Meet the inspirational members of Kyiv Reds

This remarkable set of fans meet up in the Bestia Pub, named after Old Trafford icon George Best, to watch games, trade stories and maintain friendships. 

As you will see during the the film, out on Friday, they have supported each other during the Covid-19 pandemic and, most recently, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 

For them, watching United is a distraction from the challenges of life and a way to help like-minded Reds. They raise funds through charity auctions and, above all, raise spirits. It’s a powerful and moving story, told by a group of courageous Reds. 

Here, you can read the stories of six Kyiv Reds members…

'A LOT OF US ARE FIGHTING'

Matvii, secretary: “We are special because we are united, not only due to the love of Man United, but also due to how we love our country, how this fan club changed during the war, how we helped each other, how we took care of each other, how we helped our military, how we were raising money in just a matter of a couple of days for all these needs.

“Kyiv Reds creates a lot of opportunities as it's a community that unites a lot of people. A lot of us are fighting, and we raise money for their needs, for the needs of the people displaced from the frontline territories. We raise a lot of money, do the shirt giveaways, where Manchester United helps us a lot. Hence, Kyiv Reds gives a lot of opportunities for volunteering and supporting our citizens.”

'I HAVE MY SECOND FAMILY NEAR ME'

Anatolii, founder and chairman: “Firstly, the thing that unites us all is the love of Manchester United. We all, at the certain stage of our life, started to follow this club and support it. It becomes a part of our life. And in Kyiv Reds, we give to each other. We also can come together and we can watch together. 

“The point is that even before the war, Kyiv Reds were like a second family. We all have a very good relationship. We all respect, support and love each other. I cannot meet with my mum, with my dad, with my granny, because they are in a temporary occupied territory, and precisely here, in Kyiv, I have my second family near me, my red family, Kyiv Reds.”

'THESE EMOTIONS ARE VERY IMPORTANT'

Kenobi, supporter and soldier: “At the moment, I am a military serviceman, a volunteer. I have not been a military man all my life. As a volunteer and a person who used to be a non-military person, it is a constant pile of thoughts. It is understanding that you are next to your brothers, and you are responsible not only for your life, but also for their lives. I came to be with the family, specifically with Kyiv Reds. This is a large part of my friends with whom we gather, watch games, share a positive vibe and cheer for the team. For me, as a military man now, these emotions are very important. Although, sometimes, it is difficult to feel them.”

Serhii, treasurer: “It's impossible to put the war into words, to be honest. It's because what you see on the internet, on TV, in the news, it doesn't have anything to do with what one can see with his eyes. That's why I wish people who never saw the war, never have to see it.”

'THIS IS AN ISLAND OF HAPPINESS'

Inna, supporter: “Watching games together with the Kyiv Reds fan club, even during the war, it's always a way of escaping. It was like that in both difficult and good times. An example is during Covid-19. And now, it's something similar. This is an island of happiness for me.

"We became, in principle, united; as people usually do during the war because we all supported each other and especially those who remained in Ukraine, especially those who went to fight amongst us. And we tried to support these people. And I generally believe that we have only become closer and even more like a family than we were before.”

'KYIV REDS HELPED ME TO ADAPT'

Ramin, supporter: “It has already been four years since I moved to Ukraine. This move was difficult for me. I left a lot of things in Azerbaijan and I started my life from scratch. And Kyiv Reds helped me to adapt a lot. For me personally, this is a big family, friends, acquaintances, a football team and support.”

United Across Borders will premiere via a stream in the United App at 19:00 GMT on Friday. It will then be available to watch on-demand from 20:00 that same evening.