Man United Stars Juan Mata and Depay Spread Christmas Cheer

It has been an annual tradition for Man United’s stars to turn up at the Manchester Royal Children’s Hospital to bring some Christmas cheer to young patients.

And last week, a leading cast of the Red Devils were once again present to give out presents to their supporters.

Players such as Ander Herrera, Juan Mata, Memphis Depay, Jesse Lingard, Morgan Schneiderlin, Anthony Martial, Matteo Darmian, Andreas Pereira and Sergio Romero were all pictured with their young fans and staff at the hospital.

Man United Stars Juan Mata and Depay Spread Christmas Cheer

One player notably missing from the group was United goalkeeper David De Gea, who had been locked into the United training ground for several hours while the football anti-doping agency carried out their tests at Carrington.

Stars Ander Herrera and Juan Mata had a chat with patient Amelie, 10, and her sister Fleur, 12, from Salford.

Man United Stars Juan Mata and Depay Spread Christmas Cheer

Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard also shared stories with Man United fan, Daniel, 11, from Preston.

The drug testing agency did not provide prior notice to the club De Gea was reportedly ‘furious’ to have missed an opportunity to engage with the club’s supporters.

De Gea is believed to be the only United player who was selected to take part in the two hours of testing, after which it became too late to accompany his colleagues at the hospital.

The Spanish goalkeeper, who came close to signing for Real Madrid in August before signing a new long-term contract at Old Trafford, remains a hugely popular figure with the United support.

Man United Stars Juan Mata and Depay Spread Christmas Cheer

Tottenham stars entertain kids at One Junior Party

Tottenham Hotspur’s high-flying stars took time out of their busy Christmas period preparations to spread the festive cheer with their young supporters at the One Hotspur Junior Party.

Harry Kane, Erik Lamela, Kyle Walker, Son-Heung Min, Nacer Chadli, Alex Pritchard and Kieran Trippier were among the Spurs players pictured at the Enfield event on Wednesday afternoon.

England international striker Kane spoke with the delighted youngsters before signing autographs and playing a few games, while Argentine winger Lamela watched on as the children played magnetic darts.

Tottenham stars entertain kids at One Junior Party

English right back Kyle Walker threw himself into the activities, and was spotted wearing a comical elephant mask and signing the back of a child’s shirt.

The children were thrilled at his enthusiasm and many joined him at the games table.

Tottenham stars entertain kids at One Junior Party

Belgian winger Nacer Chadli mingled with the young Tottenham fans over a table of player cards, while Son watched on in a gilet as the kids partook in football video games.

Spurs are lining up various potential forward options for next month’s transfer window with West Bromwich Albion’s Saido Berahino and former Man City striker Alvaro Negredo named as options.