The full team, including Zlatan Ibrahimović, Paul Pogba and captain Wayne Rooney, made dreams come true at the Aon Training Complex for fans who suffer from serious and life-limiting illnesses. The heart-warming event takes place twice a season with supporters travelling from across the UK and Ireland to meet their footballing heroes and watch first-team training from the Jimmy Murphy Visitors’ Centre.

Speaking at his first Dream Day since joining Manchester United at the start of the 2016/17 season, Ibrahimović commented, “It’s fantastic to meet the children; whatever we do it’s all about the children and I’m happy to see them because they are our supporters.  Whether they are having good moments or bad moments, it’s a big occasion for all of us and it makes me happy to see them.”

Star midfielder Paul Pogba added, “When we were kids we all wanted a dream come true so we are doing this for them; we see the smiles on their faces, we are making them happy and that’s what we want to do.”

Amongst the group of 15 guests at the training ground today was 10-year-old Kayden from Northern Ireland who suffers from quadriplegic cerebral palsy.  He was delighted to meet the team, especially his idol Zlatan: “I was really excited to come, we had to get up at 3am to get here but it’s been so much fun, especially meeting Ibrahimović. He signed my shirt and wrapped his arm around me to take a photo – it’s such a good day.”

Hannah, 15, travelled from Essex for the special day and commented, “I’m a huge Manchester United supporter so I’m really excited to be here; it’s kind of overwhelming, all the players came in at once and I feel so lucky. Today has really given me a boost and helped me forget everything I’m going through; it’s been amazing.”