Manchester United have asked any fans with spare warm clothes to bring them along to the derby this weekend as they continue their ‘Warm Hub’ community initiative this winter.
While most fans will obviously be fixated on what happens on the pitch come 12:30pm on Saturday, the club are once again reminding us that many have more important things to worry about than football.
Following the surge in energy prices and overall cost of living crisis, more than 3,700 warm banks have been set up across the UK in the past few months to support those who sadly cannot afford to keep the heating on.
One of those sites is located at Old Trafford, inside the Red Cafe to be specific, which opened on 6 December and provides a safe, heated space for the people who need it most in the local community. This latest community benefit marks the Warm Hub being extended for another six weeks.
Alongside providing hot drinks, snacks, entertainment and ‘talking benches’ to provide visitors and those battling loneliness with an outlet to communicate and feel welcome, they are now encouraging fans to donate any unwanted layers as part of a crucial new clothes drive.
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Created as part of the larger ‘United By Your Side’ campaign, which included a stadium sleepout for charity last month, this latest step sees the club going further when it comes to community action by asking supporters to get involved on their way to the ground.
Setting up collection points all around the ground, all fans need to do is drop off their coats, jumpers, scarves, hats, gloves etc. on their way into the stadium and do their bit for those struggling during these colder months.
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Issuing a statement on the club website, the United Foundation‘s chief exec John Shiels highlighted how the organisation is working “all-year-round to increase opportunities for vulnerable young people”, but that they also feel “an extra responsibility during the winter”.
That being said, although the Manchester derby is typically a day where the city splits in two and revels in the long-standing rivalry, the club are still focused on doing what they can to “ease some of the pressures facing our community”, especially during these difficult times.
Moreover, as mentioned, the fresh schedule of Warm Hub evenings start on Tuesday 17 January between 5-8pm and are, of course, free of charge to anyone who wants to come along. Those arriving can register via the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand reception and will be guided to the Red Cafe.
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Red or blue aside, it’s good to see important Manchester institutions contributing to the community and encouraging their loyal supporters to follow suit.
Be sure to bring your spare warm clothes if you heading to the game on Saturday.
Manchester United considering approach for Wolves boss Gary O’Neil over mystery coaching role
Danny Jones
Manchester United are reportedly considering an approach for Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil over a potential new coaching role.
Although it is thought the Wolves boss is about to be handed a brand-new contract following his impressive efforts at the West Midlands club, a new report from ESPN‘s Mark Ogden is now suggesting that O’Neil is set to be tapped up by Man United as they look to rebuild their backroom.
According to the article published this week, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS Sports team are interested in offering the 40-year-old as yet unconfirmed role on the Red Devils’ coaching staff and while it’s still unclear whether Erik ten Hag has the new co-owner’s full confidence, it’s clear they’re making plans.
Echoed by The Athletic‘s ever-reliable David Ornstein, who reiterated that Ogden is “really well connected” with the club, it looks like there might be some real legs in this.
What job is Gary O’Neil being considered for at United?
As for what O’Neil’s role around Old Trafford and Carrington, more specifically, would be were he to say yes or even consider an offer (it is thought no formal talks have been held at this stage), that remains a bit of a mystery.
That being said, with the likes of Steve McClaren serving a second spell as assistant manager at ten Hag‘s side – having been hand-picked by the Dutchman for his experience – along with Mitchell van der Gaag who arrived with him from Ajax, it seems unlikely either of the two would make way for O’Neill.
However, with both Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna departing the club in recent years, leaving few other notable outfield names other than ex-striker Benni McCarthy who has been looking after United forwards since 2022, he could be appointed as a strategic figure amongst the first-team coaching staff.
Either way, O’Neil signed a three-year deal with Wolves when he was appointed in August 2023 and has already seen some pretty impressive results, leading them to an admirable 10th place in the Premier League at present, so any proposal from United would have to be a handsome one.
While it still feels unlikely that Gary O’Neil would give up the top job at a top-flight club for an as-yet ‘unknown’ position at United, who remain in flux and still plenty of uncertainty as they start this next chapter, there is an undoubted appeal to being at one of the biggest football clubs on the planet.
Sources are said to have confirmed the United’s interest and O’Neil himself is now aware of the prospective approach but neither club is yet to address the situation.
Ogden’s report also goes on to cite recent rumblings surrounding potential figures to succeed ten Hag if he were to be sacked, with names like Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and Brentford’s Thomas Frank being floated around.
In fact, even England manager Gareth Southgate has been linked, though the suggestion has already been shrugged off by the bulk of the fan base and the Three Lions boss himself has also been quick to dismiss the rumours:
Watch the wholesome moment Jude Bellingham gives his jacket to a young mascot to keep him warm
Danny Jones
England supporters are already getting very excited to see Jude Bellingham in the starting 11 ahead of Euro 2024 but the midfielder is winning over even more fans after a clip of a wholesome moment between him and a young mascot went viral.
The Three Lions ended up drawing 2-2 in their second friendly of the international break against Belgium (losing 1-0 to Brazil in the previous game) with Bellingham scoring the equaliser in the final minute of stoppage time.
However, as much as the home fans are looking forward to the Real Madrid star rallying his teammates at the Euros this summer, it was this small but touching interaction with a young kid as the two sides lined up with their mascots just after the walkouts.
Seeing the rain falling and quickly checking in with the small boy sitting in the wheelchair below him, Bellingham rightly offered his pre-match jacket to the little lad to keep him warm.
The reaction online was just as heartwarming too, as countless people jumped on social media to leave comments like, “This is how you know he is Brum, what a nice fella”, “makes me proud to be English” and “Classy as ever from the 20-year-old”.
One person even went so far as to add: “Make this guy captain, wrap him in bubble wrap and take care of him. All youngsters should watch how he conducts himself, absolute professional.”
He wasn’t the only one either, as many eagle-eyed viewers also noted that Manchester City stars Phil Foden and John Stones also gave their jackets to the young mascots standing with him prior to the match. We really do have some lovely lads in this team, don’t we?
Elsewhere, another Greater Mancunian player once again delighted those in the stands and watching back home as Kobbie Mainoo not only made his second appearance and first full start in an England shirt but also earned himself the man of the match award.
The Man United starlet was a late inclusion into Gareth Southgate’s provisional Euros squad, which is likely to change again before the tournament starts, but you won’t find many fans Reds or otherwise wanting him anywhere else other than in the starting lineup.
We’re starting to really like the look of this squad both on and off the pitch and one thing’s for sure, they aren’t just nice blokes – there’s plenty of talent amongst them to win something.
You can watch the highlights of England vs Belgium in full down below: