited Francis House in Didsbury with teammate Marouane Fellaini and commented on the impact the Christmas visits can have on the young patients.
Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini meet Tybah at Francis House Hospice
“It’s really important to do this when there are sick kids and children need a lift at Christmas time,” Rooney said.
“I know how tough it can be for them but places like Francis House can maybe give the parents a bit of respite.”
The rest of the squad visited the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, bringing smiles to the faces of those sadly facing a Christmas in hospital.
Ander Herrera and Juan Mata meet Dylan, 6, at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital
Juan Mata commented, “It is a pleasure for us to come here and visit the kids, we take a lot of energy from them, they aren’t having a great time but they are happy to see us.
“It’s amazing to see how many Manchester United followers we have around the world and especially here in Manchester, so it’s great for us to come and put smiles on their faces at Christmas.”
Vice-captain Michael Carrick led Chris Smalling, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sam Johnstone to The Christie’s Palatine Treatment Centre, which is home to the teenage and young adult unit and haematology and transplant inpatient unit, where they surprised patients who are going through a difficult time this festive period.
Bastian Schweinsteiger, Chris Smalling and Michael Carrick meet Shannon Mackey, 18, at The Christie
Carrick said, “I’ve met some of the guys today that I also saw last year and I know they’ve had a tough 12 months so it’s great to see there’s a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel.
“It’s so positive to see them looking forward to Christmas and getting on with the rest of their lives.”
