“Bring on United, Bring on United.” It’s approaching 7.45pm on a cold Wednesday night in October, and 150 football fans

FC United of Manchester say the time for talking is over on the issue of supporter-owned football clubs in the wake of a government report on supporter ownership and engagement in football.

The FA Cup first round kick-starts in earnest tonight with Salford City the first of four Manchester non-league sides out to cause an upset against Football League opponents.

Three of Manchester’s non-league clubs are still in the FA Cup after midweek replay-victories secured their places in the fourth qualifying round.

FC United of Manchester, Salford City and Droylsden have been handed home draws in the third round of FA Cup qualifying after Monday’s midday-draw.

FC United’s accreditation as a Living Wage employer in October last year, when they became the first club in England to pay their staff a minimum £7.65 an hour rather than the £6.50, is just one reason the non-league Manchester side are making waves in the national consciousness.

On a day where Manchester City was congratulated by the chancellor on its community credentials and Chelsea became the first Premiership football team to obtain full Living Wage status, the spotlight has now fallen on Manchester United to follow suit, fans have said.

The American had been in poor health since suffering two strokes shortly after seizing control of the Old Trafford outfit in 2005 after a controversial £790m takeover

The supporter-owned club launched a two-month campaign, called Kit-It-Out, to raise an initial £26,000, which has almost doubled to £51,395 after a huge wave of support

United are preparing for one of the biggest matches in their history – a play-off final showdown with AFC Fylde for a spot in the Conference North.

Karl Marginson’s United face Ashton United tonight at Gigg Lane for a place in the play-off final against Fylde or Worksop Town