Manchester United Women have paid a festive visit to children at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and The Christie this week, as part of the club’s annual tradition of visiting children’s hospitals to deliver gifts during the festive period.

Following on from the men’s team visits last week, 13 members of the women’s team squad visited Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, spending time with patients and helping to hand out United-themed gift bags.

Captain Maya Le Tissier was one of those who attended the hospital, which provides specialist healthcare services for children and young people throughout the North West.

Maya said: “It's special to come here and see what's going on, and to try and give something back as well. It's so important that we do this. These things give us our energy and we see how big United is, and how many people support us.

“If we can bring some smiles to their faces then we've done our jobs. It means a lot to me and the rest of the team.”

Players spent a considerable amount of time with patients and their families – playing games, signing autographs and posing for photographs.

No stranger to honouring the club’s special annual tradition, Ella Toone said: “We know how hard Christmas can be for some people; for children who are not spending it at home, it must be difficult.

“For us to come down here and spend some time putting smiles on faces and handing out some Christmas presents, it could make their day, their week or even their month. It’s something that we always enjoy doing, it’s nice for us to be able to come here and experience something like this.”

Meanwhile, six members of the women’s team squad brought festive cheer to teenagers and young adults at The Christie, in Withington, speaking with patients and families who are experiencing a tough Christmas period.

Aoife Mannion, among the players visiting young people at The Christie, said: “We’ve met some of the lovely people here, heard a little bit about their journeys, and hopefully just brought some smiles to their faces and provided a little bit of a distraction.

“They don't realise just how much they put a smile on our face when they tell us their stories and what they've been up to. They've been so engaging, and we feel really lucky and privileged. We've just got our fingers crossed for everyone who we've met that their treatment goes well.”

Manchester United Foundation leads the Christmas visits on behalf of the club, delivering 2,000 Manchester United gifts for staff and patients each year.