Tiny Manchester shop becomes huge hit with Prem stars – with one even travelling up from BIRMINGHAM

A SMALL convenience store offering foreign fare is on to a winner after netting Premier League stars as customers.

Mais Brasil Market in Manchester is a huge hit with City and United players due to its traditional South American offerings.

Punters include United’s Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, plus Portuguese aces Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.

And from the blue half of the city, Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva has popped in, along with Brazilians Ederson and Matheus Nunes, as well as former players Fernando and Fernandinho.

And Philippe Coutinho even made the journey up the M6 from Birmingham while playing for Aston Villa.

Borman Ligit, 54, owner of the shop near Salford Central railway station, said: “Among our valuable customers, many are football stars and they appreciate our philosophy to provide a warm and welcoming environment for all.

"Our aim is to awaken the best memories and feelings that make our friends feel at home.”

Borman and his partner Nirlia Batista, 52, opened the store in 2016 after moving to Manchester from Vitoria Espirito Santa in the south east of Brazil.

He said the most popular items are cheese bread, the soft drinks Guarana and Acai, Farofa — a toasted snack made from yucca flour — and Pacoca, which is a candy made out of ground peanuts, sugar, honey and salt.