MANCHESTER UNITED fan Michael Cunliffe, from Denby Dale, has received a football masterclass from club legends Denis Irwin and Andrew Cole.
And their help means he’s one step nearer realising a dream.
He’s in the semi-finals of a penalty shootout contest, which ends with the winners taking spotkicks at Old Trafford – home of Manchester United – and Barcelona’s Camp Nou stadium.
Michael won through to the last stage of the Betfair Penalty Champions competition after being put through his paces at the club’s Carrington training facility, where treble winners Irwin and Cole demonstrated how to take the perfect spot-kick.
The 21-year-old’s effort from 12 yards was filmed and has been posted on the Betfair Penalty Champions website, along with the nine other contestants’ videos.
Now Michael needs support for his video on the website to improve his chances of winning this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Fans can vote for their favourite players at www.betfairpenaltychampions.com
Michael said: “Denis and Andrew told me to forget all about the ’keeper. They said I had to hit the ball hard and to make sure that I hit the target. That’s all I had in my mind when I was taking my penalties at Carrington.
“To walk out in front of thousands of fans at two of the most iconic football grounds in the world would be amazing. I hope people vote for my video.”
Ex-Manchester United captain Denis Irwin said: “I liked the look of Mike in training, he worked hard and listened to what the coaches had to say. That’s always a good sign and shows that the player is serious.”
