LONGFORD'S Jesse Lingard was among the Manchester United first team players who provided children in south Manchester with a pre-Christmas treat.

The players visited young patients at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, The Christie and Francis House Children’s Hospice to deliver some festive gifts.

The Warrington forward joined the majority of the squad visiting the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and brought smiles to the faces of those sadly facing a Christmas in hospital.

He added: “It was very important for us to come here; we’re role models to a lot of these kids and what we do on and off the field, the kids are going to want to copy, so we’ve got to be good role models and set a good example for everyone.”

Juan Mata said: “It is a pleasure for us to come here and visit the kids, we take a lot of energy from them, they aren’t having a great time but they are happy to see us.”

Team captain Wayne Rooney visited Francis House in Didsbury with teammate Marouane Fellaini.

The England man said: “It’s really important to do this when there are sick kids and children need a lift at Christmas time.

“I know how tough it can be for them but places like Francis House can maybe give the parents a bit of respite. Hopefully we’ve helped the children and parents and cheered them up a little bit.”

Vice-captain Michael Carrick led Chris Smalling, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sam Johnstone to the nearby Christie’s Palatine Treatment Centre, which is home to the teenage and young adult unit and haematology and transplant inpatient unit, where they surprised patients who are going through a difficult time this festive period.

Carrick added: “I’ve met some of the guys today that I also saw last year and I know they’ve had a tough 12 months so it’s great to see there’s a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

“It’s so positive to see them looking forward to Christmas and getting on with the rest of their lives.”