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HONG KONG, 7 April 2011 – 2 of the greatest names in English soccer, Manchester United legends Bryan Robson and Andrew Cole, arrive in Hong Kong this weekend on a mission to make as great an impact off the pitch as they did on, as the pair help the charitable arm of the iconic club raise £1 million (HK$12.3 million) for UNICEF’s work for children in China and worldwide.

All of the funds raised at the Manchester United Foundation and UNICEF Legends Charity Dinner in Association with Turkish Airlines on April 9, 2011 will go to support local UNICEF projects working to protect China’s most vulnerable children from one of the deadliest threats they face: HIV and AIDS. The gala dinner at the Four Seasons is the final stop of a three-city Asian Tour, which takes Robson and Cole to Bangkok (6 April), Kuala Lumpur (8 April) and Hong Kong (9 April). A number of unique Manchester United items and experiences will be up for auction, raising money for ‘United for UNICEF’, a unique partnership between Manchester United and UNICEF since 1999. All of the proceeds raised in Hong Kong will help to reduce the impact of HIV in China. Manchester United Foundation Chief Executive John Shiels said, “The United for UNICEF partnership began in 1999 and has already raised more than £2 million (approximately HK$31 million). Supporting the next generation is one of Manchester United’s most important goals, and as Bryan and Andrew join us for our Asian fundraising tour, we call on all our fans in Hong Kong to be a part of the cause. Together we can unite for children in China.” Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF Chief Executive Irene Chan added, "We are delighted with Manchester United’s commitment to protecting children from HIV, which is one of the major threats faced by children in China. The generosity of everyone attending the Manchester United Asia Charity Series will have a huge impact on UNICEF's Child Protection work, ensuring that young people in China have their rights protected." United for UNICEF has benefitted children across the world, including many projects in Asia. The partnership has helped to build schools in Myanmar and reduced the impact of HIV in Vietnam and Malaysia and has protected children against trafficking and HIV in China. Each gala dinner will give Manchester United fans the opportunity to meet two of Old Trafford’s greatest heroes: ‘Captain Marvel’, Bryan Robson, is the longest serving captain in the club’s history and current manager of the Thailand national team, while treble winner, Andrew Cole, is the second-highest goal-scorer in Premiership history.