Fourteen female pupils from the Foundation’s partner primary schools experienced a wonderful surprise at Carrington ahead of the festive period.

Following the excitement of an invite to the club’s training base, for the promise of some fun on the elite pitches on which their heroes play, the young people – identified as huge fans of United Women and with a passion for playing themselves – soon learned there was much more for them to enjoy on a day to remember.

“They think they’re here for a training session – but we’ve got other ideas!” said Ella Toone.

Toone, joined by team-mates Elisabeth Terland and Lisa Naalsund, helped to surprise the youngsters on the grass at Carrington, where they brought Christmas gifts for the participating children – with a full set of Manchester United kit for each youngster, including their name and number adorned across the back.

Split into two teams, naturally, Toone took charge of one side, playing in our white away kit and therefore calling themselves ‘England’, while the Norwegian duo of Terland and Naalsund oversaw the opposition in United red, and like Ella’s side, their team also carried the name of the players’ homeland.

“Today is about surprising some of our primary girl students who really love football,” explained the Foundation’s primary schools manager, Jordanna Roberts.

“The things they have got and to meet the players, it will change their lives and give them a fantastic boost.”

Playing out a 1-1 draw, the result was not in the minds’ of the youngsters who remained starstruck throughout – as they were joined on the pitch by their heroes with Toone and Terland, playing as goalkeepers, even managing some eye-catching saves!

“It was nice to see their faces – there were a lot of smiles,” added Toone, while Terland said: “When we were young, we could always remember when things like this happened, so it’s nice to give something back.”

The participants are engaged in the Foundation’s Premier League Primary Primary Stars programme, an initiative funded by the Premier League to help children be active and develop life skills.

Ellis Cuttress, deputy headteacher at Bredbury Green Primary School, said: “It’s been absolutely brilliant – we brought two girls from Year 5, who play football outside of school regularly. On the way here, one of them was saying, ‘Imagine if Ella Toone is there!’ So coming here, here little face has lit up – it’s been absolutely lovely!”

Another Toone enthusiast among the girls participating, Esme, was overjoyed by the experience and meeting her idol: “It feels amazing. I love Ella Toone so, so much. I’ve got a scarf with her face on it! This was like my Christmas present – my dream, amazing.”