JOSÉ Mourinho and the Manchester United first-team will be in attendance at a prestigious Gala Dinner in aid of Unicef.

The 17th annual event takes place at Old Trafford on October 31 and follows the success of last year’s record-breaking evening, which raised more than £230,000 for the world’s leading children’s organisation.

Offering fans the chance to rub shoulders with their footballing heroes, the event includes live auctions, with once-in-a-lifetime prizes to be won, and a table raffle of signed Manchester United memorabilia and live entertainment.

All funds raised from this year’s dinner will go towards Unicef’s vital work in Thailand, to support education programmes for children with limited or no access to schooling. In Thailand, 25 per cent of children do not start school; the quality of education is poor and those who do complete their schooling often leave lacking the skills needed to secure employment. Children who remain out of school are the most marginalised, disadvantaged and have the poorest life chances, but an empowering education can break the poverty cycle. With access to quality education, every child can reap the benefits of a better, more peaceful life for themselves and their communities, with less poverty, better health and an increased ability to take their future into their own hands.

José Mourinho said, “What has struck me, since being appointed as manager, is the dedication, commitment and the passion of our fans in everything we do. We can all relate to the fundamental right for every child to have a good education, so with the help and generosity of our fans, we can help make a difference to thousands of children in Thailand.” The United for Unicef partnership is the longest running of its kind between a sport organisation and a global children’s organisation and to date has raised more than £4 million, helping to change the lives of millions of children worldwide.

For more information or to book your table visit: www.manutd.com/united4unicef