Manchester United officially send message to former player after MBE award
Image Credits: Imago Images
A number of names associated with Manchester United have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list 2026.
Former Red Devils Alessia Russo and Lauren James were amongst the names for services to Association Football, while Lou Macari, who moved to Manchester United in 1973 and famously scored the goal that beat Liverpool in the 1977 FA Cup final, has been recognised in the list for services to Association Football and to Homeless People in Stoke-on-Trent.
Manchester United posted on X, sending a congratulatory message to Macari, with the message “Congratulations from everybody at United.” The club then linked an article of recognition for the former forward, listing his playing achievements and work to tackle homelessness.
In 2016, Macari established the Macari Foundation to help tackle homelessness in the city, a cause he has worked tirelessly for ever since. His footballing career was worthy enough of notice, but his work to make the lives of other people better is special.
Talking to the BBC, Macari said, “I walk through Stoke these days and when people stop me they don’t want to talk about football or the World Cup, they want to talk about the homeless situation.
“At this stage of my life, and as an ex-footballer, this gives me great satisfaction. It’s not about winning and losing. It’s a complicated environment, and people recognise that you’re doing your best, and that’s all you can do.
“Hopefully this honour will help increase awareness because although we are still trying and having some success, none of us have found a way to get rid of the problem.”
David Beckham was recently awarded with a knighthood, and now Macari is being deservedly honoured. The excellent work from both will hopefully inspire other ex-footballers to help out in their local communities in future too.
Lou Macari MBE ❤️
Our former winger has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours for his work to tackle homelessness and services to football.
Congratulations from everybody at United, @LouMacari10! 👏
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) June 13, 2026
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