The Manchester United Foundation is continuing to carry out its regular schedule of wholesome community initiatives, with the club inviting a whole host of fans down to Carrington to meet the squad for ‘Dream Day’.
Now a biannual event on the United Foundation‘s calendar, Dream Days are heartwarming events that return every season, offering supporters travelling from all over the UK to come and meet with their footballing heroes and watch a first-team training session from the balcony of the Jimmy Murphy Centre.
This being the first of the year, fans sadly suffering from life-limiting illnesses arrived at the nearby training complex where they got to meet captain Bruno Fernandes, Man United and England centre-back Harry Maguire, club legend Wes Brown; the gaffer himself, Erik ten Hag, and many more.
As you can see from the pics, the players might have been a touch sweaty and damp from the Manc weather, but it didn’t stop them from making it a very special day for everyone in attendance.
For those who are a part of it, the United Dream Day initiative always lives up to its name.
With the likes of Brown and other members of the MUFC staff greeting guests and providing them with goodie bags and shirts before the real surprise, the kids’ and parents’ faces tell you everything you need to know.
Speaking on the importance of the day, Bruno Fernandes said, “It’s really important. Dream Days have been part of the club for so many years. We know that football can bring so much joy to the fans and I hope that today it’s been a special moment for them, and we’ve put smiles on their faces.”
Echoing his teammate, Norwegian striker Rasmus Hojlund went on to say: “I enjoy giving back. I’ve been a young fan myself and I know how it is, so it’s good that we can have days like this. They are so happy to see us, and we are happy to see them too.
“That’s what football is all about; it’s been a really positive experience.”
As for the fan side of things, 13-year-old Harley, who got to meet his idol Kobbie Mainoo, couldn’t get enough of the day, labelling it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience. Today was really fun. I was having surgery in January and now I’m here, it’s crazy.”
John, father of 18-year-old Lydia, told club media: “We’ve had an incredible day. Lydia has had the best time; it’s great memories for her and for our family. She’s United mad, football mad, and has been since a young age, so it’s just brilliant to be here today.”
A regular volunteer at Foundation events, previous club captain Maguire added: “It’s a day we all look forward to. Seeing so many smiles, you can feel the energy around the place. You go away from here feeling really proud to be able to play for this club; it’s great to meet so many fantastic people.”
The Foundation carried all kinds of charity work throughout the year and we look forward to many more wholesome scenes throughout 2024.
Featured Images — Manchester United Foundation (Supplied)
Sport
Alejandro Garnacho set for Premier League switch as Manchester United shuffle attacking lineup
Danny Jones
Young Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho looks set to make a switch to another Premier League team as he has reportedly already reached an agreement regarding personal terms with his next club: Chelsea.
The promising winger, who graduated from Man United’s academy setup and has quickly made an impact even in just a short time in the first team, is now believed to be London-bound very soon, with Chelsea now “close” to completing a deal for the 21-year-old.
While there are no doubts surrounding his talent and potential, it is said the rift between him and the United head coach comes down to personality, character and conduct, with the latter not shying away from sharing grievances publicly.
🚨 Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over deal to sign Alejandro Garnacho. Clubs in touch on topic for some time & now advancing amid Benjamin Sesko joining #MUFC. 21yo winger wants #CFC or nothing + expects move to happen @TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/vdc1dtnA0p
According to The Athletic, it now looks as though after having agitated for a move, Garnacho has got his wish and is set for the capital, in a move which could see him become the 51st senior player to sign for the Blues under Todd Boehly’s ownership.
It is, quite frankly, a staggering number – especially given the fact that he only purchased the club back in May of 2022.
Most notably in Garnacho‘s case, too, it also raises questions around where in the Chelsea squad he will fit and how much regular first-team football (a guaranteed starting spot rumoured to be a flashpoint with Amorim) he will be able to enjoy should the deal go ahead.
For instance, besides the plethora of other attacking players at Enzo Maresca’s disposal, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the west Londoners are also pursuing PSG’s Xavi Simons.
Nevertheless, the Italian journalist claims that “every detail of personal terms with Chelsea” has now been agreed, with the Argentine prospect now fully set on a move to Stamford Bridge.
You can see what other Manchester United transfer updates he gave in his latest video.
Romano goes on to state that the deal is effectively done as far as the player side of things is concerned, adding that Garnacho is now only interested in Chelsea since and has been since July.
Although negotiations are yet to begin with Man United, it looks likely that they will push to get a transfer approved quickly as they look to cover the costs of the other business, having already brought in a number of players.
A young BMX star from Trafford finished on the podium in the 2025 World Championships
Danny Jones
A Greater Manchester native placed on the podium at the 2025 BMX World Championships in yet another display of our region’s sporting excellence.
12-year-old Leo Rowlands from Timperley in Trafford was one of the several promising BMX riders representing Team GB at the World Championships in Copenhagen, which kicked off at the end of July.
Back in 2023, Geordie-born Kieran Reilly became the UK’s first champion at the UCI BMX Freestyle Worlds in Glasgow, and this year, London’s Beth Shriever claimed a trio of world titles.
Combine that with the incredible achievement of the talented young lad coming third overall in his own category, and it really was another brilliant performance from Great Britain.
Credit: Supplied
Penning a proud statement online, local outlet Altrincham Today wrote: “HUGE congratulations to Leo Rowlands, who has just claimed WORLD No. 3 at the BMX World Championships in Copenhagen.
“The Year 7 [aged 11-12] Altrincham College student, who’s been racing since age 6 and trains at Bruntwood Park BMX Club in Cheadle, came through a field of over 140 of the world’s best riders to reach the final and secure his spot on the podium.
“Already North Champion and UK National No. 2, Leo will be going for the British Championship title in Kent this month.”
Joining in sharing their pride and praise on social media, his home college in Alty, along with Rowlands’ fellow students, simply added: “Incredible performance, Leo!”
The comments underneath both posts are filled with other parents and fellow locals passing on their congrats. You love to see it.
Credit: Family Handout (supplied)
As for his regular cycling haunt, Bruntwood Park BMX Club also went on to add: “Yesterday, two riders reached the top of the sport for their age, and it is with great pride that they bring home the club’s first W plates from a World Championships.
“First up, Leo Rowlands, who put down a stunning lap in the Male 12s final, working his way back from dead last out of the gate to make a brilliant podium and take home W3.”
They went on to credit all of their rising talents, including another promising young and already multi-title-winning champion in Lexi Waite, who fought her way back from a slipped gate to finish in fifth.
Bruntwood signed off by adding: “What an incredible achievement from both of these outstanding riders, and we cannot wait to have these guys back with their W plates!”
There’s plenty of cycling history being made here in Greater Manchester, and we’ve no doubt there’s more to come.
Danny Jones -
11th April 2024 
