It is time for the return of Manchester United’s much-loved Stadium Sleep Out, where fans can actually sleep over at Old Trafford to help raise money for charity.
Back for just the third time in the club’s history, the Red Devils are once again inviting fans of Man United to not just visit the Theatre of Dreams outside of a usual matchday but to sleep for one special night in the stands of Old Trafford itself.
The now annual fundraising event which looks to combat homelessness in Greater Manchester and among young people, specifically, raised over a whopping £40,000 for this vital cause last November and is looking to amass even more this time around.
Given that this figure was double the amount managed in the inaugural year, we think the next edition is going to smash that target too.
— Manchester United Foundation (@MU_Foundation) October 16, 2024
The concept is pretty much what it says on the tin: hordes of Reds pile into Old Trafford with their warm layers, sleeping bags, flasks and more to sleep out at one of the most iconic stadiums in the world.
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Over 100 Reds took part in the 2023 Sleep Out and while the concept has been seen before at various different sporting organisations in recent times, there aren’t many clubs bigger than United, so they’re looking to welcome even more numbers to sleepover in the stands.
The event was set up to help raise money not only for the Manchester United Foundation but for UK charity Centrepoint too. With a base here in Greater Manchester, the homelessness charity has been helping support vulnerable young people all over the region and beyond since 1969.
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Between 2022 and 2023, Centrepoint found that 136,000 young people across the UK approached their council for help because they were homeless or at risk of homelessness, highlighting the desperate plight of many in our area and the need for events, and support, like this.
As the colder temperatures creep in, it’s more vital than ever that those less fortunate get help wherever they can and the November date also allows locals to experience a taste of what it’s like for those sleeping rough and remind them of why initiatives like this are so important.
Taking place on Friday, 15 November, the 2024 Old Trafford Stadium Sleep Out is set to welcome more participants than ever and it goes without saying that the atmosphere is pretty special.
A strictly 18+ event only, you can get ready to swap your bed for a sleeping bed and instead of staring at the ceiling, you can look up at the stars while laying down under the lights of Manchester United’s legendary home ground from just £30. All fund goes directly to the cause.
You can register your interest HERE and, who knows, maybe you’ll be joined by Fred the Red and a few other familiar faces this year.
Jack Catterall set for all-British bout in Manchester this summer
Danny Jones
Local fighter Jack Catterall is returning to Manchester for his latest fight against compatriot Harlem Eubank in what is sure to be a brilliant night for British boxing.
The all-English face-off between Catterall and Eubank will be the 33rd bout of the Chorley-born boxer’s career, returning to our city to hopefully get back to winning ways.
‘El Gato’s last appearance in the ring came against American Arnold Barboza Jr., in which he registered just his second-ever defeat on a debut visit to Co-op Live back in February, losing via split decision.
Now looking for redemption, the 31-year-old has sized up another member of the Eubank boxing dynasty, with Harlem still undefeated in 21 fights. They’ve already exchanged what we can only assume were a few spicy words:
The cousin of Chris Eubank Jr. and nephew of Eubank Sr., Harlem is one of several members of the family to have found their way into combat sports.
Harlem, also 31, turned pro back in 2017 and has quietly been building a consistent and thus far flawless record, with nine knockouts to his name.
Speaking ahead of the match-up, Catterall said: “This is another huge domestic fight that I can really sink my teeth into. “I’m eager to put on a big performance and make a statement in my first fight up at welterweight. The Eubank name is hot at the moment but I’m ready to put the fire out in style.”
Meanwhile, his opponent replied: “This is a fight that’s been on my radar for a long time, and I’m delighted it’s finally happening. Jack is a world-class fighter and, in my view – and many others’ – a former undisputed champion.
“These are the elite-level match-ups I’ve been calling for, and make no mistake, I’m ready.”
While many are arguing this is somewhat of a step down for Catterall, this will be the biggest fight of Eubank’s career yet, who has also called out fellow welterweight Conor Benn.
As for Catterall, who just missed out on becoming England’s first male undisputed champion in the four-belt era when he suffered his first loss to Josh Taylor back in 2022, he’ll just be glad to be back in action and will go in as the favourite.
The pair of UK fighters are scheduled to fight on Tuesday, 5 July at Manchester’s AO Arena, where so many iconic fights have been held in the past.
For those of you looking to grab tickets for Jack Catterall vs Harlem Eubank, you have two opportunities to grab early access, firstly through the venue’s own presale window and secondly for Three+ members – both of which go live at 10am on Tuesday, 20 May.
As for general admission, seats will be available from the same time on Wednesday, 10am. You can get ready to grab yours HERE.
Gary Lineker set to leave BBC this week following more controversy
Danny Jones
Former footballer and veteran presenter Gary Lineker is set to leave the BBC earlier than expected following further political controversies and social media backlash.
Lineker has been butting heads with the presenter for a couple of years now, being suspended by the national corporation back in March 2023 for his comments about language used by the Conservative government, and has continued to take issue with certain aspects of their news coverage.
He has since gone on to share a further video expressing his regret over what he called an “honest mistake”, as well as confirming that he will be making a premature exit from the BBC.
As you can see in the clip above, he says: “I apologise unreservedly for the hurt and upset caused,” insisting that he didn’t see the emoji in question
Lineker is now expected to leave following his final Match of the Day programme this weekend after having already confirmed he would be leaving the role after 26 years at the end of the season.
The ex-English footballer was set to present the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer, but given the latest furore, he will be stepping away ahead of schedule.
Having gradually wound down his work with networks like TNT Sports (previously BT Sport) and the BBC in recent years, he has been slowly shifting his focus to his own Goalhanger Podcasts company, which includes several popular audio formats under The Rest Is… brand, including his own flagship The Rest Is Football show.
He goes on to add that he’s “stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and against all forms of racism all my life.” Since the most recent Israel-Palestine conflicts began, he’s been particularly outspoken on the events. One recent interview with the BBC itself sparked plenty of discussion online.
Gary Lineker, "What's going on there (Gaza), the mass murder of thousands of children is something we should have an opinion on"
Amol Rajan, "The BBC needs to be impartial about it"
Lineker reiterated that he would never “knowingly share anything antisemitic” and removed the problematic post as soon as he was made aware.
Nevertheless, the BBC and director general Tim Davie have been facing pressure to address the situation ever since it happened, with many calling for the household name to be sacked.
It seems the ex-Everton, Leicester, Spurs and Barcelona player has made the decision for them.
As he goes on to conclude, despite expressing gratitude regarding his relationship with the BBC, he feels the “time is right […’ to go our separate ways.”
Danny Jones -
17th October 2024 
