Manchester United hosts inclusive Iftar party for Muslim players, staff

Manchester United Football Club embraced the spirit of unity and inclusivity by hosting an Iftar party for its Muslim players and staff.

The event saw manager Erik ten Hag join the party. The gathering started with the Maghrib Adan prayers at the Carrington training centre, where attendees observed the Islamic tradition of breaking their fast with dates. Following the Maghrib prayer, participants gathered around the table for a hearty meal.

In a heartwarming video shared by the club on its social media platforms, Erik ten Hag extended warm wishes to the attendees, urging them to enjoy their meal.

Among the notable guests who attended were players such as Amad Diallo and Sofyan Amrabat, together with their friends and backroom staff.

Aneel Javed, a senior partner of the club, emphasised the significance of unity amidst diversity, emphasising that, despite the differences, it is what unites them as a club.

"We might have differences at the table, but that is what brings us together," said Aneel.

Reflecting on the event, Amad Diallo expressed his gratitude, noting that it was the first-ever Iftar Manchester United had hosted since his arrival at the club three years ago.

"It is the first Iftar since I joined this club, I hope it is fast of many," said Amad.

He expressed hope that this would mark the beginning of a tradition for the club. Diallo also shared a personal achievement, recalling his recent goal against Liverpool during an FA Cup match while fasting.

Attendees, including friends of the Muslim players, took selfies with the club manager, capturing the camaraderie and joy of the occasion.

Manchester United Football Club's gesture of hosting an Iftar party aligns with its commitment to fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity within the club and the broader community.

Notably, Manchester United's gesture makes them only the third team to host an Iftar party at their grounds, following in the footsteps of Brighton Football Club, who did it early last month, and the London-based Chelsea FC.

Despite the festivities, Manchester United faced a challenging match against Brentford on Saturday, where they managed to secure a draw, thanks to Mason Mount's last-minute goal.