28th Apr 2010
Today, X Factor runner-up Olly Murs, Manchester United’s ’99 treble-winning footballer Dwight Yorke, Kid British’s Adio Marchant and the youngest player to ever score a hat-trick at Manchester United - Andy ‘Stitch’ Ritchie - were put through their paces by Manchester United First Team coach Rene Meulensteen at the state-of-the-art Trafford Training Centre in preparation for their big game on 1st May.
The session was to mark the final match-day line-up announcement for the bank holiday extravaganza, United Relief Live: The Big Red Family Day Out.
Olly said: “I’m so excited to walk out through the tunnel at Old Trafford. I’ve been an avid Manchester United fan all my life and so the experience will simply be up there as one of the best moments in my life so far. My fellow team-mate Dwight Yorke was here today showing off a few skills – I’m pleased that I’m on his side!”
Celebrities including TV presenter Angus Deayton, comedian Ralf Little and actor Bradley James, along with top footballing legends Rob Lee, Nicky Summerbee and John Beresford are just some of the latest names to join the star-studded footie match.
The ultimate family day out will be held at Manchester United’s legendary Old Trafford stadium on Saturday 1st May 2010. The unique fun day will kick off with a pre-match concert, featuring The Saturdays, The Hoosiers, Tinchy Stryder and an extra-special performance by the legendary crooner, Tony Christie, who will perform the record-breaking 2005 Comic Relief No.1 record Is This The Way To Amarillo?. Britain’s Got Talent dance troupe and world dance champions Flawless will also be performing at the event.
The concert will be followed by a celebrity football match, Manchester United XI vs The Rivals, with two squads of footballing greats and celebrities going head-to-head in an unmissable star-studded showdown. The event will be raising money to fund the crucial work of Sport Relief and the Manchester United Foundation, focusing on projects based in the Greater Manchester area.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: “It’s a special occasion, given that some of the ’99 team are going to be there, as that was a historic period in the club’s history. But I think the main objective is raising money for charity. I hope people have a good time watching Yorke, Cole, Stam and Johnsen – all the great players.”
Manchester United legends set to take part include Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Andrew Cole, Denis Irwin (team captain), Ronny Johnsen, Jaap Stam, Dwight Yorke, Gary Walsh, Lee Martin, Andy Ritchie, Brian McClair, Quinton Fortune, Olmeta Pascal, Clayton Blackmore and Lee Sharpe. The footballing aces will be joined by Manchester United celebrity supporters including Boyzone’s Ronan Keating and Keith Duffy, X Factor star Olly Murs, actors Max Beesley and Ricky Whittle, former English sprint athlete Darren Campbell, comedian Justin Moorhouse, pop sensation Tinchy Stryder and TV presenter Angus Deayton.
The Rivals will feature football aces Ian Rush (team captain), Dean Holdsworth, Dave Beasant, Nicky Summerbee, John Beresford, Rob Lee, Peter Beardsley, Des Walker, Adio Marchant and Alan Thompson, as well as celebrities including former English rugby player Austin Healey, TV presenters Tim Lovejoy, George Lamb and Max Rushden, comedians Jason Manford, Ralf Little, Paddy McGuinness and Lee Mack, and actor Bradley James.
Both teams will be performing under the watchful eye of managers and assistant managers. Wilf McGuinness will be managing the Manchester United XI, assisted by TV presenter Eamonn Holmes and Man City’s legendary manager Joe Royle will be in charge of The Rivals.
Kirsty Gallagher and Anita Rani will talk to key players on the big screens as the event unfolds. The prolific voice of The X Factor, Peter Dickson, will be the match day announcer and commentator. The game will be refereed by the legendary Graham Poll and broadcast on MUTV.
Tickets for the event are still available, priced from £15 for adults and £5 for children. Or you can even come down on the big day and join in the fun.
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