Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot feeds the homeless on Christmas Eve

Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot turned up unannounced at a homeless shelter to help feed people in need on Christmas Eve.

Dalot, 25, and his wife Claudia Lopez surprised staff and service users at Lifeshare homeless charity in Manchester on Tuesday.

The couple arrived with food and clothing donations before helping serve hot meals.

Dalot, from Portugal, said: “I have lived in Manchester for over six years now and I’m proud to call this city my home.

“Unfortunately, homelessness is on the rise; as a family we want to raise awareness and also directly help people wherever we can.

“We have started working with Lifeshare, an incredible charity that does so much to help vulnerable people.

“The volunteers that I have met here today are really inspirational, they are true heroes and it was a pleasure to learn about their dedication.

“I’m really grateful that I was able to spend time with them and play a small part in helping to deliver such vital work for the people that they support.”

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Lifeshare trustee Jahan Hussain thanked Dalot for his support after facing closure this year – the charity’s 40th anniversary.

“Not long ago, we didn’t know if our much-needed Christmas Project would be able to go ahead, so to then get a visit from someone who is so high profile like this is amazing,” he said. “Diogo and his wife were brilliant and got stuck in – it was a real mood lifter for all.”

Lifeshare is offering food, hot showers, and a change of clean clothes between 7am and 7pm every day this week.

The charity also works with barbers, vets, and opticians to be able to offer the homeless haircuts, eye care, and care for their pets.