Fans praise ‘gentleman’ Kobbie Mainoo, 18, for heartwarming gesture to grief-stricken Man Utd fan’s emotional story
KOBBIE MAINOO has been praised for his touching gesture to a Manchester United fan.
Red Devils supporter Daniel Killeen shared devastating news that his father Vincent had passed away on Sunday after a battle with cancer.
Kobbie Mainoo has invited the Killeen family to Old Trafford
PAMainoo scored a last-gasp winner in the final moments against Wolves[/caption]
@DanielK21mufcDaniel Killeen watched the game alongside his father Vincent[/caption]
The fan explained in a social media post that one of the final memories he has with his dad is of them watching United’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Wolves together last Thursday.
Mainoo, 18, scored an incredible winning goal to gave the Killeen family a moment of joy alongside Vincent in hospital.
Daniel wrote: “Really keen to try and get someone at Man Utd to get this message to Kobbie, so any shares or retweets would be much appreciated.
“Sadly my father (Vincent) lost his brave battle against cancer yesterday.
“The last game we watched together was the Wolves game, just the two of us in his hospital room. When Wolves equalised we were both so frustrated.
“I have never willed United to score more than that moment and then Kobbie Mainoo steps up with an amazing winner.
“Seeing Dads arm in the air, a smile on his face and declaring ‘that’s why you watch United‘.
“When he saw that you were doing an interview, he insisted that I stay so he could listen.
“I know football should be about winning trophies, but you will never score a more important goal for our family Kobbie.
“You are already a hero in our household and you are now my seven-year-old’s favourite player.
“Thank you for a truly brilliant and special moment. I am sure your career will bring many of them.”
Club legend Rio Ferdinand saw the post and passed on the message to the club.
It led to the man himself Mainoo, reaching out to the Killeens to express his sadness at their loss and to invite them to Old Trafford.
The midfielder said in a heartwarming video: “Hi Daniel, Kobbie here. I saw your message on Twitter and was really touched by your story.
“I’m really sorry about the passing of your father. I’m glad you could share such a special moment together, and I could play a small part in that.
“I wanted to invite you and your son to a game soon at Old Trafford. So we’ll get in touch and get everything sorted.
“Stay strong and I’ll see you soon.”
Daniel replied: “To everyone at Manchester United and to Kobbie. Thank you so much for responding to our message.
“It genuinely means so much to us during such a really difficult time for us as a family.
“That goal and my Dads reaction to it will forever stay with me and I know the fact that it was such a significant goal from such a young and talented player with an amazing future made it even more special for him.
“Just taking the time to send a video message is so appreciated, but giving his grandson one final gift from his Grandfather (Pops) is just incredible.
“I cannot tell you how grateful we are as a family and I am sure it will be experience my son Joshua will look forward to so much.”
Fans have praised the club and Mainoo as a “gentleman” after their amazing gesture.
One said: “Respectful and wholesome content.”
Another added: “Class. This is my club. When one red dies, the others all become united. More than football, we are a family.”
A third commented: “It’s why we love the beautiful game.”
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AFPMainoo’s goal gave Vincent Killeen one of his final moments of joy[/caption]
