Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has sent a video message to a seven-year-old boy who was injured in a head-on collision on the M9 motorway. The club reached out after learning the boy, Yemi, is a dedicated fan and had requested his cast be painted red in honor of his favorite team.
In the video, recorded at Old Trafford, Fernandes, wearing the team's training kit, addresses Yemi directly. "Everyone here at Manchester United wanted to give this message to you," Fernandes said. "We all have heard that your cast has been painted in red like Manchester United and we are all very grateful for all the support you have been giving to us. We're hoping that we leave a smile on your face with this message. I hope to see you very soon."
Yemi was traveling with his mother, Alma Kinsella, and two aunts, Niamh and Ella, when their vehicle was struck by a speeding car driving the wrong way on the M9. Yemi sustained a broken leg, while his mother and aunts also suffered serious injuries. Five teenagers traveling in the other car were killed in the incident.
Relatives report that Yemi's mother and aunts are recovering well from their injuries, with hopes they may be discharged from the hospital soon. A GoFundMe page established to support the sisters has raised significant funds, and a church vigil held for their recovery was attended by a large number of people.
Separately, a week after the M9 crash, seven people, including two police officers, died in a similar head-on collision in Middlesbrough, England. The car involved was reportedly driving on the wrong side of the road. One of the deceased officers, Police Constable Matthew Blades, was also a Manchester United supporter. His two sons had recently served as mascots for the team alongside Fernandes at the start of the season.