Manchester United has a long history of visiting hospitals across Greater Manchester at Christmas time and this year members of Ruben Amorim’s men’s first-team squad paid a special visit to patients and staff at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and The Christie Palatine Treatment Centre.

Mason Mount and teammates Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton and Altay Bayindir spent the afternoon at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital handing out Christmas gifts, playing games and thanking the amazing staff for their tireless efforts.

At the same time, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Andre Onana visited The Christie Palatine Treatment Centre in Withington.

The hospital is the biggest single-site cancer centre in Europe, and yesterday, the players brought festive cheer to the teenage and young adult unit by surprising the patients and staff with gifts, before taking part in an afternoon of Christmas festivities.

Mason Mount said: “It’s been amazing to see all the kids, see their faces, spend time with them and play some games – it really means a lot to us. The difficulties that they are going through, particularly at this time of year, is tough. Taking a day out and coming here is so important to the kids because they deserve that at a time of year that is all about family and celebration.”

Diogo Dalot added: “I’m so happy to see everyone today, they are true warriors in my opinion. It is a difficult period for the people who are here, especially during holiday time, and that is why it is an important day for us as a club and for the players, you can see the love that they have for United and that is special.”

One of those youngsters, Sameer, 14, a patient at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, summarised his special day: “Days like today help to minimise the amount of stress we have in hospitals. I’ve met all the players and watched some of my friends take them on at video games. It was a total shock, being involved with something like this, it’s quite surreal. It was an amazing day.”

The rest of the men’s first team team signed shirts, took pictures, and interacted with the devoted United supporters at the annual Manchester United Disabled Supporters’ Association Christmas feast at Old Trafford.

Next week, United’s women’s team will also make hospital visits around Greater Manchester as part of the team’s ongoing mission to cheer up people going through a difficult Christmas season.

Every year, 2,000 Manchester United gifts are delivered to workers and patients by the Manchester United Foundation, which spearheads the club’s Christmas visits.