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.
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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.
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“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.”
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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
Dame Sarah Storey is going on Strictly Come Dancing 2026
Danny Jones
Record-breaking local athlete and Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, is set to become the latest to join the Strictly Come Dancing annals.
With the Strictly cast for 2026 steadily being unveiled, we always keep an eye out for the Greater Manchester names in particular.
That being said, we’re buzzing to see the hugely successful Stockport swimmer turned cyclist will be swapping her Team GB kit for sparkly, sequined ballroom gowns and an entirely different type of sport and fitness.
Announced on Friday, 17 July, Storey is the seventh celebrity to be confirmed for the 24th series of the hit BBC show and dancing competition.
Having represented her country not only at nine Paralympics but across two different disciplines after switching to the racing bike back in 2005, she’s our most decorated competitor in the entire history of the Games with 30 medals to her name – 19 of which are gold.
Absolute GOAT levels.
But now the Cheadle Hulme-born is once again set to show her versatility to see how she fares on the dance floor later this year.
Commenting ahead of the new-look season which starts this September, the 48-year-old said: “Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting.
“I have always loved watching Strictly, and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!”
This latest sea-change comes not long after the local legend and sporting icon officially announced her retirement from professional sport more than three decades on from first bursting onto the scene.
Thank you for taking the time to leave all the incredible messages. It’s so wonderful to read them and thank you for being the greatest supporters 🥰
— Dame Sarah Storey (@DameSarahStorey) July 9, 2026
What a career she’s had; it obviously didn’t take her long to get tired of sitting still for once, either.
She will be joined by the likes of Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer and Will Best.
In case you missed it, the upcoming edition of Strictly Come Dancing will be the first since Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and pro dancer Johannes Radebe stepping in as replacements.
In other starring Stockport news, we’ve finally got more info on the final season of a popular programme filmed in the area. Find out more down below.
Oasis’ Wonderwall on the brink of becoming UK number one for first time ever 30 years after initial release
Emily Sergeant
Could Wonderwall FINALLY become UK number one for the first time ever?
England may no longer be in the running to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being knocked out in the Semi Finals by Argentina, who claimed a 2-1 win when the two teams faced off in Atlanta on Wednesday night (15 July), but it looks like that hasn’t harmed Wonderwall’s trajectory to the top of the Official UK Charts.
Oasis’ most-streamed song of all time – and arguably their most famous – is currently sitting right at the top of Spotify’s Global charts, meaning it is in the race to become the official UK number one later today.
Despite the fact it never reached number one when it was first released back in 1996 as part of the band’s second studio album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?, the song has always had such cultural significance here in Manchester.
But after being adopted by the fans of the England men’s national football team during this World Cup, and belted out after every Three Lions victory this tournament, the song has taken on a whole new life.
Wonderwall was described at the time by the band’s lead guitarist and songwriter, Noel Gallagher, as being about ‘an imaginary friend who’s gonna come and save you from yourself’ – with the song’s title inspired by George Harrison’s solo album Wonderwall Music.
Sure, it has nothing to do with football (but neither did Sweet Caroline, let’s be real), but it’s an absolute anthem and one that’s become a symbol this year for the belief that football may have just been coming home after 60 years.
Win or lose, Wonderwall remains.
Unfortunately, while Wonderwall is in pole position as it stands, it’s up against some fierce footballing competition with the likes of Baddiel, Skinner & Lightning Seeds’ enduring anthem, Three Lions (Football’s Coming Home), hot on its heals.
Standing between both of them – and chart glory – is, of course, Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s record-breaking duet, Rein Me In, which looks to retain the top spot as it eyes a 17th non-consecutive week at the summit.
It’s also expected that The Beatles’ iconic 1968 hit, Hey Jude, will also find its way into the Top 40 in honour of the tournament’s star player Jude Bellingham.
So, will Wonderwall reign supreme then? Will the Gallagher brothers have another reason to celebrate tonight after the success of last year’s historic Oasis Live ’25 reunion tour? We’ll have to wait and see.
You can tune into the Official Chart Show on BBC Radio 1 from 4pm today.
Danny Jones -
11th April 2024 
