Nathan Cleary says it is a dream come true to play next week’s World Cup final at Old Trafford because of his love for English Premier League giants Manchester United.
Cleary couldn’t wipe the smile off his face when asked about walking onto the “theatre of dreams” to face the winner of Sunday morning’s (AEDT) semi-final between England and Samoa.
Cleary went to a Manchester United game a couple of weeks ago (centre) and met a couple of their stars in Australia in July (Marcus Rashford left, Bruno Fernandes right).Credit:Instagram
Australia booked their passage into the decider with a hard-fought 16-14 win over New Zealand at Elland Road, the home ground of Leeds United.
The tour of Premier League clubs continues next week when they walk out to an expected crowd of more than 60,000 at the home ground of the Red Devils.
“It is mad,” Cleary said when asked about playing at Old Trafford.
“I am so excited. I’m obviously a United fan … even going there to watch a game you get goosebumps. To actually play there is pretty cool. It is a dream to be in a World Cup final at the stadium I have always dreamed of [playing at].”
When the Kangaroos left their hotel in Manchester for Leeds in the lead up to the semi-final, Cleary wore a Manchester United hoodie. He went to a game at Old Trafford in the first week he arrived in England, witnessing a goalless draw between United and Newcastle.
At the end of this year’s State of Origin series, Cleary flew to Bali to refresh before Penrith’s run home to the finals. He cut his holiday short so he could fly back to watch United beat A-League club Melbourne Victory 4-1 at the MCG.
Through his association with Adidas – the major apparel partner of Manchester United – Cleary got to meet the club’s biggest names, including England forward Marcus Rashford and Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
“I had a little fanboy moment there,” Cleary said of meeting United’s stars.
“I’ve been United from day one, I promise. My nan bought me this little glass globe thing of Man United when I was three or four.”
Cleary’s favourite all-time players are David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo, although it doesn’t appear he will get the chance to use the same dressing rooms as his heroes.
“I think we are getting the away sheds, so I might sneak in there after the game,” he said.
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