Thanks to the support of fans, players and staff, more than 2,250 coats have been donated to young people and families in need by Manchester United Foundation, after our matchday appeals earlier this season.

Fans responded to our ask for coats in their droves, meaning we have now collected almost 6,500 coats over the last three years, since the initial appeal in 2023.

As well as donations at two Old Trafford fixtures – from the wins over Brighton for the men’s team and PSG for the women’s team – donations from both playing squads and club staff have also contributed to the overall total.

Coats have primarily been distributed to the Foundation’s network of more than 70 partner primary, secondary and special educational needs schools, based in the areas of highest social deprivation in Greater Manchester and outreach areas in Carlisle, Derry/Londonderry, London and Glossopdale.

John Shiels, the Foundation’s chief executive, said: “I’d like to thank our fans once again for their incredible support towards this initiative for a third year in a row.

“When we first began this appeal in 2023, it was in direct response to the needs of our young people – after hearing about concerns of staying warm from our Youth Voice panel during the winter months. Unfortunately, that need has only grown, and we know that, tragically, almost 40% of children in Greater Manchester are living in poverty.

“It’s a source of great pride that we can take these coats into our schools and the children will know that they have come from the Manchester United family. We will continue giving our all to support these young people in every way we can.”

Carole Davies, office manager at Primrose Hill Primary School, said: “We’ve received a donation of coats to help our children keep warm in the winter months ahead, which we really appreciate. Sometimes, we do have children come into school without a coat, or coats that just aren’t warm enough, so it will make a massive difference.

“The children will be really pleased that the coats have come from the Manchester United Foundation appeal. The fact that people have gone out and donated will make them feel very special.”

Volunteers from Foundation initiatives were once again crucial to the appeal, lending their time on the two designated matchdays to collect fans’ donations. From there, club partner DHL have supported with delivering coats to Foundation outreach areas.

Both DHL and Foundation Presenting Partner DXC Technology also contributed to the appeal through staff donations. A huge thank you to our fans for once again supporting this initiative.