Anthony Martial and Sam Johnstone help young fan with celebral palsy turn on Manchester United’s Christmas lights
The French striker and young keeper were joined by Sam, 11, who attends Manchester Creative and Media academy
ANTHONY MARTIAL and Sam Johnstone were on hand to bring a much needed bit of light to Old Trafford.
After a gloomy start to the season, there was Christmas cheers in the air as they were joined by 11-year-old fan Sam - a local student from the Manchester Creative and Media academy - to switch on the festive illuminations.
Sam - who has cerebral palsy - was presented with a goalkeeping jersey from the players as an early gift.
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And he had a message for others with the condition, which he says doesn't stop him from playing as a goalkeeper.
He said:"I'm really happy to switch on the Christmas tree lights; I love Manchester United and playing football with my friends at school.
"I play in goal and I think it's important to never give up. My advice, to anybody who might have cerebral palsy like me, is to never give up and always be happy."
Sam was selected by his coach to take part in the event which was in conjunction with the Manchester United foundation.
Group managing director and Foundation chairman Richard Arnold said: "Manchester United and the Foundation take pride in the work and achievements carried out across the region, making a huge difference to so many youngsters lives.
"It has been a pleasure to welcome Sam to Old Trafford for this great event and he represents all the great values that Manchester United Foundation strives towards."
Martial has suffered a stop-start season this term but looked more on the pace during the 1-1 draw with Arsenal last weekend.
Johnstone is yet to make a first-team appearance for United but has impressed during loan spells to Preston, Doncaster and Scunthorpe.