In a surprising turn of events blending the worlds of cricket and football, a Manchester United legend has penned a heartfelt note for young Indian cricket sensation, Shubman Gill. The gesture, revealed earlier this week, highlights the growing camaraderie between athletes across different sports and nations.
The story began to unfold when images and videos surfaced online showing Gill interacting with members of the Manchester United squad during India's tour of England in July 2025. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared glimpses of the meeting at United's training centre, where players from both sides bonded over cricket and football. Gill, along with teammates like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, were seen engaging in friendly activities with United stars such as Harry Maguire.
During the visit, Team India vice-captain Rishabh Pant presented a signed cricket bat to Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. Mohammed Siraj was also seen bowling to Harry Maguire. Gill himself expressed excitement about meeting top athletes from another sport, noting the similarities in mindset required to excel in both cricket and football. He specifically mentioned a conversation with Bruno Fernandes, who shared his insights on handling pressure, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the game.
While the details of the note remain private, sources suggest that the Manchester United legend, whose name is yet to be officially disclosed, was impressed by Gill's talent and dedication to the sport. The note is said to contain words of encouragement and appreciation for Gill's achievements, as well as advice on navigating the challenges of being a professional athlete.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time Shubman Gill's connection to Manchester United has made headlines. In September 2025, Gill playfully mentioned Bruno Fernandes as the "weirdest person" he had played cricket with, during an interview on Apple Music's YouTube channel. He clarified that while some of United's English players had prior experience with cricket, Fernandes, along with some of his teammates, was completely new to the sport.
Adding another layer to the story, a recent social media post from February 7, 2026, shows former Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand watching a game with Shubman Gill. Ferdinand jokingly claimed to have convinced Gill to become a Manchester United fan.
Shubman Gill is currently representing India in the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE. He remains a key player for the Indian team as they prepare for upcoming matches, including a highly anticipated clash against Pakistan.
