On meeting Smalling, Under 16’s goalkeeper Imogen said: “It’s been a really good experience, to play with someone at such a high level and learning how he plays differently to us but embracing him in our game, it was fantastic.”

Manchester United FA Regional Talent Club Manager Emma Fletcher said: “For Chris to come and meet the team today has been fantastic, we  couldn’t have asked for more from the squad this season. To get a reward like this is a really nice way to recognise all of their hard work.”

The under 16's squad have had a rollercoaster season and are waiting on other results to see if they can win their league. The team also produced some impressive displays during their FA Youth Cup journey which unfortunately ended in defeat at Reading in the semi-finals.

Commenting on an exciting season, under 16’s player Chloe said: “It’s been a brilliant; we’ve loved every minute of it. The coaching has been excellent and the matches have been fantastic. We are gutted about the FA Cup but we’ll just come back stronger, it’s something to bounce back from and I know we all will as we are such a resilient team.”