Club pays tribute to United fan, Jing Yongxing

A loyal United follower, Jing had always dreamed of taking in a game at Old Trafford, but his terminal illness prevented him from making the journey to England.

Hearing of the news, the club sent Jing a 2019/20 home jersey which was signed by all of the current first-team squad, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The United manager also sent a signed letter.

A video of Jing was also included in our #OnThePitch campaign and a clip of him appeared on our pitchside billboards during Saturday’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth.

However, sadly Jing passed away the day before the game and did not get the opportunity to see himself on the billboard.

Jing was a passionate football coach and took so much joy from educating others about the sport he loved.

The father of two was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2013 and was told he was unlikely to live for another three years. Rather than give in to the disease, Jing wanted to spend his remaining years spreading joy through football and he set up a club in Yanjiao, a city around 30 kilometres outside of Beijing.

Upon hearing the news of Jing’s illness, he received messages of support from Chinese national team manager Li Tie and player Yu Dabao, who participated in one of Jing’s training sessions.

Everyone at Manchester United would like to send their deepest condolences to Jing’s friends and family, including his wife, Shen Chan.