Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag attends homeless charity’s football tournament
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was seen encouraging players at The Salvation Army’s five-a-side Partnership Trophy tournament at Goals in Cheetham Hill, Manchester on Thursday.
The United boss is gearing up for this Sunday’s derby with Manchester City but took time out to encourage those at the event and support the “great work” the charity does. The tournament consisted of 20 teams made up of staff, refugees and modern slavery survivors.
Blue Nile of The Salvation Army’s Refugee Resettlement Service in the North West lifted the trophy, which was presented by former England captain Terry Butcher, who also delivered a passing workshop to players.
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Ten Hag said he enjoyed attending the event and praised the charity for their work. “It was fantastic to attend today’s event in Manchester with The Salvation Army,” he said. "The organisation does great work in supporting homeless people to rebuild their lives.
"Homelessness is a difficult problem in our city and anything I can do to raise awareness by coming to events like this is important. It was great to see everyone playing football together, showing energy, spirit and teamwork to promote wellbeing.”
Along with Ten Hag and Butcher, the event — which “celebrates the achievements of players on and off the pitch” — was supported by the Guardiola Sala Foundation (GSF), a humanitarian charity set up by City boss Pep Guardiola and his family, who attended the tournament in 2019.
During the day, Butcher gave an emotional speech which touched on his battle with depression after losing his son to suicide.
He said: “This tournament is a great way of bringing good sportsmanship, good behaviour and good