Why are Arsenal wearing an all-white kit in FA Cup clash against Manchester United? Report provides update

Arsenal players are wearing an all-white kit in their ongoing FA Cup clash against Manchester United as part of the Gunners' "No More Red" campaign towards eradicating "knife crime and youth violence." This will be the fourth season that the Gunners have stripped all the red colors from their traditional red outfits.

Freddie Hudson, their head of Community, opened up about the initiative, explaining (via Daily Mail):

"It's important we continue to invest in safe spaces where we engage young people facing multiple challenges as they navigate their way through their lives. This is where trust is built, and positive relationships develop with our staff."

"Being part of something positive like No More Red creates an important sense of belonging. The safe spaces and trusted relationships lead to connections and opportunities like volunteering, education and employment."

The initiative has seen the Gunners aid investments to improve safe places for the youth to play football. The all-white kit is not in the club's store, and will never be available for sale, according to Arsenal.

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Mikel Arteta speaks about Arsenal wearing the No More Red outfit against Manchester United

Prior to the game, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta discussed wearing the No More Red outfit in their FA Cup third round clash against Manchester United. The game, which is ongoing at the Emirates Stadium, sees the hosts in all-white outfits, while the visiting Red Devils play in blue.

Speaking about it to the press ahead of the match, Arteta explained why it was important (via club's website):

"It’s great because we have so many people who put in so much effort, putting their lives to try to improve the quality in so many people’s lives, creating safe spaces, safe environments."

"When we get an opportunity to raise that in such a big occasion, we have to do it. Well done to the club, well done to everybody that is participating in that because they put so much effort into it and the impact is huge."

When asked if playing in the all-white kit changed their preparation for Manchester United, Arteta said:

"It does change, it’s not something that we are used to. I think it’s for the right reason, the right motive and let’s use it in the right way."

After their FA Cup clash against Manchester United, Arsenal will return to the Emirates Stadium to face Tottenham Hotspur on January 15.