Manchester United and Rangers’ European meeting at Old Trafford was mot the only link-up between the sides in January – as community participants from both clubs came together for a fun football tournament.

Young people from Manchester United Foundation’s Street Reds programme welcomed their counterparts from Rangers to The Cliff Training Ground for a range of activities.

Participants united for football matches and a workshop centring around the history of both clubs, before visiting Old Trafford that evening, as all the young people involved received match tickets for the Europa League tie.

The young people on both sides knew plenty already about United’s esteemed history – with links to two of the Reds’ greatest icons. Foundation participants were invited from the Sir Bobby’s Street Reds session in Moss Side, established as a legacy to Sir Bobby Charlton and his Foundation’s work to support young people. Meanwhile, those attending from the Rangers Foundation are students at Govan High School – where a certain Sir Alex Ferguson was once a pupil.

One of the youngsters, Alen, 12, said: “Today it was an amazing experience at The Cliff Training Ground. We’re playing against the Rangers Foundation team from Scotland. It’s an amazing experience.

“I got to play where the Man United players used to train, all the iconic players. I feel so lucky to be on this pitch, it’s an honour to be here. Not every kid in the world gets these amazing experiences to go to amazing places like these football clubs. Go United!”

Another participant, Zia, 11, added: “I like Street Reds because there’s lots of age groups that come together and lots of people from different schools come together to play football.

“Today we’re playing against Rangers from Scotland. We’re here in The Cliff in Salford and I really enjoy it here, it’s very good here and the atmosphere is very good.”