Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has penned a touching letter to a Manchester United fan who bravely opened up about how the club have helped turn his life around after a long battle with mental health problems.
In an emotional call with Andy Goldstein on talkSPORT last month, United supporter Ryan explained his struggle with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.
"I've always carried these things with me throughout life." he explained.
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Ryan later spoke in depth about how Manchester United, along with Andy's Man Club - a support group for men - have helped him turn his life around.
"I now wake up and know that United are on. I'm hopping around. Feeling good.
"Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has given me so much courage. I've believed in him since day one. I'm so proud and happy at how things are going right now."
He goes on to speak about why Solskjaer is the man to bring success back to Old Trafford.
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"I believe in him, I love him," Ryan said. "He's given a lot of courage. I'll tell you why. When United won the treble and Ole scored that second goal in the final. I was on a green in Manchester. I went running around that green, screaming and shouting!"
Goldstein then asks if Ryan has good people around him to talk to.
"I've got fantastic people around me, especially because of Andy's Man Club - a men's mental health charity, a peer-to-peer support group who meet in different places, and through it they've given me support and a lot of encouragement.
"I'm turning my life around."
The Norwegian manager has since responded to Ryan, who read out the touching letter on talkSPORT this week.
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"Dear Ryan, just wanted to drop you a line to say I am so glad you are doing well," Solskjaer wrote.
"It's heartwarming to hear that Manchester United and Andy's Man Club have kept you going through difficult times.
"We are living in strange times at the moment and we know it's difficult for a lot of people. However, I was delighted to hear you now have a spring in your step.
"Once we get back to normal I'd love to invite you to a match or to watch training. In the meantime, we want you to keep that spring in your step and we will be doing all we can on the field.
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"Take care, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer."
When asked for his reaction, Ryan said: "I'm getting a bit emotional now reading it now.
"It's incredible, they didn't have to do this and they have. It shows how incredible this club is."
Here's a list of the leading mental health helplines and services that are just a call away in the UK:
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- Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and will talk to you about anything that's bothering you. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email [email protected] or visit some branches in person. You can also call the Welsh Language Line on 0300 123 3011 from 7pm to 11pm every day.
- The Mix take calls from under 25s on 0808 808 4994 from Sunday to Friday, 2pm to 11pm. You can request support by email using the form on The Mix website or using their crisis text messenger service.
- Papyrus HOPELINEUK is there for under 35s struggling with suicidal feelings, or those who are concerned about a young person who might be struggling. You can call them on 0800 068 4141 on weekdays from 9am to 10pm, on weekends from 2pm to 10pm, and on bank holidays from 2pm to 10pm. You can also email [email protected] or text 07786 209 697.
- The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) caters specifically to males on 0800 58 58 58 from 5pm to midnight every day. Alternatively, you can use their webchat service.
- The Nightline website allows students to see if their university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.
- Switchboard is there for people who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and can be reached on 0300 330 0630 from 10am to 10pm every day. You can also email here or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.
- The Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L). is available for those who live in Wales and can be contacted on 0800 132 737, which is open 24/7. You can also text 'help' followed by a question to 81066.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Premier League, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
