The team, including Romelu Lukaku, Nemanja Matic, and David De Gea made dreams come true at the Aon Training Complex for young fans with serious and life-limiting illnesses. The heart-warming day takes place twice a season with the latest event including supporters from across the country and even overseas meeting their footballing heroes and watching first team training from the Jimmy Murphy Visitors’ Centre.

Speaking at his first Dream Day since joining Manchester United at the start of the 2017/18 season, Nemanja Matic commented, “I’m very happy to be here with these kids today; I know that this means a lot for them and I’m happy if we make them smile a little bit.”

Amongst the group of 16 guests was 13-year-old Alex who has leukaemia and had made the long trip from New York with his father Michael. Alex said, “It feels really good as we’ve watched them on TV so to meet them all was great.”

His father Michael added, “Today is special, we’ve been following United for years now and to be able to come here and meet the players, it’s been a dream come true and definitely been worth the trip.”

Reds midfielder Juan Mata was given a special gift by adoring fan Alice, who has type 1 diabetes, as she presented him with a rose and a letter, before the United star returned the favour and gifted her with a personalised signed bib he wore whilst training.

Commenting on the exchange Mata said, “It was great, she is beautiful girl and she gave me a letter and a rose so I’m really happy, and I’m pleased for her because she’s smiling a lot and having a great day.”