In the latest UnitedandMe film, Sam and his mum Jane tell his story:

"Sam was diagnosed when he was two years old.  He had a virus and was rushed to hospital with very high blood sugar and we came home knowing that he had type 1 diabetes,” says Jane. "He's a real trooper; he knows there are people worse off but it's constant, he has a lot to cope with and it will never go away.

"Unbeknown to us, my friend contacted United to ask if there was any chance Sam could be a mascot for a match.  We couldn't believe it when she called to say he had been chosen.  He is football mad, United mad – it's his dream.”

Sam walked out at the recent Manchester derby in the EFL Cup alongside vice-captain Michael Carrick with the biggest smile on his face and a huge boost to take his mind off the daily struggles diabetes brings.

"I still love playing football; it can't ever stop me,” says Sam. "Meeting my football heroes felt great; it's the best thing I've ever done.”