Manchester United fan who cycled 14,000Km to Old Trafford meets Wayne Rooney in heart-warming moment | OneFootball

In a season full of disappointment and many negative words written about the football club, Manchester United still usually find a way to pull their fans right back in.

There was a heart-warming moment this week when incredible Manchester United fan Ochirvaani Batbold, who set off from his home country of Mongolia to embark on a 14,000Km cycling journey to take him to Old Trafford, met his hero Wayne Rooney.

Ochirvaani left his home country in May 2023 before finally arriving in Manchester this year.

He has supported the club since watching the Red Devils beat Liverpool 3-2 in 2010 and decided to show his love for the Old Trafford side.

Batbold wrote a letter to the club, explaining: “I’m currently cycling from my home in Mongolia to Old Trafford because I love Manchester United. Wayne Rooney has always been my hero. I loved his relentless work ethic, versatility and ability to rise to the occasion in crucial moments. He was always an inspiration”.

“When I was younger all I ever wanted to do was to be a professional footballer and to play for Manchester United, however I experienced a difficult situation. I lost a significant amount of money after being deceived by someone posing as a football agent. I felt like I was living a nightmare.”

After arriving to the stadium, while he was being interviewed on the pitch of the famous old arena, the club had an incredible surprise in store for him.

There was a lovely moment when unannounced his hero walked up behind the Mongolian just as he was being asked if he remembered Rooney’s incredible, iconic overhead kick goal against Manchester City in 2011.

The loyal supporter turned around in disbelief and broke down in uncontrollable tears of joy and relief to have finally seen his hero.

Rooney told the young man that “I read your letter, which you sent to the club and I thought it was very inspiring and thought it would be great for me to come down and see you”.

The fan and the United legend then shared a hug and Rooney asked him how his 14,000 km cycle was.

Ochirvaani replied “I’m happy for every second, every man, every hour and every day for this moment”.

It was a poignant moment which demonstrates the appeal and pull of what is still the world’s biggest football club.

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