How we surprised a young Red for Christmas
The Manchester United squad was privileged to recently spend time with a young fan named Luca, who has inspired everybody with his tremendous courage and personality.
In 2020, it was discovered that Luca had developed graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) and he is currently being looked after by Great Ormond Street Hospital, ahead of a double lung transplant.
To raise his spirits, Luca and his proud parents Craig and Michelle were recently invited to Old Trafford for what he thought was a stadium tour – until the players arrived for a very special surprise-and-delight moment.
Watch the video below for Luca’s story…
Luca, we are by your side
Our players felt privileged to surprise and delight a young United fan named Luca who inspires us all with his courage…
As Luca explained afterwards, he did not expect it at all. “I knew I was going to United because you [dad] couldn't keep it a secret. I didn't know why.
“I thought it was just the tour. But when I overheard that I was meeting the players, then I thought... well, I couldn't stop smiling!”
Luca was buzzing to meet all of the players, but everybody has a favourite and, like many fans this season, the young Red points to Lisandro Martinez as his star man.
“Every one of them was brilliant with us, it was just mega,” said Luca’s dad Craig. “We said, 'who do you want to see the most?’ He said ‘Martinez’ and when they told us straight away that he was going to be here, I said 'oh my God'.”
As you can see in the image gallery below, Luca shared some special moments with Licha, playing table football, opening Christmas presents and posing for pictures.
When Luca met Licha
GalleryThe young Red loved meeting his United heroes, including favourite player Lisandro Martinez.
BY YOUR SIDE
Luca and his family are going through a tough time, but they are remaining positive and we are proud to play a small part in raising their spirits this Christmas.
“It's been a bit hard this year,” says Luca’s dad. “My mum, Luca’s nan, passed away a year ago so I think this year we're just going to spend it at home, nice and relaxed with the puppy, with the dog.
“He is a good dog, he is Luca's best friend, he's just by his side. Luca is happy and you can see in his face, and just the way he talks about United, and that's the way it should be.”
Click here for more information on how the club has been helping the community this Christmas.