It happened again this year! The call to prayer echoed at Old Trafford

Manchester United Hosts Historic Ramadan Iftar at Old Trafford as Adhan Echoes Across Stadium

Manchester United opened the doors of Old Trafford on Tuesday evening for a historic Ramadan Iftar, blending faith, football, and community under the floodlights of one of English football’s most iconic stadiums.

Organised by the Manchester United Muslim Supporters Club (MUMSC) in partnership with the club, the special event welcomed around 80 supporters selected via ballot, alongside invited guests. The gathering marked a significant milestone in Manchester United’s growing commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

First-Ever Adhan at Old Trafford

The 2026 Ramadan Iftar will be remembered as a landmark moment in the club’s history. For the first time ever, the Adhan — the Islamic call to prayer — was recited inside Old Trafford, echoing across the stands.

Attendees broke their fast as the Adhan rang out, followed by Qur’an recitations and communal prayers led by English Qur’an reciter Ibrahim Idris.

The moment was widely described by fans as “historic,” “surreal,” and “beautiful.”

Noussair Mazraoui Among Attendees

Among the special guests was Moroccan international defender Noussair Mazraoui, who joined Manchester United from Bayern Munich in 2024.

Mazraoui, known for observing Ramadan while maintaining elite professional performance, joined supporters during the evening — reinforcing the club’s support for players of all faiths.

His presence highlighted how top-level football and religious commitment can successfully coexist.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Manchester United academy coach Imran Hamid, a UEFA B Licence holder and Premier League No Room For Racism Icon nominee, also attended the event.

Addressing young academy players, Hamid said:

“It is a blessing that some first-team players came and shared their experiences. I hope that some of the children here today will one day become first-team players and speak at future events.”

A Milestone for Muslim Supporters

MUMSC President Asif Mahmud described the evening as the realisation of a long-held dream for Muslim supporters of the club.

Since gaining official recognition in August 2024, MUMSC has worked closely with Manchester United to promote inclusion through:

• Multi-faith prayer rooms at Old Trafford and Carrington

• Educational faith sessions for academy players

• Ramadan initiatives for staff and fans

A Celebration of Unity in Football

While a small number of voices questioned religious observances at a football venue, the overall reaction across social media was overwhelmingly positive.

The historic Iftar stood as a powerful symbol of:

• Unity

• Cultural diversity

• Shared community values

As football continues to evolve beyond the pitch, Manchester United’s Ramadan Iftar at Old Trafford showcased how sport can bring people together — across faiths, backgrounds, and traditions.