Heartwarming moment Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes hands his jersey to footy star Ryan Papenhuyzen after hearing of the NRL champion’s horrific injury as they struck up an unlikely friendship
- Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes gave up his jersey on Tuesday
- Injured Melbourne Storm full-back Ryan Papenhuyzen was the lucky recipient
- The athletic couple reportedly met on a tram in Melbourne during the latest photo shoot
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes lifted Ryan Papenhuyzen’s spirits and passed on his precious jersey to the Melbourne Storm defender after learning of the shocking knee injury that ended his season.
Papenhuyzen, 24, was hospitalized on Sunday with a fractured kneecap and underwent surgery on Monday.
Papenhuyzen was forced off the field in the 19th minute of the storm NRL meets the Raiders at AAMI Park on Sunday after a nasty clash with Jack Wighton and will not play again this season.
Red Devils midfielder Fernandes reportedly met Papenhuyzen at a recent photo shoot on a Melbourne tram and the high-profile sporting couple formed an unlikely friendship.
Papenhuyzen walked into the MCG sheds on crutches after United’s 3-1 win over fellow EPL Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has lifted the spirits of Ryan Papenhuyzen and passed his prized shirt to the injured Melbourne Storm full-back after the pair struck up a friendship (pictured).
NRL star Papenhuyzen, 24, was hospitalized on Sunday with a fractured kneecap and underwent surgery on Monday after colliding with Raiders star Jack Wighton
In a video shared on Twitter, he was given a warm hug by the Portugal attacking midfielder, who is believed to have heard all about the No 1 storm’s shock injury.
In the footage, Papenhuyzen can be seen wearing a Manchester United scarf while beaming as he catches up with Fernandes.
Papenhuyzen has had a hot run with injuries this year and has made just 11 appearances so far this season.
He was denied a possible State of Origin jersey with NSW for the second year in a row after suffering from hamstring and knee problems.
Meanwhile, Fernandes will now travel to Perth with his team-mates ahead of United’s next friendly on the Australian coast against Aston Villa at the Optus Stadium on Saturday.
Red Devils midfielder Fernandes is said to have met Papenhuyzen on a tram in Melbourne during a recent photoshoot as the Premier League giants toured Australia
Fernandes reportedly heard about Papenhuyzen’s season-ending injury and wanted to hand his jersey over to the NRL star
Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho scored against the Eagles at the MCG in a clinical performance in front of more than 74,000 fans that impressed new coach Erik ten Hag.
Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s future remains up in the air as the veteran is said to be keen to play elsewhere.
To make matters worse, Ten Hag says the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, 37, is in his plans for this season and is not for sale.
United open their EPL campaign in front of their adoring fans at Old Trafford against Brighton on August 7.
