MANCHESTER UNITED stars spread some festive cheer as they paid their annual visit to children in local hospitals.
The likes of Marcus Rashford, Fred and Jesse Lingard pulled on Christmas hats to dish out gifts and put smiles on the faces of kids at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.
Manchester United stars spread festive cheer at the local children’s hospitalCredit: Getty – Contributor
Diogo Dalot enjoyed a selfie with AlanCredit: Getty – Contributor
United stars went to three different local hospitalsCredit: Getty – Contributor
United face a hectic schedule over the festive period but they still found time to make dreams come true and raise spirits.
The club split up the squad and sent different members to separate hospitals around the area, including Francis House Children’s Hospice in Didsbury and The Christie’s Palatine Treatment Centre.
Right-back Diogo Dalot shared a heartwarming selfie with two-year-old Alan while other members of the team signed shifts and gifts from the club shop.
Harry Maguire was making his first hospital visit since joining the club in the summer and spoke of spreading the joy.
He told the club website: “This is my first year at Manchester United but it’s a classy club and they always make sure they look after the community and local hospitals at this time of year.
“It’s a nice gesture, to surprise everyone, bring gifts and put smiles on faces – that’s what it is all about.”
Spaniard Juan Mata was with Lee Grant at Francis House and reiterated the importance to give back.
He added: “I think it is important to give back at any time, but now it’s Christmas and obviously it’s a very important time for a lot of us and our families, so we are grateful to be able to help kids that are not able to have the happy Christmas that we normally have.”
Scott McTominay, who has become a crucial figure for the Red Devils in Paul Pogba’s absence this season, added: “It’s such a humbling experience coming here and seeing the kids with smiles on their faces.
“It’s one of the most important things that we do as players and staff, especially around Christmas time; these are the things we love doing the most and it’s amazing to give back to charities and the hospital.”
David de Gea and Pereira pose with EwanCredit: Getty – Contributor
Man United stars helped put smiles on the faces of local childrenCredit: Getty – Contributor
The stars played the role of Santa by handing out a host of presentsCredit: Getty – Contributor
The players posed for pictures with the children and familiesCredit: Getty – Contributor
The children were delighted with the presence of United playersCredit: Getty – Contributor
Marcus Rashford poses with members of staff at the hospitalCredit: Getty – Contributor
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
