Manchester United have announced that they will play a friendly game against gay football team Stonewall FC.

The match is being organised to mark the 25th anniversary of Stonewall, an LGBT rights charity, and United will field a team featuring veteran players.

"As some have suggested this may be a little unfair," said Richard Arnold, group managing director at United. "It will be the [Manchester United] veterans and staff XI team."

United will also demonstrate its commitment to LGBT inclusiveness by exchanging giant rainbow laces just ahead of the Premier League game with Arsenal at Old Trafford on February 28.