Crolla fans United behind boxer for Burns night clash
UNITED captain Michael Carrick has backed Anthony Crolla to do the business against Ricky Burns tomorrow night.
Domestic rivals Crolla and Burns will meet in a lightweight bout at the Manchester Arena, with Carrick set to be in attendance at ringside.
The Reds skipper was at the National Football Museum earlier this week to show his support to Crolla during his public workout, and the United midfielder has revealed he has the utmost respect for the Manchester boxer.
“The story of Crolla is a bit of a rollercoaster, to go through what he went through and then lift a world title,” Carrick told M.E.N. Sport.
“It’s incredible, and it’s a massive fight on Saturday. Everybody is aware of who both fighters are and what it will mean for both of them.
“I enjoy boxing, and I always loved it going back to when I was little with Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank back in the day.
“I went to see Prince Naseem fight, but because of the football it clashes quite a bit with boxing so I haven’t been able to get to see that many live.
“I came to Crolla’s first fight against Jorge Linares but couldn’t get to the second one, but I’ll be there Saturday and I’m looking forward to it.
“It’s great that the Arena is open again too. The concert last month was incredible, and what Manchester went through over the last few months was tragic, so hopefully it will be a big night on Saturday.”
Carrick isn’t the only United legend to show his support to Crolla this week, as Gary Neville met with him to wish him luck during the press conference at Hotel Football. Crolla revealed he is extremely grateful for the backing he receives from his beloved United, and admits it is still a bit surreal to him. He said: “Being a big United fan it’s really nice that the boys choose to come and wish me luck.
“There will be a few there tomorrow and I’m very fortunate to have the support that the club gives me. I still find it all a bit mad as I’m there cheering those boys on every week, so for them to even know who I am is a bit strange, but I really appreciate it.”
Crolla and Burns are both heading into their fight on the back of defeats, with each man keen to turn things around and return to winning ways.
There is a packed undercard on Saturday, featuring a host of Manchester fighters including Hosea Burton, Marcus Morrison, Sam Hyde, Scott Cardle, Conor Benn, Ryan Doyle, Jake Haigh and Sam Eggington.