1,800 donations made to Foundation's coat appeal

Both the men’s and women’s first-team squads donated to the campaign last week, while Erik ten Hag presented Foundation chief executive, John Shiels, with his 2022/23 training coat at his pre-match press conference at Carrington, in support of the initiative.

The Foundation’s matchday appeal was then met by an unbelievable response from supporters at Old Trafford, with donations made before and after the game, at points around the stadium, leading to more than 140 bags being received.

John Shiels said: “I am truly overwhelmed with the kindness and generosity shown by everyone at Manchester United to support the Foundation’s appeal.

“We are already seeing the huge difference this will make to young people and families in need this winter, with extremely positive feedback received from staff at our partner schools.”

Volunteering has been a key part of the campaign – with club staff taking time out from their day-to-day duties to sort coats at Old Trafford this week, while 30 students from our post-16 education programmes manned the bag drop locations at Old Trafford at the weekend.

John continued: “We are thankful to everyone who has been involved in this appeal, from players, staff and fans of Manchester United and Brentford, to the volunteers who have supported us at several stages throughout this process.

“There has been a real sense of everyone pulling together for a greater good, which has been truly amazing to see.”

After coats have gone through a sorting process in M16, they are now being distributed by Foundation staff across our partner schools this week.

Among the first schools to receive some of coats is Pioneer House High School – one of the Foundation’s nine partner special educational needs schools, which is just five miles away from Old Trafford.

Adele Cox, Pioneer House’s headteacher, said: “We are working with some very vulnerable young people, so with the weather changing, this is going to make a huge difference to our students, and to know it has come from the Foundation will make it even more special.

Each of our partner schools will receive 30 coats, and the Foundation will donate those remaining to local poverty charities in Greater Manchester, including Mustard Tree and Two Brews – both of which work with those most in need in our region.

A donation of coats is also being made to two identified charities in Ukraine.

Manchester United Foundation thanks all supporters, players and staff for their donations to support young people in need this winter.