Through what is expected to one of the sporting world’s toughest times, the coronavirus pandemic hasn’t put a stop to the solidarity in Manchester. From managers to players and the club itself, Manchester United is still winning, this time it’s off the pitch.

Rashford preaches, “Help the children”

The 22-year-old Manchester United star has made his feelings clear on the situation regarding coronavirus. He’s been with working with charities like Fare Share to help children in Manchester after the government ordered the closing of schools across the nation.

In an interview with the BBC, Rashford told them about his childhood and why helping the children was close to his heart.

“I am just trying to impact the next generation positively,” the striker said.

“I have done a lot of work with children and when I heard about the schools shutting down, I knew some kids would not be getting free meals at school.

“When I was at school, I was on free meals and my mum wouldn’t get home until around six o’clock so my next meal would have been about eight o’clock.

“I was fortunate, and there are kids in much more difficult situations that don’t get their meals at home.”

The work that Rashford has been tied to also involves the fund rising that both Manchester United and Manchester City have been doing collectively. Over 100 thousand has been raised between the clubs which will feed 400,000 children across the Manchester district.

Each club has donated £50,000 to the Trussell Trust, on top of this the Manchester United Supporters Trust said they were bombarded with support after Everton and Liverpool’s fans pledged an added £3000 towards the charity.

“I think when times are tough it is important that two clubs who have a huge social following, as we do, come together and make a difference when things which are bigger than football happen. So credit to both clubs,” Rashford told the BBC.

Before the outbreak, Rashford had already given up his spare time to help children. More notably, he is a judge for poetry competitions for children with impearled hearing and he’s promised to deliver the awards personally, once the outbreak is over and restrictions have been lifted.

“As soon as this is finished I will go to the school, see the kids and give them the awards from the competition,” he said.

“I read a lot of books on mentality because in my profession that is one of the key points. I always want to keep developing and improving in some way and physically I can’t do that right now.

“There is so much knowledge in books and you don’t realise until you start reading yourself.”

Rashford began his quarantine early because he hasn’t been on the pitch since January due to a back injury he suffered.

“It’s just about patience, I have been working hard on the bikes and following the program that I have been given from the club,” he said.

“I have been playing Fifa, reading different types of books. It is important to keep the time passing with positive vibes and just keep smiling.

“I am just taking it day by day. It’s very difficult, even when there’s nothing on TV. I have been watching old games from years ago.”

It’s still unknown when the English Premier League will return to action, dates have been mentioned but given the seriousness of the virus, none of them are certain. In fact, one of the few leagues currently active is Nicaragua Primera Division and there is no news if it is going to stop. So if you are bored you can always watch Nicaraguan football.

Good-will spreads as Manchester United remains paid

The Manchester United board announced last week that they’ll continue paying any staff members apart of the casual match-day games and will continue to do so, no matter what the outcome is of the pandemic. The season could be cancelled or remaining fixtures could be played with no attending crowd and the club will continue to pay their staff, on-top of postponed fixtures that have been rescheduled. Payments are rumoured to total near to a million pounds, which would cover the 3000 staff members.

“This goodwill gesture reflects the club’s desire to reduce the financial uncertainty facing its casual workforce, and is in recognition of the crucial role they play in delivering services to supporters,” said the club’s vice-chairman Ed Woodward in a statement.

Pogba steps up

Paul Pogba is the new trendsetter at Manchester United. The 27-year old star began a fundraiser on his birthday to fight the war on the coronavirus pandemic. The striker who is currently signed by Manchester United and French International would promise to double the fund goal of £27,000.

All of the money raised during the fundraiser has been given to provide medical supplies for health workers. Pogba enjoys giving back on his birthday, during his 26th birthday celebration he raised over £7,000 for a clear water Charity.

Hotel Football aka Football Hospital

Former Manchester United and England International Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs made a huge gesture when the two gave up space in their hotels for the need of the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.

Neville and Giggs who both part-own the hotel in Old Trafford, Manchester have closed down to the public, making 170 beds available for the NHS.

The former star added that none of his staff will suffer during the pandemic; no redundancies or unpaid leave for the staff at Hotel Football is something Neville is proud of.

Along with Hotel Football, his former team-mate Ryan Giggs and Neville have also freed up space in their second hotel in the city centre of Manchester, adding more space for the NHS to operate.




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