Manchester United academy player James Overy is receiving heaps of praise online after a video of a heartwarming interaction between him and a young fan went viral on social media.
The Australian-born youngster joined the club and the Carrington set-up back in the summer of 2024, and has flown somewhat under the radar to plenty of supporters, quietly going about his business and continuing his progression.
However, it’s fair to say he’s had a good month or so, as not only did he provide a crucial assist in the under-18s FA Youth Cup semis against Crystal Palace roughly a fortnight ago – with two goals proving enough to book their spot in a Manchester derby final – but now he’s being hailed off the pitch, too.
Taking the time to not just say hello and chat with the young girl after the game, but go so far in engaging with her as to gift her a pair of his boots, it wasn’t just a lovely gesture, but one that will probably stay with the wide-eyed child forever.
Not the point, obviously, but there’s something very charming about him repeatedly asking, “Is that alright?” and double-checking if she’s happy with the colour.
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He might not be a born and bred Manc, but there’s still something very British about it.
The Aussie, only 18 years old himself, has quickly been applauded for what looked to be some very mature and admirable behaviour: spending time with Reds long after the full-time whistle and showing his own appreciation for their support.
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Reactions are as you would expect: “What a lad!”, “What it’s [all] about, inspiring the younger generation. Top man”; “What a legend, hope he’s got a good career ahead of him”, and so on.
Others also noted his ‘humility’ at such a young age, with one person going on to add that “a lot of professional players could learn a lot from that young man.”
Here he is talking about his senior debut against West Ham United when he was just a boy:
Prior to a memorable night of his own in the important win at Old Trafford, Overy received his first national team call-up back in November, but is also eligible for Scotland, having already represented both at various youth levels.
He’s also worn the captain’s armband for the U18s and is one of several prospects that United fans who follow all the age groups are keeping an eye on.
Others in that same squad include the Fletcher twins (sons of former player turned coach, Darren), Chido Obi, and the increasingly promising JJ Gabriel, who is still just 15 himself.
If they all follow the example set by James on how to conduct themselves as professionals, as he did with young Imogen and her mum Rachael (@imogenmufc), they won’t go far wrong.
Highlights from Man United’s semi-final victory over Palace in the 2025/26 FA Youth Cup
Manchester Storm’s ‘own and loan’ scheme returns for 2026/27
Danny Jones
Manchester Storm have relaunched their much-loved ‘own and loan’ programme once again ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Having gone from a cult favourite option for die-hards to an increasingly popular choice among their growing number of supporters, it’s a great way for fans to get their hands on what could go on to be priceless collectables.
Set up over a decade and a half ago, the initiative has gone on to be replicated by multiple clubs in the Elite Ice Hockey League, across the country, and indeed beyond.
For anyone unclear on what exactly this scheme means for them, here’s all you need to know.
The own and loan sponsorship is essentially an opportunity not only to support the club and your favourite player, but to essentially reserve a valuable piece of match-worn memorabilia.
Put simply, fans can buy a squad member’s jersey and then loan it back to them for the season.
The shirt – be it home, away, created for cup tournaments or a special limited-edition sweater (of which MCR Storm have designed many over the years) – will then be worn throughout the course of the campaign before being given back to the owner, i.e. you.
Not just simply buying the shirt, but helping back the team’s talent, it’s one of the most direct ways people can contribute to the club.
The Greater Manchester side pioneered the push for this initiative here in the UK in the early 2010s, and with the local side now set to return to the AO Arena, where their journey began way back in 1995, you can expect plenty to mark the comeback with a special sponsored jersey.
Anyone who purchases an away strip will have their name featured throughout home games for the duration of the season – not a bad gift or way to secure a potential future collectors’ item.
You can see every player available to sponsor and find out all the information you need right HERE.
For regular matchgoers at the ‘Storm Shelter’, we’re sure it’ll be bittersweet to say goodbye to Planet Ice Altrincham, but just how excited are you about heading home to the AO Arena later this year?
Featured Images — Manchester Storm (publicity picture)/The Manc Group
Sport
League One set for an all-Greater Manchester playoff final as Bolton book trip to Wembley
Danny Jones
It’s official: we’re all set for a fully Greater Manchester League One playoff final as Bolton Wanderers are the latest to secure a return to Wembley against Stockport County.
The resurgent old Lancashire club clinched their spot in the knockout conclusion of the third division with a single strike in the second leg of the semis, and it wasn’t a bad finish, either.
Beating Bradford City 2-0 on aggregate, Bolton will now play familiar regional rivals Stockport, with Wanderers set to clash with County in a decisive derby once again.
Bolton‘s instinctive volley from Chelsea youth product and former Hull City man, Xavier Simons, resulted in some very satisfying limbs at Valley Parade.
The home fans did have plenty to cheer on the night, with efforts from Metcalfe, Power and Wright all either hitting the woodwork or being deflected just past it.
They thought they were level in the tie at one point after Kayden Jackson put the ball in the back of the net, but it was ultimately ruled out.
Agonising stuff for the Bradford supporters to burst into bedlam before the flag was raised for offside.
Many supporters will argue that the key moment came somewhat against the run of play, but The Trotters won’t care one bit as they book another trip down to the capital.
You can watch the rest of the highlights, including those scenes in the away end, down below.
Speaking even before the game, head coach Steven Schumacher told Sky Sports: “It’s a club we believe is bigger than this division, but this division is not easy to get out of.
“The expectation and the demand to get to the Championship is there, and once you’re in the building and you feel the mood when you win games, when you lose games, you can sense that this is a club that is desperate to get out and get to the next level.
“When you look at the size of both Bolton and Bradford and how well they are supported, both clubs are probably too big to be in League One. But that’s where both clubs find themselves, and one of us has got to find our way out of it if we can.”
You’d dare say he can practically smell promotion via the playoffs now; the local side has come quite a way since the lows of administration in 2019 and the bottom tier of the EFL – not without some heartbreaks in previous playoff finals – but could he be the one to get them back where they belong?
In case you missed the action from the other game, you can see more HERE, and to hear Schumacher’s thoughts after the decisive result, look no further…
Danny Jones -
27th April 2026 
