Sport

Lisandro Martínez leaves two kids in tears of joy after stopping to sign shirt

This is what football is all about. Pure class.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 30th January 2023

Manchester United man Lisandro Martinez absolutely made the day, perhaps even the whole year, of two young fans after stopping to sign their shirt at the weekend.

Following his team’s 3-1 home win over Reading on Saturday, 28 January, fans gathered around the exits of Old Trafford as they often do to try and spot the players leaving.

However, two passionate young Reds stood waiting in the cold and damp Manchester weather to see one man, Lisandro Martínez, and thankfully their wish came true

As you can see in the video below posted by the kids’ dad, Paul Barratt, Lisandro a.ka. ‘Licha’ is driving out of the ground when he spots the pair of wide-eyed United fans holding out their shirt and, well, you can guess the rest.

We’re not crying, you are — ah sod it, we all.

ADVERTISEMENT

Martínez has been a fan favourite ever since he arrived at the club back in July 2022, showing just as much passion as he does quality in his performances, week in, week out (it’s no wonder he became a world champion with Argentina), and scenes like these will only make fans love him even more.

Writing on Twitter, chuffed dad paul thanked the 25-year-old for giving them a moment that will stay with them forever after the man himself responded to the now-viral video.

ADVERTISEMENT

Nothing but wholesomeness over here.

Read more:

Licha was rested as fellow South Americans, Casemiro and Fred, combined to put a trio of wonderful goals past the Berkshire side.

That is now 11 home wins in a row and just one loss and one draw in their last 13 games. Erik ten Hag‘s team currently sit fourth in the table, level on points with Newcastle and now into the fourth round of the FA Cup, as well as an EFL Cup final practically sealed.

ADVERTISEMENT

Things are looking up for the red half of Manchester.

You can watch the full highlights down below:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — Paul Barratt (via Twitter)

Sport

Stockport County to introduce safe standing at Edgeley Park

Danny Jones Danny Jones Stockport County safe standing next season 2025/26

Stockport County will soon be introducing safe standing at Edgeley Park as part of the pending stadium development plans.

The Hatters may have just missed out on promotion to the Championship, but it’s still been an exciting few years for the club that has seen a fresh surge in young new supporters in addition to their passionate lifelong followers.

In more fantastic news for fans, County have announced that brand new safe standing sections will be installed across the ground.

Confirming the news on Wednesday, the club said: “After receiving all necessary approvals and working closely with safety authorities, we are set to install rail seating in two designated areas of the stadium.

As detailed on the club website, there will be two new dedicated safe-standing/rail-seated zones – one in each main stand: the back five rows of seats in the Cheadle End’s upper tier and the back two rows of the Vitality Railway End.

With Stockport Council greenlighting plans for League One side to expand their home capacity, this reconfiguration is set to accommodate a total of 849 County fans and/or supporters.

Although this all depends on final approval from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), the aim is to deliver a “vibrant and dynamic environment for both home and away fans at Edgeley Park.”

The official statement goes on to explain that the push for safe standing is not just to provide more matchday options for those in attendance, but in hopes of further “enhancing the atmosphere and improving the overall matchday experience for those who prefer to stand.”

Couty has insisted that “The rail-seating system incorporates a barrier for every seat, ensuring that supporters are protected from a sudden surge or crowd movement.”

This isn’t all they have planned for Edgeley.

Stockport County unveils grand expansion plans to nearly double capacity of Edgeley Park
Safe standing is part of the larger Stockport County stadium redevelopment plans.

Addressing early concerns in a ‘What This Means for You’ section, they go on to add: “Season ticket holders currently in the affected rows will be contacted directly by the Club over the coming weeks with details on their options, including relocating to a seated area if they prefer not to stand.

“Information regarding new season tickets and matchday tickets in the safe standing areas will be released in due course.

“We believe this is another significant step forward for Stockport County and will further enhance the already incredible atmosphere at Edgeley Park. We look forward to seeing and hearing the renewed energy in these new sections.”

The safe standing plan is set to be introduced for the upcoming 2025/26 season, with the administration hoping to make this their last in the third tier. Do you see them going up next year?

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Press Shot (via SCFC)

Sport

Rio Ferdinand is stepping away from TNT Sports after more than a decade

Danny Jones Danny Jones Rio Ferdinand leaving TNT Sports

Manchester United legend and ex-England international Rio Ferdinand has announced he will be stepping away from TNT Sports, leaving more than a decade with the broadcaster.

Ferdinand has spent the best part of the last 10 years serving as a leading pundit and analyst, as well as hosting his own ‘Rio Meets’ online series – the interview format of which has been replicated on his YouTube channel.

However, after having been one of their main anchors both under the BT Sport and even more so since the inception of the rebranded TNT Sports Football umbrella, the 46-year-old has confirmed he has now quit their regular coverage following the Champions League final this weekend.

In a lengthy statement on social media, the ex-Man United defender, who also played for Leeds, West Ham, Bournemouth and QPR, described it as a “difficult decision.”

Taking time to thank the network for their “tremendous support” over the years, especially those “behind the scenes, whose work often goes unseen but has been essential to our success.”

Noting that TNT themselves have acquired TV rights for many more live sports in recent times, he assures he will remain an interested viewer for the “exciting future that lies ahead.”

The talented centre-back retired in May 2015 after more than 500 appearances and 81 national team caps, making an almost immediate switch into punditry and remaining a household name.

Rio has also remained a popular figure at Old Trafford and, indeed, across various parts of Manchester since leaving United in 2014.

For instance, his self-titled Foundation has carried out some truly transformational local outreach across various boroughs, as it has back in his home city of London.

Rio Ferdinand is helping change young lives with community programmes in Oldham and Salford

Responding to the news, TNT Sports said nothing more than “Thanks for everything, Rio”; meanwhile, fellow former Red, Danny Simpson (who retired last year and also works as a pundit/presenter for MUTV) added: “You’re going to be missed, bro. Every time you’re on, you give us all the mad insight.”

However, he has promised he will remain in the media industry, continuing to work under the Rio Ferdinand Presents digital brand and pursuing “other business interests”.

With his ‘Rio Reacts’ and ‘Vibe with FIVE’ series regularly raking in millions of views, he might not be on the box during European nights but you’ll still be seeing plenty of him.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Av Web Summit/James Adams (via Flickr)/TNT Sports (screenshot via YouTube)

More Sport

Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 trophy coming to Manhester

Manchester

The Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy is coming to Manchester on a nationwide tour

Alo Yoga

Business

Viral luxury activewear brand Alo Yoga to open new Manchester city centre store

Brandon Williams prison statement dangerous driving

Cheshire

Ex-Manchester United player Brandon Williams issues public statement following sentencing

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches