Man Utd v Man City: United asking fans to bring spare warm clothes to Old Trafford to help vulnerable people

Manchester United is asking fans heading to the derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford to consider bringing along spare warm clothes which are being collected to give out to vulnerable members of the community.

The club is setting up collection points for unwanted or unused clothing around the stadium for supporters attending the clash with its cross-city rivals and neighbours. The Manchester United Foundation will then be handing out the donated items to communities in need across Greater Manchester.

As part of its efforts to help people badly affected by the current cost of living crisis the club has also announced it is keeping its Warm Hub running for a further six weeks.

How can fans attending the Manchester derby help the community?

United is asking fans to bring along surplus coats, hats, gloves and scarves to the match against City on Saturday (14 January). There will be collection points dotted around Old Trafford for the clothes to be dropped off. The game kicks off at 12.30pm.

The clothing will then be distributed by the Manchester United Foundation to people in need across the city-region. It’s all part of the club’s United by Your Side campaign supporting residents through the winter months as temperatures remain low and the cost of living increases.

The club is working with Trafford Council and local charities including Manchester Mind to deliver its community work and ensure that those most in need of them get to find out about them. As part of the community work the club’s Warm Hub for people struggling to afford heating and energy bills will be staying open for a further six weeks.

The hub is at Old Trafford in the Red Café and provides a safe place to stay warm where people can also enjoy entertainment, conversation, hot and cold drinks and nutritious food. The schedule of Warm Hub evenings starts up again on Tuesday 17 January and will last for another six weeks. The sessions last between 5pm and 8pm and are free. Anyone wanting to benefit from the hub just need to arrive and register via the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand reception and will be guided to the right place.

What has Manchester United said about its community work?

Collette Roche, Manchester United chief operating officer, said: “We know that it remains a challenging time for many people in our local community, so the Manchester derby is the ideal time for fans to come together to help those in need.

“Some people are fortunate enough to have spare coats, hats, scarves and gloves, especially after Christmas, while others are struggling to stay warm. Fans just have to bring their surplus clothing along with them to Old Trafford on Saturday and drop it off at a collection point before entering the stadium.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far through our United by Your Side campaign, particularly with our Warm Hub evenings that have made Old Trafford a second home for local people in need of warmth or company. We’re looking forward to keeping this great initiative going throughout January and February.”

John Shiels, chief executive at Manchester United Foundation, said: “Winter is always a difficult time for many people as temperatures fall but it’s even more the case this year as energy prices and other living costs have risen. Everyone has been affected but it’s the most vulnerable members of our community who are hit hardest, exacerbating inequalities and social problems.

“Manchester United Foundation works all-year-round to increase opportunities for vulnerable young people, but we feel an extra responsibility during the winter. So, we’re pleased to be working with the club and fans to do what we can to ease some of the pressures facing our community.”