Man United and Man City are making a poignant change to their kits for their US friendly

The idea of a Manchester Derby in pre-season still feels a bit strange, but the city’s two Premier League clubs are making an important statement in their upcoming meeting in Houston.

Manchester United and Manchester City will both add bee symbols to their kits for the friendly match in the United States, in a show of solidarity with those affected by the Manchester terror attack in May.

People have been getting bee tattoos in memory of the victims, with proceeds going towards charities supporting those impacted by the attack.

The match is the first between the two teams since the attack, which was carried out by a lone terrorist at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena and left 23 dead.

The match-worn kits will be auctioned off after the game, with proceeds going to the We Love Manchester emergency fund.

“The worker bee symbolises everything that makes Manchester such a special city and our players will wear it on their shirts with immense pride, as a demonstration of solidarity with the Manchester community,” Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano said.

Both Soriano and his Manchester United counterpart Ed Woodward praised the strength and unity shown by the city since the attack, with Woodward adding: "Having the worker bee on our shirts once again shows the community spirit of our city and football club and it is only natural that we continue to help all of those affected, through this fundraising and awareness, with millions of fans across the world watching this game."

The We Love Manchester emergency fund has raised more than £1.6m at the time of writing, and those wishing to support the cause can do so online.

(Main image: Rex Features)