Alejandro Garnacho paid a welcoming visit to a seven-year-old Manchester United supporter undergoing cancer treatment.

In May 2023, Anderson Pollard received a rare non-Hodgkins cancer diagnosis. United arranged for the Argentine star and Pollard to meet at their training facility in Carrington.

Garnacho was distraught as he spoke to the baby boy that he and his partner Eva Garcia had just given birth to.

Carrington was approached and informed that MUTV would like to speak with him about his experience watching the 2-2 draw with Tottenham at Old Trafford earlier this month. Redditch, Worcestershire, is where Carrington’s family originates from.

However, Anderson was unaware that he was going to meet the man he had referred to as his hero.

Garnacho referred to Anderson as “heroic” and “brave” throughout their time together and awarded him a small “bravery award.” He was accompanied by his mother, Debbie Bath, and father, Sam.

Since his diagnosis eight months prior, Anderson has been undergoing chemotherapy. At first, doctors believed he had constipation because of his painful, sporadic bowel motions.

Numerous malignant growths were found in Anderson’s stomach following a battery of examinations.

“We were just shocked when we found out it was cancer,” said his father, Sam Pollard.

“You don’t think it will happen to you, but you see it in movies.” It was awful. We were afraid, but we had no idea what that meant.

“He was initially diagnosed with constipation during a routine visit to an allergy clinic.” We contacted 111 as Anderson’s condition worsened, and the following morning, we took him to the doctor, who immediately transferred him to the hospital.

“Around the time he turned seven, Anderson started to feel bad.” Although he recovered swiftly at first, he soon became ill once more and lost his identity.

Anderson received six intense rounds of chemotherapy while he was in the hospital for four months.

Children who are receiving treatment for violent forms of cancer have a “emergency question.” Parents and medical professionals can ask them this question, and the response demonstrates how intellectually responsive they are throughout the worst stages of the illness.

“Who has played with Messi and Ronaldo?” was Anderson’s last-minute query. His response, “Garnacho,” was frequently used last year.

He seemed to be feeling better now, though, and was pleased to see Garnacho at Carrington.

When Erik ten Hag’s team travels to Molineux on Thursday to play Wolves, the top player for United will be on the field.