The 12 boys rescued from a flooded cave in Thailand last July had been considered too vulnerable at the time to go to watch the World Cup final.

But they finally got to Old Trafford this weekend and were treated to top seats at the Red Devils’ match against Everton.

The football-mad boys were welcomed to the ground by manager José Mourinho and posed with Eric Cantona, as well as meeting players including Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera.

The visit came about after England player Kyle Walker noted that one of the boys had been wearing an England shirt.

Eventually, they were invited to Old Trafford. The excited teenagers given scarves and tops, watching the game from the directors’ box.

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