Louis Rees-Zammit cheers on United before NFL move

The 23-year-old watched the 2-2 draw in M16 just over a week after taking a big step in his switch to become an NFL player, by joining the back-to-back Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.

Rees-Zammit is a self-professed United fan and was also among the travelling contingent at Stamford Bridge for our game against Chelsea three days earlier.

But for any United supporter, not a lot can beat cheering on the Reds at the Theatre of Dreams and therefore Louis was delighted to be at our home stadium on Sunday afternoon, where he had the opportunity to link up with Harry Maguire after the final whistle.

“It’s amazing, it’s been a while since I’ve been here so it’s great to be back,” he said, speaking to club media before the clash with Liverpool.

“I was at Chelsea on Thursday, it was obviously not the result we wanted but it was a great day overall and I’m excited for today.”

At the time, Rees-Zammit was looking forward to the latest United v Liverpool showdown, while champing at the bit to kickstart his NFL career later this month.

Louis told Zarah Connolly in our interview that he is set to fly to the States over the coming days, having recently signed a three-year contract with the league’s title holders.

“I’m excited. I can’t wait. I fly Wednesday into Kansas, so it kind of all starts now,” he began, discussing his new chapter as a running-back with the Chiefs.

“I’ve been away for three months in Florida working really hard, but ultimately the start is now.

“Pre-season starts next week and then it’s pretty much into the season. I’ve got seven months now to really focus and dial in, and hopefully see what happens at the end of it.”

The ex-rugby star came through the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) – a programme designed to give athletes around the world a chance to earn a spot in the league – and is now set to compete for a place on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster for the 2024 season, which starts in September.

Everyone at United is rooting for you, Louis!

WE'RE HEADING STATESIDE TOO!

Like Rees-Zammit, Erik ten Hag’s team are set to travel across the pond, with Tour 2024 taking place in the US this summer.

The Reds are currently scheduled to play three fixtures in America, with tickets on sale now for matches against Arsenal in Los Angeles and Real Betis in San Diego, on 27 and 31 July respectively.

United will also rekindle our rivalry with last Sunday’s opponents, Liverpool, in a sold-out encounter at the University of South Carolina’s William Brice Stadium on 3 August.