Manchester United are set to welcome bitter rivals Liverpool to Old Trafford on Sunday and Red Devils supporters are asking fellow fans to stage a touching gesture for Diogo Jota
A group of Manchester United supporters have encouraged fellow fans to join in a minute’s applause for Diogo Jota against arch rivals Liverpool. The Red Devils host Arne Slot’s men on Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford.
It represents a huge game in the battle for a Champions League spot ahead of next season. A win would rubber-stamp United’s place in the competition, while Liverpool could overtake Michael Carrick’s men with a victory of their own.
But away from action on the pitch, some home supporters are asking fans to put aside their rivalry and take part in a stadium-wide gesture in honour of former Liverpool forward Jota. Reports have suggested that a proposal has been sent to the Manchester United Supporters’ Trust (MUST) to encourage fans to take part in a minute’s applause in the 20th minute of the game – Jota’s number at Anfield.
MUST have apparently encouraged fellow supporters to share the idea and gauge support for it within their own supporter groups. It is also suggested that some United players have been made aware of the proposal, while United have also been informed and have indicated that any such tribute should be a fan-led initiative.
Jota sadly passed away last year in a devastating car crash alongside his brother Andre Silva. Former United boss Ruben Amorim, captain Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot laid floral tributes at Anfield after their compatriot’s death.
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Should United fans join in with the applause, it would be the second time that the two fanbases have come together in tribute. Liverpool supporters serenaded former United forward Cristiano Ronaldo back in 2022 just 24 hours after the heart-breaking death of his newborn son.
The Portuguese did not play in that game but Liverpool fans still made their feelings known with a rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ in the seventh minute of the game.
Martin Tyler, commentating on the game, said: “We can talk about this rivalry, which is as sharp as it can be at times in English football, but everyone is on the same page here – the page of condolences.”
Gary Neville added: “It’s a massive touch of class that, from Liverpool”, while Ronaldo also took to social media with a message of gratitude.
Writing on Instagram, he said: “One world… One sport… One global family… Thanks, Anfield. Me and my family will never forget this moment of respect and compassion.”
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