Manchester United and Manchester City have joined forces to pledge £1 million to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund set up in the wake of Monday’s terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena in which 22 people died and 64 people were injured, many of them critically.
Speaking of the collaboration, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of Manchester City said,
“We have all been humbled by the strength and solidarity shown by the people of Manchester in the days since the attack. The hope of both our clubs is that our donation will go some small way to alleviate the daunting challenges faced by those directly affected and that our acting together will serve as a symbol to the world of the unbreakable strength of the spirit of Manchester.”
Echoing these sentiments, Ed Woodward, Executive Chairman of Manchester United said,
“The barbarism of Monday evening’s attack has shocked everyone. Our clubs are right at the heart of our local communities in Manchester and it is right that we present a unified response to this tragedy. The money will help, of course but the work of the two clubs and their respective foundation and community scheme can build on the fantastic spirit that Mancunians have shown in the immediate aftermath.”
The fund, set up in partnership with the British Red Cross and backed by the Lord Mayor, has increased beyond the £3 million mark with the donation from both football clubs along with £1 million from the Manchester Evening News #westandtogether campaign.
Manchester United held a minute’s silence and wore black armbands during last night’s Europa League winning final as a mark of respect.
Manchester City Women’s team will do the same for their Spring Series match against Chelsea Leadies at the Academy Stadium this evening.
Under the banner of #ACityUnited, the two clubs will continue to support the city at this testing time.
How to donate to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund
- Visit www.redcross.org.uk/manchester
- Visit www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/redcross/ManchesterEmergencyFund
- Call 0300 456 4999
- Go to a British Red Cross shop