Chilean Miners Inspire United's Victory over Arsenal

Watching soccer while trapped underground gave the Chilean miners hope during their 69-day ordeal this year and their experience helped inspire Manchester United to beat Arsenal on Monday.
Some of the 33 miners rescued in October were at Old Trafford to watch Alex Ferguson's team go top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win over one of their main title rivals.
"You played a part in that great win over Arsenal last night because Alex referred to your story in his team talk before the game and used the motivation from that to galvanise the players," club chief executive David Gill told them on Tuesday.
Wearing United scarves and clutching bulging bags of souvenirs from the club shop, the miners were attending a champagne and canapes reception for them at Old Trafford.
Some brushed away tears as a video of their rescue was shown, while others cheered and laughed as they saw themselves sharing passionate kisses with their loved ones.
Many of the men are huge soccer fans and watched matches on a live feed using a small projector while waiting to be rescued in the depths of the mine.
"Sport is so important in my life that it was one of the reasons that have me hope to live," miner Pedro Cortez told reporters. "I am very proud to know that Sir Alex used our story to motivate his players."

Chilean Miners Watch Man United Win against Arsenal

Some of the Chilean miners rescued in October took part in a training session with Manchester United on Monday, hours before going on to watch the team's Premier League win over Arsenal.

The miners arrived in Manchester on Sunday and were taken to a reception at Old Trafford hosted by United great Bobby Charlton, who is the son of a miner.
"I can't believe these are the same people the whole world dropped everything for. You took it in your stride and everyone around the world is very proud of you," Charlton said.
The 23 miners waved to the crowd from their seats at Old Trafford after they were introduced at halftime of United's 1-0 win over Arsenal on Monday, which sent the hosts top of the Premier League.
The miners were also due to meet United manager Alex Ferguson.
Ferguson told the United website: "It's fantastic that they're coming ... These are people who showed real substance and perseverance to make sure they survived. There are examples in life which you should always take note of."

Chilean Miners to Attend Man United vs Arsenal Game

Some of the Chilean miners rescued after two months trapped underground have arrived in England to watch Manchester United play Arsenal in the Premier League.

The men flew into Manchester airport as guests of the 18-time English champions, who host Arsenal on Monday.

The trip was organized with Chilean wine producer Vina Concha y Toro, which sponsors United.
United great Bobby Charlton suggested inviting the miners to meet the players and watch a match while he was visiting Chile.
Thirty-three miners were rescued in October after being trapped in the San Jose Mine in Chile's Atacama Desert.