The world is showing support for Ukraine after Russia launched an invasion of the country.
FIFA has even banned Russia and Russian clubs from international and continental tournaments amid outcry over the situation, BBC Sport report.
At the weekend Manchester United’s players and Watford players gathered before the game with a message to plea for peace, led by Ralf Rangnick. United also also ditched Russian airline partners Aeroflot.
There were also Ukraine flags on show at Old Trafford among supporters as attending fans made their voices heard amid the outcry over the war.
Manchester United have not had too many connections with Ukraine over the years, but there have been a handful. Here is a look at three…
Andrei Kanchelskis
When Andrei Kanchelskis was born, Ukraine was still part of the Soviet Union. Kanchelskis was born in the Ukrainian city of Kropyvnytskyi, in central Ukraine.
Ukraine declared independence in 1991, by which time Kanchelskis was already playing international football for the Soviet Union, making his debut in 1989.
After a stint with Dynamo Kiev, Kanchelskis signed with Shakhtar Donetsk, before Manchester United signed him in 1991 after Sir Alex Ferguson followed a scout’s recommendation.
Kanchelskis became a fan favourite, known for his relentless running on the right wing and ability to score goals. He played a key role in back to back title wins, including the 93/94 double. He is particularly fondly remembered for his hat-trick against Manchester City.
Fred
Fred followed Andrei Kanchelskis’ footsteps in 2018 when he left Shakhtar Donetsk to join Manchester United, becoming the second player United had signed from a Ukrainian club.
Ukraine has become a hotbed for Brazilian footballers over the past decade, although the temperatures were a challenge.
Speaking to United’s website, Fred said: “I went to Ukraine and it was an extreme change. I got to experience -20 °C and for me… I can’t even explain how that feels.”
Last week The MEN reported how Fred has shown his support for Brazilian footballers in Ukraine to raise support to try and help them safely get out of the country.
Champions League clashes
Manchester United have gone head to head with Ukraine’s top teams in the Champions League over the years.
United thrashed Dynamo Kiev 4-0 in the group stages in 2007 on the way to going onto win the 07/08 trophy. Gerard Pique, Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo scored the goals.
The away group game United won 4-2. Rio Ferdinand scored the opener before Wayne Rooney netted, and a brace followed from Cristiano Ronaldo to round off the victory.
United also played Dynamo Kiev in the 2000/2001 group stages, in two far closer matches. The Ukrainian side held United to a 0-0 draw in the home game. United then won the second match 1-0 at Old Trafford with a Teddy Sheringham goal which sealed United’s place in the second round on a nervous night for the hosts.
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