Sir Alex Ferguson and Mark Hughes have put aside their managerial rivalry to back Manchester’s bid to become a World Cup host city.
The Manchester United and Manchester City bosses have both pledged their support for the city's campaign to be one of the host cities if England's bid to host the World Cup in 2018, 0r 2022, is successful.
Sir Alex said: "You only need to look at the development of our stadium and [Manchester City's] Eastlands, plus the fact Manchester is the centre of the north west.
"You've got Liverpool, Leeds and all the Lancashire towns nearby and Manchester can service all of those areas. There are six and a half million people in this area now so we deserve and recognise that we should play a part."
Mark Hughes said: "There's a huge passion in England and certainly in Manchester. As a city, we've got two outstanding international class arenas and training facilities that would lend themselves to any team that was based here."
Messages of support for Manchester's bid from the two managers were shown on the big screen in Hardman Square, Spinningfields on Tuesday 1 September during a free event designed to highlight the city's hosting credentials and galvanise public support.
The footage will also be made available at www.manchesterworldsport.com
Anyone who lives in Greater Manchester or has links to the city can do their bit by visiting the site to register their support.
Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese said: "Hosting the World Cup would energise Manchester and bring together the wider region regardless of local football rivalries. It would be a memorable, hugely enjoyable festival as well as boosting the economy. Public support is an important part of our case and I'd encourage everyone who wants to see the world's greatest football tournament on our doorsteps to visit the website and add their support."
The Football Association will decide in December which cities will host games if its bid to host the 2018, or 2022, World Cups is successful.
Manchester's bid to become a host city is being led by Manchester City Council, with strong support from both Manchester City FC and Manchester United FC, from Salford City Council, Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority, Marketing Manchester, Manchester Airport and the North West Regional Development Agency.