Manchester United host Chile miners

Some of the Chile miners trapped underground for two months will be guests of honour at Manchester United‘s top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal today.

The group of 26 includes former professional footballer Franklin Lobos.

Sir Bobby Charlton, whose father was a miner in Northumberland, welcomed the men to Old Trafford saying: “You took it in your stride and the whole world was very proud of you.”

At least some of the Chile miners are believed to be fans of United and they will get VIP access to meet Sir Alex Ferguson and his players before the match, before taking their seats in the directors’ box.

The trip was suggested by Old Trafford legend Sir Bobby and is being organised by Chilean wine producer Concha Y Toro, which sponsors United.

Celebrity miners

The Chile miners were dramatically rescued earlier this year when, one by one, they were brought back to the surface in a capsule after spending two months underground.

Since their release on 13 October the men have had numerous requests to appear at various events.

They were honoured at the Presidential Palace in Chile and have since played a football match against their rescuers.

One of the men, Edison Peña, accepted an invitation by the New York Road Runners to run the 41st New York City Marathon.

The Chile miners’ story made headlines across the globe – two of the men have said that plans for a film chronicling their ordeal in the South American country are moving fast.

Last month Pedro Algorta, who survived for 70 days in the Andes following a plane crash in 1972, told Channel 4 News that the Chile miners could go on to live normal lives despite their ordeal.