United bring festivity to MUDSA Christmas party

The Christmas party is a key date in the MUDSA committee calendar; an annual tradition that has been taking place since MUDSA was founded in 1989 and is always really enjoyed by both fans and United players. 

Over 90 MUDSA members came together at Old Trafford this week for an afternoon filled with food, music, community and, for the first time, the chance to meet players from both United’s men’s and women’s teams.

Ella Toone was the first to arrive alongside Aoife Mannion, Lisa Naaslund and Evie Rabjohn fresh off the back of their 4-0 win versus Liverpool last Sunday.

They were shortly followed by our Ruben Amorim’s men’s first team squad, Marcus Rashford and teammates Amad, Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro, Antony, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Matthijs De Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, Noussair Mazraoui, and Tyrell Malacia. 

Each player arrival delighted fans in the room and all players spent time chatting with supporters, posing for photos and signing personal items.

"It means a lot for players, it's good to come here and to enjoy with people, to bring energy with the fans and they support us every time and when we are on the pitch they give us energy so it's important to come here and enjoy the day with them," said in-form forward Amad.

Marcus Rashford added: "It’s always good, it’s always good seeing familiar faces as well. It’s become a tradition really and whenever we can do stuff we always try and find time to do it and definitely around periods like Christmas and New Year.

Joshua Zirkzee, on his first MUDSA event, said: "It’s amazing to see all of these beautiful people, I’m having a really great time, I’m hoping they’re having a great time as well and it’s great connecting with the fans. It’s a lovely day."

Every year, MUDSA members vote for their player of the year, and MUDSA committee members Niall Ajayi and Emma Simister presented trophies to this year’s winners, Amad and Ella Toone respectively. 

On receiving her award, Ella said: "It feels nice to be recognised by the people in this room I like to think that I work hard when I am on the pitch and its nice to see that they can see that as well."

Rick McGagh, Director of Fan Engagement, said: "The MUDSA Christmas party is always a highlight of the year and today’s was one of the best yet. It's a fantastic event that brings everyone together, particularly at this time of year, and it's great to see the fans' faces as they meet their heroes. All the players have really enjoyed today and spending time with our loyal fans."

This year’s event was particularly poignant, following the passing of Chas Banks MBE, a very close friend of the club and MUDSA Secretary since 2016.

Rick Clement led a touching tribute to Chas and was announced as his successor as MUDSA secretary, vowing to continue his legacy and great work across the club and with Manchester United Foundation. 

The remainder of the men’s first-team squad paid a special visit to patients and staff at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and The Christie Palatine Treatment Centre earlier this week and United's women’s squad will also visit hospitals across Greater Manchester next week to bring some festive cheer to patients and staff facing a difficult Christmas period.