Man United have made more unforgettable memories with their fan base as they once again invited supporters to the club’s training ground for the latest edition of Dream Day.
Now a bi-annual occurrence, the Dream Day events are not only yet another way of giving back to the local community, but also to give those less fortunate and facing difficult life circumstances a truly wholesome experience.
Set up by the Manchester United Foundation, the player meet-ups provide an opportunity for Reds with life-limiting illnesses to meet their heroes up close and personal.
They’ve always been such special days, and after more than two decades, they’re still bringing smiles to fans’ faces both in the flesh and online.
Commenting on his first attendance as a United player, recent and high-flying signing, Bryan Mbeumo, said: “It’s been a really good experience to take part in the Foundation’s Dream Day. To be able to meet the families, take photos and sign the shirts, I’m just grateful to be here and to make them smile.”
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Being cheered as he entered the room at Carrington Training Complex before walking around to meet and greet, he went on to describe it as “just amazing to meet everyone, especially because they are cheering us on every weekend.”
Fellow newboy Benjamin Sesko was also clearly moved by the whole thing, adding: “It’s really special for us, because we can help to put smiles on fans’ faces and answer some questions. I know it helps them a lot, it gives them a great feeling, and for me it’s really nice to give back and help in any way I can.”
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With so many senior United squad members in attendance, from established starting XI players like Mbeumo, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui, to youth graduates like Kobbie Mainoo, Ayden Heaven, and many more, virtually everyone possibly available made an appearance.
One particularly touching sight was seeing young Jayden meeting his idol in club captain Bruno Fernandes, who shared a heartwarming embrace.
You can find out more about how to be part of a Man United Dream Day HERE. (Credit: Supplied via MU Foundation)
Speaking on yet another emotional day, Fernandes said: “It’s important as a Manchester United player to take part in these days and to give back to the fans.
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“It’s always great to see the kids smiling when they meet us. We can sense the love and support they give to us on and off the pitch – being with them in these little moments is what it’s all about.”
The 12-year-old matchgoer himself was understandably over the moon to meet the ‘Portuguese Magnifico’, telling the Foundation: “It’s been amazing today; I was quite star-struck when they all walked in, I didn’t really know how to react!
“I love all the players, Bruno is my favourite, and he even recorded a message wishing my football team good luck ahead of our game.”
As for his dad, he went on to note: “To see him experience it after everything he’s been going through, you just can’t put it into words. “It means an awful lot to him, and I can see that meeting the players has been so inspiring. They were really lovely with him, and so nice and welcoming.”
From regular school and hospital visits to the return of the upcoming winter Stadium Sleepout, the United Foundation does incredible work across Greater Manchester all year-round, and we’ll never tire of seeing moving scenes like these.
Featured Images — Manchester United Foundation (supplied)
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Salford RLFC issue statement as head coach Mike Grady departs after less than three months
Danny Jones
Salford Rugby League Football Club have issued an official statement following the departure of head coach Mike Grady, who has left the role after less than three months in the job.
It has been insisted that this is not a sacking, but rather a joint decision to terminate his contract.
Grady, who took up the mantle at the start of this project following the end of the Salford Red Devils era, was only appointed on 5 January.
He had previously been in charge of the Red Devils’ women’s side over the past couple of years, but moved over to hopefully lead this new era forward.
As you can see, the club confirmed in a statement that they and Grady have “mutually agreed to part ways due to changes in his personal circumstances.”
They go on to write: “We are forever indebted to Mike for his unwavering commitment to the club. We want to thank him for all his hard work since taking on the role as Head Coach in very challenging circumstances in December.”
Also sharing a comment from former player turned CEO, Ryan Brierley, he said: “Mike came in as Coach at a time when the club had just come through one of its toughest times with the double impact of relegation and liquidation.
“He was willing to roll up his sleeves and bring stability to the club on the pitch. The fact we were able to field a team against Oldham in January, after only three weeks, speaks volumes about his commitment and determination. To beat Hunslet at home only four weeks later was a fantastic achievement.
“Mike will always be remembered as the person [who] strived and achieved the objective of sending out the first Salford team of this new era. A team running onto the pitch, after so much hard work, gave us all something to cheer about. We also remember how well he successfully guided our women’s team to third and fourth place finishes in the Championship.”
Sharing his own farewell message, he went on to add: “I want to thank Ryan for the opportunity to represent this great club and fan base. What we created at the start of the year was pretty special, and I’m proud to have built that.
“I’m happy to leave the club in a better place than I found it and wish the club all the best for the future.” Salford RLFC have already assured that they are now recruiting for his replacement.
Football fans rage over the cost of the new England kits for 2026 World Cup
Danny Jones
It’s that time again: lots of Three Lions fans have been left furious over the cost of new England kits, and having seen the latest price, we’re not surprised.
No, seriously, the world of football fashion is getting seriously out of control…
With the squads for this month’s national team camp having just dropped, March has also seen the release of the new England home and away shirts – both of which are pretty nice, if you ask us.
In case you haven’t seen it already, here’s an extended look at the reveal video, which debuted the new white and red strips ahead of the 2026 World Cup over in the USA:
You can find the full England kit range and all the prices right HERE.
All that being said, something we don’t like the look of is the price tag, and we’re far from the only ones – a good chunk of social media is up in arms about it.
While one person said, “Baffling anyone paying those prices”, and another quipped, “Then treat yourself to a World Cup ticket for three grand” – match prices having also been raised as a concern – the general consensus seems to be ‘game’s gone’, to use a seemingly timeless phrase.
Another sarcastically wrote, “I have no idea why the counterfeit shirt economy is booming when you can get an original [at] such a good price.”
For example, it didn’t take long for someone to share their most recent and more affordable overseas order along with the caption: “Surely no one is genuinely paying £90 for that when you can get it just as good on DHGate for £10.”
While fake footy shirts are a growing obstacle for manufacturers and suppliers all over the world, for an increasing amount of the general public, it’s now becoming genuinely the only viable way they can justify spending money on the latest kits.
Its a nice kit. But I def do not have £155 lying about.
For context, the above post is an example of the authentic player version worn in matches, which features Nike’s breathable AERO-Fit fabric.
However, even just the standard adult replica version is currently retailing at nearly £90; juniors ‘Stadium’ shirts are priced at £64.99, a full kids ‘Mini’ kit is nearly £50, and even a pair of shorts will set you back either £44.99 or £32.99, depending on whether you’re a kid of grown-up.
When you take into account the countless parents hoping to put a smile on their little one’s face by getting their favourite player’s name on the back of the new England jersey in time for the World Cup, it’s no wonder the Classic Football Shirts and hand-me-down vintage kits culture is so strong.
Danny Jones -
30th October 2025 
