Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has sent a get-well-soon message to a young fan injured in a serious car crash, the Irish Mail on Sunday reported. The message from the star footballer came after the publication revealed that seven-year-old Yemi, a Manchester United supporter, had asked for his cast to be painted red in honor of his favorite team after suffering a broken leg.
Fernandes recorded the video message at Old Trafford, wearing the team's training kit. In the clip, he addresses Yemi directly, acknowledging his tough time and thanking him for his support. "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," Fernandes said. "And we just want to leave this message to you to make a smile on your face."
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, August 16, when Yemi was traveling with his mother, Alma Kinsella, and two aunts, Niamh and Ella, on the M9 motorway. Their vehicle was struck by a car traveling the wrong way. Yemi sustained a broken leg, and his mother and aunts also suffered serious injuries. Five teenagers traveling in the other vehicle were killed in the collision.
Separately, a week later, seven people were killed in a similar head-on collision in Middlesbrough, England, involving a car driving on the wrong side of the road. Among those killed were two police constables who were responding to reports of dangerous driving. One of the fallen officers, Police Constable Matthew Blades, was also a supporter of Manchester United. His two sons had recently served as mascots for the team's opening match of the season, walking onto the pitch with Fernandes.
Meanwhile, Yemi's mother and aunts are reportedly recovering from their injuries, with hopes they might be discharged from the hospital by the end of September. A fundraising page set up to support them has garnered significant donations. A friend told the Irish Mail on Sunday that the sisters were overwhelmed by the support and good wishes they have received.