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Old Trafford welcomes fans for Iftar celebration

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Old Trafford has held its second fan Iftar, in collaboration with our Muslim Supporters’ Club (MUMSC).

Enjoyed by the United family, it was a special evening of prayers, reflection, and the breaking of the fast, held overlooking the hallowed turf of the Theatre of Dreams.

Guests were welcomed by Manchester United’s Collette Roche, chief executive officer, new stadium development, followed by an introduction from Asif Mahmud, chair of the MUMSC, before a recitation of the Quran.

A short spiritual reflection on the significance of Ramadan was led by a Sheikh from Cheadle Mosque and the Maghrib call to prayer then reverberated around the stadium bowl in a powerful show of faith.

The special event was held inside Old Trafford.
After further prayers, there was the breaking of the fast with dates, sweet cones, and croffles, before attendees tucked into a delicious Halal buffet and celebrated with others.

The evening ended with an auction to raise funds for a Ramadan charity campaign.

Also in attendance was men’s first-team player Noussair Mazraoui, who engaged in an interactive Q&A with guests, and several of our Academy players.

On what having Iftar at Old Trafford meant, Mazraoui said: “I’m proud to be here and to be part of this community and club with these fantastic people. I was at the first Iftar last year and this is huge!

“We, as a team, will give everything to make you proud both during Ramadan and outside of Ramadan too.”

Asif Mahmud, chair of the Muslim Supporters’ Club, said: “Hosting Iftar at Old Trafford is incredibly meaningful for Muslim supporters. It sends a powerful message that Manchester United is a club where everyone belongs.

“Ramadan is a time of reflection, gratitude and community, and to break our fast together at the Theatre of Dreams is something many of us never imagined growing up.

“We’re proud to work with the club to create moments like this that strengthen understanding and bring people together. That’s what Manchester United is all about - unity, respect and shared identity.”

Collette Roche shares her powerful message about how important the event is for the club.

Collette Roche added: “Manchester United is incredibly proud to stand at the heart of what is a very diverse and vibrant city. This gathering is the very best of what we are as a club - hosting Iftar here in a place that holds such meaning to so many of us is something that we value very deeply.“

Rick McGagh, director of fan engagement at Manchester United, said: “Tonight’s event demonstrates the unifying power of football and it was a privilege to join our Muslim supporters in marking this special occasion.”

“With over 350 official supporters’ clubs around the world, we are proud of nights like these, which showcase the brilliant work they all do in bringing together fans through their love of the club.

“Having Nous and several of our young players from the Academy join with fans and staff to mark this occasion was a special moment and a reminder of the importance of the strong bond between players, fans and the club.”

MUTV's Zarah Connolly hosts the Q&A.

The evening was also attended by Tom Ross, Eve Parker and Waseem Hassan of Trafford Council, along with Furqan Naeem MBE, community organiser and campaigner.

The Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club is free to join and open to all Muslim Reds around the world. Learn more and find out how to join here.

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