Erik ten Hag and his first-team squad made special memories to remember with fans at Manchester United Foundation’s latest Dream Day.
Many of the players helped made dreams come true at Carrington Training Complex for fans who are living with serious and life-limiting illnesses.
The Dream Day takes place twice a season thanks to Manchester United Foundation, and the latest event saw supporters from across the UK and Ireland meet their footballing heroes. They also got to watch the first-team train ahead of Saturday’s clash at Sheffield United.
Fans also had the chance to meet United legend Wes Brown.
Erik ten Hag said: “It has been a pleasure to invite our fans to Carrington to watch training and meet the team as part of this special Dream Day experience, on a personal level I have found it so enjoyable attending.
“Taking time out to talk with families has been really rewarding for both myself and the players. It is so important spending time with our fans, especially those who are going through a tough time, so doing something small to make them smile is truly worthwhile.
“Seeing the connection and atmosphere between the players and the fans has been really nice and that sums up what Manchester United is all about.”
Jonny Evans was involved in several Dream Days during his first stint at the club and he was thrilled to be back experiencing such an important day.
The Northern Ireland defender said: “It’s amazing what the Foundation does. Throughout my time here, as a youngster, it was something that was always bedded into us; how important the fans are. It’s such a big part of this club and always will be.”
One of the fans who attended the event, Corey, 26, said: “We’ve come to watch the team train, met the players and just chilled out here really, it’s been brilliant. I grew up watching United and then my brothers were United fans and here we are today. The fact that they put this on is a dream come true.”
Pippa, mum to another fan in attendance – 17-year-old Sean – relayed the emotional experience that she and her son enjoyed. “It means a lot; he [Sean] has been through a lot in the last year. For him to come today, be well enough to come and just to see him smile, it means a lot because it’s been tough for him. My favourite part of the day was seeing his face and watching his reaction when the players walked through that door. It’s just magical, because it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him smile.”
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