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Manchester City and Manchester United players will wear shirts featuring the city's iconic worker bee when they meet in the US - to raise money for those affected by the terrorist attack.

The fixture, in Houston on July 18, will be the first Manchester derby outside of the UK and the first meeting between the two clubs following the terrorist attack in Manchester in May, which killed 23 people.

The worker bee, which symbolises the industrial heritage of Manchester and its people, has been the city's emblem since the Victorian era and was adopted into the city’s coat of arms in 1842.

Since the terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena on May 22 following an Ariana Grande concert, it has become a symbol of the city's solidarity and defiance in the wake of the atrocity.

After the match at Houston’s NRG Stadium, both clubs will make the match-worn shirts available for fans to purchase, via auction, with all proceeds going to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

The move comes following the launch of #ACITYUNITED, which saw both Manchester clubs pledge £1million for the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund. The money from the fund will help the families of the 22 people who died in the atrocity and the 64 people who were injured.

Speaking ahead of next week’s match, City CEO Ferran Soriano said: “Manchester continues to show great strength and sense of community since May’s devastating attack and the thoughts of everyone at Manchester City remain with those affected.

"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.”

(Image: Manchester United)

Ed Woodward, Executive Chairman of Manchester United said: “The city of Manchester has shown great strength and unity since the tragic terror attack in May, showing the country and the world how special this city really is.

"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.”

Information on how to buy the match-worn shirts will be announced through both clubs in the coming weeks.

To donate to the fund visit www.redcross.org.uk/manchester