In the history of football, one of the greatest rivalries on and off the pitch is between Manchester United and Manchester City. Two teams separated by just 6.4 kilometers but in the same city.
Their rivalry wasn’t obvious in the early years of their existence, when they were known as Newton Heath (Manchester United) and Ardwick (Manchester City), until the 70s.
A particular incident was the first derby of the 1973/74 season which saw City’s Mike Doyle and United’s Lou Macari each receiving a red in a severe contest which ended 0-0 at City’s then home ground. The two players refused to leave the pitch until the referee recalled both teams into the dressing room and made both players accept their dismissals.
Leaving aside the rivalry that the northwest English teams have experienced over decades, Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany hosted a gala through his charity Tackle4MCR to raise funds for the homeless in the Greater Manchester area.
Tackle4MCR is a joint initiative of Vincent Kompany, and the city’s Mayor, Andy Burnham, which aims to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness in Greater Manchester.
Kompany hosted the gala to celebrate his tenth year since joining the blue side of Manchester and left no popular in Manchester figure out of the event.
Manchester-born and raised award-winning singer, Noel Gallagher entertained the guests with music, Former teammates and present like Joe Hart, Joleon Lescott, Paul Dickov, Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho were present.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola who is no stranger to functions like this was also present alongside United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and first team coach Mike Phelan.
Speaking on the importance of the event, Guardiola said, “It’s not the responsibility for Vinny alone, you have to try for the major here, you have to try for Manchester, for everyone to solve the problem, that is the most important thing.”
Fernandinho also spoke on his support on the initiative giving that Kompany is an all-round good person: “It’s a pleasure for me to be here, this testimonial, and of course, it shows how good a person he is to try to help these homeless people.”
Support also came from the red side of Manchester with Solskjaer saying, “Tonight is about raising money so that we could help the people that are sleeping rough. I’ve been in Manchester for a couple of months and I’ve lived in the city center and seen so many people sleeping over, and it’s something that we all could help out with.”
Hattrick hero from the weekend fixture against Arsenal was among the last to arrive at the event, coming in 40 minutes after the red carpet formalities.
