Three Indian footballers selected for training stint at Manchester's Old Trafford

Three Indian youngsters have been selected for a training stint at the famous Old Trafford, the home of Premier League giant Manchester United.

The players have been selected after they emerged winners in the fourth edition of United We Play, a grassroots football initiative.

Over 15,000 aspiring Indian footballers competed at the event across 18 cities in India, culminating in a grand finale in the presence of Manchester United legend and all-time great Gary Neville in Chandigarh.

The three players are Mizoram's PC Lalchhuanawma, Odisha's Shreejal Kisku and Uttar Pradesh's Mohd Ayan. They have been selected alongside Bhakta Bahadur Pariyar of Nepal and Chanason Chaiyatham of Thailand.

The five players will get chances to play at Old Trafford and participate in activities like a match-day experience, training sessions with Manchester United Soccer School coaches and legend interactions.

"Delighted to see the dedication and passion for football among young children in India," said Gary Neville, a Manchester United legend who won eight Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League titles.

“Many congratulations to the young players whose hard work has paid off today. I am sure that the experience that they will have at the iconic Old Trafford, will be memories of a lifetim," he added.

The launch of the fourth edition of United We Play took place in Kolkata in December last year, where former Manchester United and French footballer Louis Saha kicked off the programme.