Louis van Gaal leads Manchester United stars at Dream Day

The latest of Manchester United Foundation’s biannual Dream Days took place in the glorious spring sunshine, as children and adults from across the country were invited to the training ground in Carrington to meet the first-team players.

Guests were thrilled to be given a behind the scenes experience as they watched the first-team train from the balcony of the Jimmy Murphy Centre before meeting their beloved United heroes, receiving autographs and posing for photos.

Manager Van Gaal was taking part in his first Foundation Dream Day and was an instant hit with guests as he explained the importance attending events like this: “The players are role models to the fans and it’s good that they want to get involved. It's not an obligation for them, they just do it and I’m very happy that they all came along to support this.”

Midfielder Ander Herrera was also on hand to lend his support and said, “It’s great for the team to come here; it’s important as they need our support and we are very happy to help.”

Eleven-year-old Nathan, who suffers from chronic kidney failure, thoroughly enjoyed his experience and said, “It was the best day I’ve ever had. I enjoyed watching training and seeing the players practice their shooting. I also met Mata and Di Maria; they signed my t-shirt and book.”

Nathan’s father, Valdi, added, “Today was a dream come true for him; it’s a different experience watching them on the TV to actually meeting them personally. Nathan has always said he wanted to meet them and had been looking forward since we found out.”

Geraldine McKiernan, Charity Relationship Executive for the Foundation who organised the Dream Day, concluded, “It was a fantastic day and the players have created some very special memories for these fans that will never be forgotten.”