United roll out the red carpet for very special guests

PREMIERSHIP holders Manchester United took time off from their regular training to play host to some of their biggest fans yesterday.

Led by captain Roy Keane, the squad halted training to greet some of their youngest supporters, who got the red carpet treatment at United’s state-of-the-art training complex.

Among those who got to meet their heroes was Keane Gregory, five, from Somercoates, Derbyshire, whose parents named him in honour of United’s star player.

With the soccer world awash with multi-million-pound deals, the players were able to show their true colours by brightening the lives of their visitors, who have showed astounding courage and resilience in their individual battles against illness.

Roy Keane, who helped organise the day, said: “All the children have been through an amazing amount and still they keep smiling. It was a pleasure to meet them and we all hope they had a great day.”

Roy regularly shares the limelight with youngsters struggling with illness in Britain and at home in Ireland.

Yesterday’s special day was enjoyed by 21 children from all over Britain, who watched the squad train at its Carrington centre and then had lunch at Old Trafford followed by a stadium and museum tour.