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A dinner hosted in honour of Manchester United legend Andy Cole last week reportedly played a key role in helping to fill the £40k gap left by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s decision to cut funding to the Association of Former Manchester United Players (AFMUP).
The dinner, held in Old Trafford’s Manchester Suite, celebrated the 40th anniversary of AFMUP, a group that fosters a social network among former United players while also raising funds for charity.
United confirmed that Cole joined a prestigious group of the club’s most celebrated players, honoured by AFMUP over the years. The recognition came in acknowledgement of his impressive record of 121 goals in 275 appearances for the club between 1995 and 2001.
The event was attended by the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson and a number of former stars including Gary Neville. Jonny Evans was also present.
The United hierarchy was represented by chief executive Omar Berrada and director David Gill. Also in attendance was honorary president Martin Edwards.
According to the Daily Mail, the dinner raised significant funds to help cover the £40k cut to AFMUP, which was implemented by Ratcliffe as part of his efforts to reduce operational costs at United.
Earlier this season, INEOS put a stop to the £40,000 charity payment to AFMUP. United had previously given a yearly sum to the group, which was set up in 1958 to help footballers from past years who, unlike the modern-day stars, couldn’t live their lives off of the huge wages they earned in their playing days.
In an interview with Ratcliffe last month, Neville branded the move a “cruel decision.”
Asked why United couldn’t have found alternative ways to come up with the money including holding fundraisers, Ratcliffe answered, “Well, nobody suggested that.”
Neville expressed that he was “alarmed” no one had raised the issue with Ratcliffe.
The Daily Mail explains that, in addition to proceeds from ticket sales, where 300 guests paid £150 per head, an auction raised thousands more for AFMUP and the various charities supported by the group.
This development is undoubtedly a positive one and should help ensure the charity continues to thrive.
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