Paris attacks: Manchester United ups security for Zidane and Beckham charity match after terrorist massacre

Players will don black armbands and observe a minute's silence for the victims of the Paris terror attacks as security is heightened the annual UNICEF charity match at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium. The game is set to feature former French international players Zinedine Zidane and Robert Pires, and former Manchester United superstar David Beckham.

French national hero Zidane, who has described himself as a "non-practicing Muslim", will be joined by a host of international stars. They will include former Portugal international Luis Figo, fellow French international Robert Pires and former Manchester United forward Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Match for Children amid a heightened terror threat.

Old Trafford has move swiftly to respond to the massacre carried out by Islamic State terrorists in Paris, working with the Greater Manchester Police to improve security measures at Old Trafford for the sold-out match, including the request that fans arrive early and that they do not bring bags to the fixture "unless it is absolutely necessary".

A statement from UNICEF and the match organisers Pitch International, said: "Our sincerest condolences go out to those affected by last night's tragedy and our thoughts are with the citizens of Paris. Following last night's terrorist attacks, Manchester United and the organisers of today's UNICEF Match for Children have been in consultation with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and the decision has been made for today's game to go ahead as planned.

"As a precautionary measure the club and Greater Manchester Police will be implementing and as with any matchday, the safety of fans is the utmost priority. As with normal matchday security procedures, all bags will be searched, which may cause a delay in entering the stadium. We thank fans for their patience during this time."

Manchester United said on its Twitter feed: "The main man is here! #MatchForChildren."

All the money from ticket sales and collected donations will go to UNICEF. Beckham has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the charity for more than 10 years.