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Perth Glory coach, Tony Popovic, was a proud man. His two teenage sons enjoyed a dream holiday gift – a match against Manchester United.
Kristian, 17, and Gabriel, 15, were introduced in the 76th minute of Glory's 2-0 loss to the Red Devils at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
Glory entered the match, missing out on his best players, forcing Popovic to recruit a group of Academy members into his squad for the match against Manchester United.
Unlimited substitutions have allowed Popovic to spend time playing with many of the club's emerging stars. Joshua Rawlins, 15, is another lucky youngster who has been fortunate to witness action against United during the school holidays.
The two Popovic brothers have already impressed the spectators with their skill and maturity when training at Glory.
They each scored a goal in a recent 3-0 friendly win over Bayswater City.
Kristian also scored twice with Glory in the last season of the A-League.
Coach Popovic said it was a proud moment to see his two sons play against Manchester United.
"They came and I'm sure they will remember," he said.
"As a father, you are proud to see that happening."
"They are still in the early stages of their football career, and like many aspiring young players, whether or not they can do it – we'll see."
"But it's definitely boys who will do their best, it was nice to see them there."
Gabriel, a crazy fan of the Red Devils who already dominates most spectators while he's only 15, traded jumpers with English international Chris Smalling after the game.
Kristian got Scott McTominay's jersey.
The brothers still live at home and said they enjoyed playing with their dad.
"This is a father off the field, but a coach on the field," Kristian said.
"It's really easy to be a player under him – he has that extra motivation that he's our coach."
Popovic also had a nine-year-old son who is already impressing on the pitch.
Glory was forced to defend himself for long periods of Saturday's game. The attack of Marcus Rashford in the 60th minute finally got out of the stalemate.
James Garner added the second in the 85th minute.
When asked if he had already coached a match where the ball had spent so much time in his defensive half, Popovic replied, "Did you expect something different?"
"It would have been different if we had opened the game and made it an exhibition game.
"The score could have been seven, eight, nine, ten – because they can score at any time." We defended very well.
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