United's players make dreams come true this Christmas

Those were the words of Ace, an 11-year-old who attended Manchester United Disabled Supporters' Association’s annual dinner at Old Trafford this week.

The important date in MUDSA’s calendar goes all the way back to 1989, when players such as Bryan McClair and Bryan Robson attended to meet disabled Reds supporters.

At the 34th edition of the amazing event, our players were beaming as they got the opportunity to meet inspirational members of MUDSA, signing their shirts and posing for photos.

Raphael Varane was one of the first to arrive, just a day after his Man-of-the-Match performance at Anfield against Liverpool.

This isn’t the first time the French defender has attended the event, having arrived at the club in 2021.

“It's always great to feel that support from the fans,” he said.

“Obviously, it is nearly Christmas, so it is kind to share that moment with them. 

“I think it is good from the club to connect with the people from the local community as well. I think it is great for everyone.”

Chas Banks, secretary of MUDSA, explained that the dinner is a tradition that connects the supporters’ association with United in a way that sets us apart.

“It is a tradition that the players come down and it is very, very special,” he said.

“There are not many events when the whole team come down. And do you know what the main thing is? The players love it!”

That enjoyment was palpable in the room when I was walking around interviewing people about their experiences.

It's clear that the players look forward to the event just as much as the fans.

Every player took the time to sit, chat, and get to know those who had waited keenly for them to arrive.

“That was the best bicycle kick ever!” said one young lad when speaking to Alejandro Garnacho about his amazing goal against Everton.

Tom Heaton, who came through our Academy system and knows all about the impact the club has on the city, and the people within it, said: “I think everyone knows what it means to the fans and I think it is important that players see that first hand, going and having conversations with them. 

“It is great to bring that connection together a little bit.

“You can see from the autographs on the shirts, the shirts are full today, it's a full turnout from the squad, which has been excellent.”

As Chas said during my interview with him, the children who got the chance to meet their heroes won’t have been able to sleep the night before, due to sheer excitement.

That feeling likens the impactful event to Christmas Eve and, in the case of those in attendance on Monday, Christmas came early.