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Hello, Old Trafford! (L-R) Una Healy, Vanessa White, Frankie Sandford, Mollie King and Rochelle Wiseman head out onto the Manchester United pitch today to perform at the United Relief Live: The Big Day Out in aid of the Sport Relief charity


The appearance of five sexy young woman tottering out onto the pitch is not something that Manchester United fans are usually accustomed to.

But this was no ordinary match day at Old Trafford as girl group The Saturdays were there to take part in a very special charity event.


The girls strutted out onto the pitch at the Premiership stadium today to perform as part of the first ever United Relief Live: The Big Red Day Out in aid of Sport Relief.


They warmed up the 34,000-strong crowd with a selection of their hits as past players and a number of celebrities took part in a charity football match at the stadium.

And they got the crowd cheering as they took to the stage, all in matching little black dresses with silver studded shoulders.

Singer Frankie Sandford said she and her bandmates had been thrilled to take part in the event, which raised money for Sport Relief and the Manchester United Foundation


That Saturday feeling: Singers Rochelle Wiseman and Mollie King perform for the crowd and then share a laugh and a microphone


Sing when you're winning: The girls got the crowd going before the charity football match kicked off


She added: 'Comic Relief reaches so many people and it's great being able to do what we do and help people at the same time. Today is such a family event, parents can bring their kids and it brings everyone together.'

The girls came on before the match home team Manchester United XI, which was captained by former United player Dennis Law and included other former stars such as Dwight Yorke, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Lee Sharpe and Jaap Stam.

Managed by TV presenter and life-long Manchester United fan Eamon Holmes, the team also included Boyzone stars Ronan Keating and Keith Duffy, X Factor runner-up Olly Murs and rapper Tinchy Stryder.


Pre-match gig: Tinchy Stryder and The Hoosiers played for the Old Trafford crowd


Londoner Tinchy, real name Kwasi Danquah, took to the stage first to open the pre-match concert, before pulling on his red shirt.

Also playing at the concert was pop band The Hoosiers and legendary singer Tony Christie, who got the stadium singing along to his Comic Relief hit 'Is This the Way to Amarillo?'


Half-time entertainment: Britain's Got Talent contestants Flawless took to the pitch to show off their dance moves


And at half-time, Britain's Got Talent contestants, dance troup Flawless, entertained the crowd with a dance routine.

Tinchy's side took on away team The Rivals, captained by ex-Liverpool player Ian Rush, and also included comedian Paddy McGuinness, actor Ralf Little, presenter George Lamb and TV presenter Tim Lovejoy.

The score at full-time was 2-2 but the away team won 5-4 after a sudden death penalty shoot out.


Battle for the ball: Actor Ralf Little takes on former Manchester United player Dwight Yorke


Luck of the Irish: Boyzone stars Keith Duffy and Ronan Keating took part in the game


McGuinness, said: 'We're over the moon. I missed my penalty but it doesn't matter, I'm just delighted to have won at Old Trafford.'

Jaap Stam, the former Manchester United and Netherlands defender, who played for the losing team, was named Man of the Match, and said: 'It's fantastic to be back and see some old friends.

'We're all here for a great cause and hopefully it's a day the fans have really enjoyed.


Best foot forward: Hollyoaks actor Ricky Whittle and singer Olly Murs put their football skills to the test


'Stepping out of the tunnel was a great feeling - I loved my time at United and I'm happy to be back helping support the Manchester United Foundation.'

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: 'This is a unique piece of history for any club. I want to applaud players who give their time to charity, they all do so much.

'It's an amazing turn out on a Saturday afternoon with football matches going on all over the country.'


The winners: Former Liverpool star Ian Rush holds up the trophy after his team, The Rivals, won the charity match


Legends: Singer Tony Christie and Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson arrive at Old Trafford


source: dailymail