Man Utd stars spread Christmas cheer by sending out gifts to vulnerable children

Manchester United's players showed their star quality this week after they helped send thousands of gift packages to vulnerable children all over the world just in time for Christmas.

United skipper Harry Maguire and his team-mates joined forces with the club's official supporters' groups to help distribute the festive parcels to a number of children's charities across Greater Manchester, which will be delivered to care homes, hospitals, hospices and special schools.

The packs, including a game, book, pencil case, notepad and hat, have been designed to help lift the spirits of children in need at this time of year, even more so in the midst of a pandemic.

Some of the gift bags were packed personally by Maguire while the defender and the rest of the first-team donated £250,000 to the Santa’s Red Helpers campaign, with additional funds coming from club staff and fans.

The Santa’s Red Helpers campaign is aimed at supporting young people across the Greater Manchester area beyond winter while the Manchester United foundation continues to provide support for young people in local communities during the pandemic.

John Shiels, Chief Executive of Manchester United Foundation, said: 'Many children are exposed to the economic and social disruption caused by COVID-19, and the impact is being felt especially acutely during this festive season as the pandemic casts a cloud over what should be a joyful time of year.

'Our Santa's Red Helpers campaign is dedicated to supporting young people on our doorstep and further afield, in keeping with Manchester United's traditions as a football club with deep local roots and wide global appeal.

'We are delighted to be working with some of our most passionate fans around the world to spread cheer to vulnerable children in their local areas, building on the excellent partnership we have developed with Manchester United Supporters' Clubs during the pandemic.

'We are also grateful to DHL for using their global network to shuttle the gifts to children in 13 countries on five continents.'