Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs, former Manchester United players, have offered free accommodation to NHS staff in two hotels they co-own.
The Stock Exchange and Hotel Football are owned by Neville and Giggs through their GG Hospitality group.
The announcement follows Chelsea’s offer to provide free accommodation for NHS workers at the Millennium Hotel at Stamford Bridge in order to help cope with the coronavirus pandemic.
Roman Abramovich, the club’s owner, will cover the costs.
The club’s statement said that: “Many of the medical staff will be working long shifts and may not be able to travel home or would otherwise have to make long commutes. Local accommodation helps maintain the health and well-being of these crucial personnel at this critical time.”
In a post on Twitter, Neville said "Over the last week we have been in consultation with the health services in the Greater Manchester area, in particular the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
"Our 176 beds will be occupied by National Health Service workers and medical professionals from Friday onwards.”
He continued: "It's at this time that I think the whole of our industry needs to show solidarity, not just for our staff in these uncertain times but obviously for those who need the accommodation most in the coming months.
"It's something we're delighted to have come into agreement with. It will operate free of charge and our staff will operate the hotels as normal.”
Neville elaborated upon the decision, saying that: "The health workers will be able to stay there without any cost whatsoever in these next few months when they need isolation away from family members who may be affected by what's going on.”
He concluded: "Stay safe and we wish everybody all the best."
