Manchester United stars Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic make heartwarming Christmas trip to hospital to visit poorly kids

Posted Wednesday, December 20, 2017 by Thesun.co.uk

MANCHESTER UNITED'S stars spread some Christmas cheer as they put smiles on the faces of local kids in hospital.

Old Trafford stars Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford were among the United stars who made a trip to Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

Manchester United stars Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic make heartwarming Christmas trip to hospital to visit poorly kids
Paul Pogba raises a huge smile from a little girl who he holds in his arms

And the United stars put on a winning smile - despite their 11-point Premier League deficit to Manchester City.

Luke Shaw, Juan Mata and Axel Tuanzebe were also present, with left-back Shaw snapped holding one fan's infant... who appears to be far more smitten with the full-back than manager Jose Mourinho.

The Red Devils travel to Bristol City in the Carabao Cup tomorrow and then Leicester City in the Premier league on Saturday.

But luckily for the young patients at Royal Manchester, Mourinho could spare his star names for a visit to the ward.

Manchester United stars Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic make heartwarming Christmas trip to hospital to visit poorly kids
Luke Shaw holds a young baby alongside the mother and Axel Tuanzebe Royal Manchester Children's Hospital

Manchester United stars Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic make heartwarming Christmas trip to hospital to visit poorly kids
Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford present a Manchester United shirt to a young fan

Pogba has been kicking his heels in recent weeks after serving a three-match suspension for stamping on Hector Bellerin in their 3-1 win at Arsenal earlier this month.

United split up the squad and sent different members to separate hospitals around the area, including Francis House Children's Hospice in Didsbury and The Christie's Palatine Treatment Centre, which houses a teenage and young adult unit, as well as a haematology and transplant inpatient unit.

Ibrahimovic has spent a fair amount of time in recovery himself over the last year, after his recuperation from a hyperextended knee.

The 36-year-old said: "It's a great cause, we see children who may not be in the best condition but we can come along and bring them a little happiness and positive vibes."

When the modern day Premier League is accused of being "bah humbug" - what better way to give something back than to those who need it most?