JUAN MATA SURPRISES YOUNG FANS WITH VISIT AS MANCHESTER UNITED ACE SIGNS SHIRTS AND ENJOYS A KICKABOUT

Juan Mata worked with the club's foundation to pay a visit to some young fans

The Spanish midfielder signed shirts, posed for photos and had a kickabout

Mata is a regular United player in the community and is a firm fans favourite

Manchester United take on Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday

MAILONLINE - Nathan Salt

Juan Mata took time out of his personal preparations for Manchester United's trip to Seville in the Champions League to visit some young supporters.

 

The Spanish midfielder regularly engages with the club's foundation and he spent Monday afternoon at two local schools and hospital in Oldham.

 

Those that met Mata received a gift - which the star personally donated - or had the Spaniard sign a United shirt with two lucky fans enjoying a kick-around with their hero.

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The midfielder went to a school and hospital and even had a kickabout with two of the kids

The player travelled to two primary schools and and The Royal Oldham Hospital to hand out presents and spend some time with the young children

 

One young boy was ecstatic to receive a plush toy from the Manchester United man as he made a stop off at a nearby school.

While his boss is counting up a mounting injury list, Mata's playful game on the school grounds would not have concerned Jose Mourinho. 

The former Chelsea man then paid a visit to a hospital where some of the younger patients got a welcome boost meeting one of their idols.   

 

Mata is among the travelling United party that departed for Spain on Tuesday afternoon following an early morning training session at the club's Carrington training base.

 

 

The Red Devils are eyeing a run to the latter stages of the Champions League having last won the elite tournament by overcoming Chelsea in the all-British 2008 final.  

 

Mata has become a dependable player under Mourinho and United triggered the one-year extension on his contract last month. 

 

The 29-year-old's original four-and-a-half year deal was due to run out at the end of the season. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-5414129/Manchester-United-ace-Juan-Mata-visits-young-fans.html