Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes brings Christmas cheer to poorly children

Granada Reports sports correspondent Chris Hall caught up with Bruno as he made an appearance at Frances House Hospice in Manchester.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has brought Christmas cheer to poorly children by making a special visit to a hospice.

The Portuguese midfielder dropped in to hand out a few early presents at Frances House Hospice in Didsbury, Manchester on Monday, 16 December.

His appearance came after he scored a late penalty, the first of United’s two goals in their successful local derby away to rivals Manchester City at the weekend.

Fernandes, 30, said it was “really important” to show support to people in the hospice.

"We should do this more often,” he told ITV Granada Reports. "We know Christmastime is a big time of the year where the family come all together. They are all part of the United family.

"So coming here to give this to them, just a smile or whatever you have, it's going to make their day. That's really important for us."

Manchester United’s dramatic late goals secured victory from Manchester City, who had been leading 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium since before the half-time break.

The team still resides in the middle of the Premier League table - currently 13th - but asked about the first derby win for new manager Ruben Amorim, Fernandes said, “He’s been really good."

"As he always said, it's still in the beginning. It's a process. There's going to be times where you're going to be happy. Other times you won't be as much happy.

"But obviously we are all trying to get as quick as possible in the way he wants to play…so it's being quite good. It could have been better. But we are in the process of getting better and better."

Fans of the team were delighted to see the captain at the hospice.

One said, "It's absolutely amazing to meet Bruno, especially after yesterday's massive win."

Another said his performance was "fantastic."

"I was actually at the match. I was actually there. So it was great to see him the day after."

Fernandes explained how some of he will be joined by some of his relatives for Christmas, but he will miss spending time with his wider family.

Asked about reports that Amorim wants players have to train, eat and dress right, the player - dressed in a Santa hat - said, "I think he will be okay with [this at] Christmastime. I think he will have one at home also. And the colours are right!

"It's part of the job. When you play at the top level, you need to do everything right. You need to sleep well, eat well.

"I don't know about dressing well but if he thinks this is a thing, we have to be careful with that too."

Have you heard The Trapped? Listen as Daniel Hewitt exposes the UK's dirty secret