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School pupils were left gasping as their heroes from Manchester United joined them for a surprise photoshoot.

The lucky children were taking part in the official Christmas card shoot for United - but were not expecting the entire first-team squad to turn up, report the Manchester Evening News.

Pupils were selected through the Manchester United Foundation and were left shell-shocked when Wayne Rooney, Louis van Gaal, Ryan Giggs and the rest of the team arrived to join them on the photo for the club's official Christmas card.

To create the festive backdrop, dozens of footballs were used to build a Christmas tree behind the excited kids and players.

Pupils from Moorfield Primary, Saint Joseph The Worker RC Primary, both from Irlam, and Forest Gate Academy in Partington, were picked for the festive treat.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

A video titled 'How United's Card Was Made' shows the build up to the photo shoot - with pupils given Santa hats and United scarves to wear before climbing aboard a coach to take them to the set at the Aon Training Complex.

It shows the children singing in front of the football tree with ‘snow’ falling down and their excited reaction to the players walking in.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

St Joseph’s pupil Leo Mannion, 10, appears in the centre of the photo on the front row.

Mum Deborah, from Irlam, said: “He loves Manchester United and it was a dream come true for him to be part of the day. He was invited by school and it was the day after his birthday so he said it made his birthday extra special.”

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Deborah said it was a great surprise for the children when the players and managers arrived.

She added: “He couldn’t believe it - he was amazed. He doesn’t really have a favourite player, he loves them all.”

The balls featured on the card are among 1,000 being given away by Manchester United to local projects associated with its charitable foundation.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

John Shiels, Manchester United Foundation’s chief executive, said: “The foundation has been lucky enough to feature in many of the club’s Christmas cards over the years. However, none can be as memorable as the moment 20 local primary school children found themselves standing alongside the Manchester United first team squad to create this year’s card.

“I look forward to viewing all the other incredible experiences the club have lined up for the children we work with. They really have made dreams come true this Christmas and I thank them for their generosity.”

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

The annual Santa Run around Old Trafford - supporting the work of the foundation in the community - takes place on Sunday, December 13.

To take part or for more information visit manutd.com/santarun