Manchester United Stars in India: Maguire, Dalot & Onana Inspire Youth in Mumbai

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Manchester United stars in India. As a remarkable effort to connect with their global fan base and promote football at the grassroots level, Manchester United players Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, and André Onana have arrived in Mumbai, India.

This week, their visit marks a significant moment in the club’s outreach efforts across Asia and comes on the heels of a difficult season for the English giants.

Kick-off for Grassroots: Launch of “United We Play” Season 5

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The main purpose of the visit was to inaugurate the fifth season of Apollo Tyres’ “United We Play” initiative. This grassroots development program, in partnership with Manchester United, aims to nurture young football talent across India.

Since its inception, “United We Play” has reached over 30,000 aspiring players in 25 cities, offering them access to coaching, exposure, and professional mentorship. This season’s launch event in Mumbai underscored the commitment of both Apollo Tyres and Manchester United to develop India’s football ecosystem.

Fan Frenzy in Mumbai

Harry Maguire playing football in Mumbai 🤩@ManUtd | @HarryMaguire93 pic.twitter.com/amMsugFQHL
— Premier League India (@PLforIndia) May 29, 2025

The players received a hero’s welcome in Mumbai, where thousands of enthusiastic fans gathered to catch a glimpse of their football idols. One of the most heartwarming moments came when Harry Maguire played a casual game of street football with local children near the iconic Gateway of India.

The players also took the time to interact with fans and young footballers, signing autographs, sharing personal anecdotes, and offering advice on pursuing a football career.

“Good times will come again,” said Maguire, reassuring fans amid the club’s recent struggles. “There’s immense potential in Indian football. One day, I hope we see Indian players in the Premier League.”

A Visit Framed by Adversity

The trip comes at a sensitive time for Manchester United. The club endured a disappointing 2024–25 season, finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. They also suffered a surprise defeat to the ASEAN All-Stars in the Maybank Challenge Cup in Kuala Lumpur.

Newly appointed manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasized the importance of reconnecting with fans during this global tour.

“It’s been a tough year. But moments like these connecting with fans in places like India remind us of what this club means around the world,” Amorim stated.

Looking to the Future

After the India visit, Maguire, Dalot, and Onana are expected to regroup with the squad for Manchester United’s final post-season match in Hong Kong. The club’s Asia tour serves both as a fan engagement effort and a morale-boosting exercise as United looks to rebuild under Amorim’s leadership.

In the meantime, the “United We Play” initiative continues to grow from strength to strength, helping to elevate the level of Indian football and providing young players with aspirations they never had before.

Manchester United’s tour of India was not merely a public relations exercise; it was a testament to the universal appeal of the sport of football and a reaffirmation of the club’s commitment to inspiring the next generation. With India continuing to rise as a developing football nation, such partnerships have a perfect future ahead for the sport in the country.