Watch the moment Garnacho met with young Red Anderson

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Wednesday 31 January 2024 17:00

In life, the phrase ‘never meet your heroes’ is often thrown around as a rule of thumb.

But when it comes to seven-year-old Anderson Pollard, that statement could not be further from the truth.

For the bubbly Manchester United supporter, there isn’t a day that goes by when the young Red isn’t sporting the colours of his favourite football club.

Unfortunately, after falling ill last year, Anderson was diagnosed with a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, following on from some fairly inconspicuous bouts of stomach ache.

The news came as a heartbreaking shock to his parents Sam and Debbie, who then spent countless hours at his bedside in hospital, caring for their son.

Heroes United: Surprising Anderson Video

Heroes United: Surprising Anderson❤️ Anderson is a young Red who has inspired us all by beating cancer, so we surprised him with his favourite player…

Battling away and showing heart bigger than a lion, Anderson was given the all clear earlier this month at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Rewarding him for the spirit and bravery he showed, the United fan was recently invited down to Carrington for what he believed would just be a routine tour around our training facilities.

Little did he know, Garnacho, Anderson’s favourite player at the club, was waiting in the wings to surprise him, in what transpired to be a heartwarming meeting between the two.

Our exclusive footage from Carrington shows the youngster shell-shocked as our no.17 enters the room, with his eyes widening in delight as his hero stands before him.

Posed the question as to who his favourite player is, Anderson is quick to respond and also quizzes the Argentina international on which goal throughout his career is his favourite. No prizes for guessing which one he picked…

Presenting Anderson with a very special Manchester United award for bravery too, Garnacho couldn’t hide his emotions when interacting with the seven-year-old.

“I have one thing for you, you are so brave, you are a warrior,” said the United Academy graduate, as seen in our footage.

Garnacho, alongside Anderson and parents, Debbie and Sam.

“Was that amazing?” asked his mother Debbie. “I’ve just seen Garnacho!” enthused the young supporter.

Serving as a reminder of the impact footballers can have, we also hope Anderson enjoyed his recent visit to Old Trafford too, during our 2-2 draw with Tottenham earlier this month.

It was great to see him at Carrington, to be able to commend the youngster on his inspiring bravery.

If you haven’t already seen it, what are you waiting for? Watch the video in full by clicking the link here….

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Wednesday 31 January 2024 17:00