International Reds are reunited at Old Trafford
The dedication and loyalty of our many Manchester United supporters’ clubs was honoured recently, at a special ‘thank you’ dinner at Old Trafford.
There are over 250 supporters’ clubs worldwide, across all continents, and the event was a unique opportunity to bring as many of them together as possible, on the Friday before our home game against Newcastle United.
Supporters ranging from places as distant as India and Australia were present, and all in attendance were treated to a great range of guests and entertainment.
Club partners Maui Jim, Chivas Regal and Cadbury rewarded our fans with products, while Remington, Marriott and Paul Smith provided raffle prizes that led to £5,505 being raised for the Manchester United Foundation.
Chief executive Richard Arnold kicked things off in heartfelt style, before some fascinating interviews with John Murtough and Bryan Robson.
Captain Marvel was on fine form, telling comical stories about locking Gordon Strachan in the boot of a car and a memorable friendly at Marine where the Class of ’92 first proved their fearlessness to him.
With the food and drink flowing, comedian Ashen Akbar kicked off his set, before there was an emotional speech by the Kyiv Reds, who thanked “all British people and people around the world for housing Ukrainian families” and told us about the many Kyiv Reds currently fighting in Ukraine’s battle for democracy and independence.
Arnold concluded: “It’s an incredible feeling to be up here looking at people who’ve dedicated often nearly a lifetime to organising coming to watch United, not just for themselves but for the people around them.
“That’s hugely appreciated. That support that we get, home and away, is like no other club. Every club thinks they’re special, but it’s the support that we get that genuinely makes us the biggest club in the world.”