Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and his first-team squad made special memories with fans at Manchester United Foundation’s latest Dream Day.
Many of the players, some of whom have just returned from international duty, made dreams come true at Carrington Training Complex for fans who are living with serious and life-limiting illnesses.
The heart-warming day takes place twice a season, and the latest event saw supporters from across the UK and Ireland meet their footballing heroes and watch first-team training.
Fans also met United legend Wes Brown, who greeted the guests and provided them with goodie bags and pennants in anticipation of the day.
Erik ten Hag said: “It has been a pleasure to invite our fans to Carrington to watch training and meet the team as part of this special Dream Day experience, on a personal level I have found it so enjoyable attending.
“Taking time out to talk with families has been really rewarding for both myself and the players. It is so important to spend time with our fans, especially those who are going through a tough time, so doing something small to make them smile is truly worthwhile.
“Seeing the connection and atmosphere between the players and the fans has been really nice and that sums up what Manchester United is all about.”
Jonny Evans was involved in several Dream Days during his first stint at the club and he was thrilled to be back experiencing such an important day.
He said: “It’s amazing what the Foundation does. Throughout my time here, as a youngster, it was something that was always bedded into us; how important the fans are. It’s such a big part of this club and always will be.”
One of the fans who attended the event, Corey, 26, said: “We’ve come to watch the team train, met the players and just chilled out here really, it’s been brilliant.
I grew up watching United and then my brothers were United fans and here we are today. The fact that they put this on is a dream come true.”
Pippa, mum to another fan in attendance – 17-year-old Sean – relayed the emotional experience that she and her son enjoyed. “It means a lot; he [Sean] has been through a lot in the last year.
For him to come today, be well enough to come and just to see him smile, it means a lot because it’s been tough for him. My favourite part of the day was seeing his face and watching his reaction when the players walked through that door. It’s just magical because it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him smile.”
For more information about Dream Days and Manchester United Foundation please visit www.mufoundation.org