Known for his skills in the boxing ring, Tyson is trying his hand at conquering a new sport
Tyson Fury has revealed he’s teaming up with his ‘hero’ in a new career move – and asked his fans ‘who would have thought’ it would happen.
Taking part in Soccer Aid for the first time, just one year after his brother Tommy, Tyson will be co-managing England on Sunday, June 15, 2015, at the annual UNICEF charity football match held at Manchester United’s Old Trafford.
While the boxer is more commonly known for taking on his opponents on his own in the ring, the 36-year-old will be helped in managing the England team by none other than football legend Wayne Rooney.
Expressing his excitement, Tyson said: “Tyson Fury: ENGLAND MANAGER! Who would ever have thought it!? I have had some big fights in my career and the prospect of leading my England team to victory this June fills me with just as much excitement as any heavyweight fight!
“Everyone knows that I am a huge Manchester United fan too, so it’s even more special for me that the game is at Old Trafford this year – and I get to manage one of my heroes, Wayne Rooney!
“How can we lose!? The work UNICEF does all around the world is so special and so important. I really hope that you can come along and support us this summer.”
Wayne added: “I enjoyed the last time I was involved at Soccer Aid so much that when the call came for the 2025 match it was a really easy decision! I’m a big boxing fan, so to do it alongside Tyson Fury is fantastic.
“It really sums up how brilliant Soccer Aid is. We have this in common: we’ll both be taking it incredibly seriously! Obviously it’s great to lace-up the old boots again – and see some old friends – but the cause is the real reason we are doing this.
“UNICEF needs our help. So, I promise we’ll put on a show for you this June if you buy your tickets to help raise money for UNICEF and for children around the world.”
Man United’s all-time record goal-scorer was last seen in the managers’ dugout with Plymouth Arglye, who he managed for just 25 games following a seperate brief stint with Birmingham.
Tyson and Rooney have an abundance of talent to field, with former professional footballers Joe Hart, David James, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Jermain Deoe, Jill Scott, Steph Houghton and Toni Duggan all dusting off their boots.
This year’s batch of celebrties representing England include Toni Duggan, Tom Grennan, Sam Thompson, Sam Quek, Steven Bartlett, Sir Mo Farah, Angry Ginge, Alex Brooker and Louis Tomlinson.
Teasing his apperance, former One Direction man Louis said: “Manchester! It’s about ten years since I last turned out for Soccer Aid, so I thought it was about time I returned to the pitch. As everyone knows, I am a massive football fan so playing with some legends of the game is a dream come true.
“Wayne Rooney with Tyson Fury in the manager’s seat – it’s gonna [sic] be a good one! It’s all for an amazing cause: UNICEF. Please buy your tickets and support the incredible work they do.”
Taking on England are the Soccer Aid World XI, which features Euro 2020 winner Leonardo Bonucci, Canadian midfielder Kaylyn Kyle, Danish stirker Nadia Nadim and BBC Gladiator Diamond (Livi Sheldon).
Tickets for the game are on sale now via socceraid.org.uk/tickets – adult tickets from £20 and juniors from £10. Tickets include access to a pre-game ‘Fan Zone’ and ‘Player Arrivals Area’.
