Ralf speaks out on war in Ukraine

Rangnick pointed out how the Premier League is setting an example when it comes to organised support for the Eastern European country, as players and staff come together for a moment of reflection and applause prior to kick-off across the 10 top-flight fixtures this weekend.

The blue-and-yellow colours are also adorning stadium advertising hoardings and big screens as part of the ‘Football Stands Together’ initiative.

Last Saturday, the United and Watford players stood together behind Ralf’s homemade sign, which displayed the word ‘peace’ in several languages, before the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.

Since then, English football has continued to show solidarity, with Ukraine internationals Oleksandr Zinchenko and Vitaliy Mykolenko leading Manchester City and Everton out for their respective Emirates FA Cup fifth-round ties this week.

Ukrainian flags were flown at both games, while John Lennon’s anti-war song ‘Imagine’ was played at Goodison Park ahead of the Toffees’ clash with Boreham Wood.

Standing up in unison and showing opposition to what is going on in Eastern Europe is so important, says Ralf, as a united front could be a powerful tool in bringing the war to an end.

“I think this is something for everybody in the world,” Rangnick told us as part of his exclusive interview, before United’s visit to City in the Premier League.

“Together with the league, who are organising that in a good way, we have to stand up and show the world that this completely useless war should stop as soon as possible.

“I think nobody could have imagined that this could happen in the middle of Europe, only two-and-a-half hours away from where we are right now.

“I think it’s the duty of everybody, of us in the business of football, but also everybody else, to make it clear and to tell everybody that this has to stop.”