Manchester United join forces with LGBT charity Stonewall

Manchester United have announced a partnership with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender charity Stonewall.

In a statement, United said the initiative will see them - the UK's first football club to partner with Stonewall - work alongside the charity to help tackle LGBT issues in sport and society.

Their partnership will include looking at ways inclusion and equality in the game can be improved.

Through the agreement, United have officially joined the TeamPride coalition of global businesses that offers support to people involved in sport with regard to issues around homophobia and discrimination. Sky Sports are also a member of TeamPride.

United initially teamed up with Stonewall last year, attending the annual TeamPride conference, before taking part in the charity's Rainbow Laces campaign. Old Trafford will host the Rainbow Laces Summit on Monday, May 15.

United's group managing director Richard Arnold said: "Manchester United always looks to be a leader in everything it does and we are proud to be the first sports club to sign up to TeamPride.

"The club has an ongoing commitment to equality across all areas and, with 659m followers around the world, it is our responsibility to show support and recognition to everybody who loves this football club.

"We have built up a positive working relationship with Stonewall and it's a great way for us to learn from each other and progress together as we strive for equality for all of our supporters."

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United launched their own equality, diversity and inclusion programme, #allredallequal, last year.

Tuesday's statement added: "Work will continue to develop with organisations such as Kick It Out, Show Racism the Red Card, Stonewall, Level Playing Field, MUDSA and many more groups as the club looks to be at the forefront of equality."