Andy Devaney
Under the floodlights of Old Trafford, more than 120 supporters traded comfort for concrete as they joined the Manchester United Foundation Sleep Out – a powerful annual reminder that home isn’t a given for everyone.
Now in its fourth year, the event saw fans, partners, and club legends spend the night at the Theatre of Dreams to raise vital funds for the Foundation’s community projects, helping young people across Greater Manchester who face poverty, hardship, and homelessness.
After settling beneath the stars, guests were welcomed by Foundation CEO John Shiels, who spoke about the life-changing work carried out across the region. The evening also featured a moving panel discussion, where former Foundation participant Libby shared her journey from struggle to success.
“I wouldn’t be where I am now without the Foundation,” she told the crowd. “I went through a rocky path towards the end of my time in school, but my coach Niccola supported me through my exams when things were really tough – even collecting me to take me to school to complete them. I then went on to take the Foundation’s BTEC Sport course at Eccles College and secured some work here at the stadium.”
Her story set the tone for an emotional night of reflection and inspiration, reminding everyone why the Manchester United Foundation remains one of football’s most impactful charities.
United Legends Join the Cause
The evening wasn’t short on familiar faces either. Former club captain Michael Carrick, alongside Wes Brown, Phil Jones, and long-serving kitman Albert Morgan, joined supporters for a Q&A session and shared their thoughts on giving back.
Carrick, whose Michael Carrick Foundation partners with the Manchester United Foundation to deliver free community football sessions through Carrick’s Street Reds, spoke passionately about the importance of empathy and awareness.
“Going through this experience, knowing it’s what some people have to go through every night, is very sad to know and understand,” he said. “But in these surroundings with over 100 people coming to sleep, it’s a night I’ll remember for a long time, and it’s vital to raise these funds and awareness so the Foundation can do its best work.
It means a lot to me that my foundation is able to work alongside Manchester United Foundation and support young people in so many different ways.”
Wes Brown echoed the sentiment, drawing on his own roots in Manchester. “I’ve worked with the Foundation for a long time, so I’ve seen the difference they make in the community,” he said.
“These kinds of events are so important to help support that work and it’s obviously an amazing opportunity for fans to have this experience of sleeping out at Old Trafford.”
Fans Feel the Impact Firsthand
Among those bedding down on the pitch was fan Cory Robinson, who admitted the night had given him a new perspective.
“It’s an amazing and quite surreal experience to have the opportunity to do this and spend the night in this iconic stadium,” he said. “However, hearing about the Foundation tonight has shown me why what they do really matters, and the impact it has on real people. It feels great to be able to support that.”
The Manchester United Foundation Sleep Out continues to grow each year, both in scale and in spirit. Its blend of empathy, awareness, and action embodies the club’s broader mission: to use its platform for real-world change.
As the night drew to a close, CEO John Shiels summed it up best: “Once again, I am so proud to see our supporters – the United family – coming together, recognising the importance of our community work and giving up their time to help us continue that work.
A huge thank you to everyone that came down, your contribution will make a huge difference to the lives of thousands of young people.”
Club partners DXC Technology, Cadbury, and SportsBreaks also lent their support – providing funding, supplies, and volunteers to keep the event running smoothly.
Donations to the Manchester United Foundation Sleep Out appeal remain open. Every contribution goes directly toward helping the next generation of young Mancunians build a brighter, more stable future.
