|
Manchester United have handed a coaching position to a wheelchair-bound fan who has thanked former manager David Moyes for giving him the chance to work at the club he supports. - Okwonga: Will Giggs' spectre loom over Januzaj? Sohail Rehman, 22, is employed by Manchester United Soccer Schools, coaching young players who are on trial at Old Trafford and visiting schools on behalf of the Red Devils. The disabled supporter, who suffers from spinal muscular atrophy, impressed Moyes with his coaching prowess last season and said the Scot's input led to regular work with the club. "Big thanks to David Moyes," Rehman told the Bradford Telegraph & Argus. "I did a coaching session at United and after that he was basically saying how impressed he was with me. He wanted to get me on board with the club -- he started everything off. "It's a great environment and everyone knows each other. It's a great chance for me to gain some experience as well, being around coaches who have so much experience." Rehman said he is still star-struck when he visits United's Carrington training ground. "It is mad. I get to go to the training ground most of the time and see the players -- it is a weird feeling," he said. "I will always be a fan first, so I still have that fan instinct." A United spokesman added: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Sohail to Manchester United. His determination to reach a unique role in football is an example to us all. "In the face of great adversity Sohail has shown that hard work and determination counts for everything in overcoming obstacles. Since coming to the training ground, everyone at Manchester United has welcomed Sohail with open arms." Former United midfielder Nicky Butt, who is now a member of the coaching staff at Old Trafford, believes Rehman will be an inspiration to others. He said: "It is an amazing achievement and speaking to him he comes across as a young man who knows what he wants to achieve. "It is magnificent now that he will be sharing these great qualities with young players of the future and I am sure they will be inspired by all that he has achieved."
|
