Manchester United continued its annual Christmas tradition by spreading festive cheer across children’s hospitals and care centres in Greater Manchester, as players from the men’s first-team squad took time to visit patients, families and staff during the holiday period.
Players visited Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, The Christie Palatine Treatment Centre and Francis House Children’s Hospice, bringing gifts, smiles and special moments to those spending Christmas away from home.
At Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Mason Mount, Leny Yoro, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Tyler Fredricson and Manuel Ugarte spent the afternoon handing out presents, playing games and chatting with patients and their families.
Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs De Ligt, Tyrell Malacia and Dermot Mee visited The Christie, the largest single-site cancer centre in Europe. The players surprised teenagers and young adults with gifts and took time to thank staff for their tireless dedication and care.
Francis House Children’s Hospice also welcomed United representatives, with goalkeepers Senne Lammens and Tom Heaton delighting children and families by distributing United-themed presents, including scarves, hats and calendars.
Ahead of the visits, the squad collectively purchased PlayStations for all three hospitals as an additional gesture to help bring joy to patients facing a difficult time over the festive period.
Reflecting on his first hospital visit since joining the club, Leny Yoro said:
“It’s been great to spend some time with the kids this afternoon. They were really happy that we could come here today to speak with them, play with them and give out some gifts.
When you are a Manchester United player, you have a big responsibility and can have a big impact. Seeing the kids today brings a lot of joy to us too and also makes you remember that life is not easy for everyone. It’s been great to spread some happiness and see them smile.”
Mason Mount added:
“It’s a special day for us all. It’s important that we show our support as a club at this time of year, as it can be really difficult for those spending Christmas in hospital. We come in to try and lift their spirits, give out some presents and spend some time with them. It’s super important to us.”
Senne Lammens also spoke about the visit to Francis House, saying:
“It’s really nice to see all the happy faces while we are here. It’s a small thing that we can do for them, but for them it’s a big deal. It’s nice to give back because we also receive so much support from them, and it’s been an honour to be here.”
Josh, a Francis House service user, shared his excitement after meeting the players:
“It was a privilege to meet Senne and Tom. I’ve watched Manchester United since I was a little boy, so it means a lot. It feels like an early Christmas present. They gave us a bag with some gifts and I’m really looking forward to opening it.”
Elsewhere, the remainder of the men’s first-team squad attended the annual Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association Christmas lunch at Old Trafford, signing shirts, taking photos and spending time with supporters.
The visits were led by Manchester United Foundation, which organises the club’s Christmas outreach each year and delivers more than 1,500 Manchester United-themed gifts annually to patients and staff across local hospitals and care centres.
Callum McFadden 