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    ‘I’m getting all the bloody stick’ Sir Jim Ratcliffe threatens to walk out of Man Utd if he’s abused like Glazer family

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has indicated he’ll walk away from Manchester United – if he gets as much stick as the Glazers.The Ineos chief, 72, took over at Old Trafford in February last year and pledged to take United to the “top of world football”.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has indicated he could walk away from Man Utd if fan abuse becomes too much to attend gamesCredit: PAA section of United fans have protested against the Glazer family for almost a decadeCredit: GettyRatcliffe claims the Glazers no longer attend Old Trafford due to the vitriolCredit: AFPRatcliffe has been forced to cut costs since completing his £1.03billion takeover. Fans have been critical of the 72-year-old’s brutal balancing of the books, which included a swathe of redundancies, increased ticket prices and the removal of Sir Alex Ferguson as a club ambassador.Ratcliffe has defended the cuts and last week claimed the club would have “run out of money by Christmas” if he hadn’t stepped in. He also outlined a positive future for the Red Devils after unveiling a stunning new £2bn, 100,000-seater stadium. READ MORE ON MAN UTDSupporters protested against the ownership ahead of the recent 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford.And Ratcliffe admits being in the storm of fan unease hasn’t been easy.He told The Times: “It can be unpleasant. And I’ve probably failed on the having fun front. I mean, I can put up with it for a while.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMost read in Football”I don’t mind being unpopular because I get that nobody likes seeing Manchester United down where they are, and nobody likes the decisions we’re having to make at the moment.”Ratcliffe claims if the abuse became too much that he couldn’t attend games, he’d walk away.Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains his plans for the new Man Utd Stadium He continued: “So, eventually, if it reached the extent that the Glazer family have been abused, then I’d have to say, look, enough’s enough guys, let somebody else do this. “They can’t really come to a match, the Glazers. They’ve retreated into the shadows a bit now, so I’m getting all the bloody stick.“We bought in and I haven’t seen them since.”At the moment, I don’t have security, I don’t have to walk around like that. “But it would defeat the object, wouldn’t it? You couldn’t tolerate it at that level, it just wouldn’t be fun.”Ratcliffe also refused to criticize the Glazers, who have held a stake in United since 2005.Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings.He added: “To be fair to the Glazers, they’re really good on the commercial side.”The people who advise me say the fans don’t want to hear it. So I’ve got to be cautious.”I get a lot of criticism if I support the Glazers, but the fact is they’re really decent people.”They’re East Coast, you know — that old East Coast America, they’re very polite, they’re very civilized, they’re the nicest people on the planet.”Ratcliffe pulled no punches last week as he took aim at United’s flops, branding some “overpaid” and “not good enough”.Speaking to the BBC, he said: “Some are not good enough and some probably are overpaid.”But for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time.”We’ve got this period of transformation where we move from the past to the future.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There are some great players in the squad as we know, the captain is a fabulous footballer.”We definitely need Bruno Fernandes, he’s a fantastic footballer.” More

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    Premier League LIVE SCORE: Man City take LEAD vs Brighton via Haaland, plus four more games in Saturday’s action

    MANCHESTER City’s enticing encounter with Brighton headlines the Premier League’s Saturday action as the two fight for respective European places.Pep Guardiola’s side have already lost nine games this season – the most in five seasons and face a tense race for the lucrative Champions League spots. Whilst their south coast visitors have won their last six games in all competitions as Fabian Hürzeler looks to guide the club back to Europe in his debut season. Elsewhere, David Moyes welcomes former employers West Ham and the fight at the top-table extends to the evening game as Brentford travel to Bournemouth, plus Nottingham Forest, Ipswich, Southampton and Wolves all in action. Kick-off: 3pm GMT/5.30pm GMTTV channel: Games are not televised/Sky Sports Bournemouth XI: to follow… Brentford XI: to follow… GOOOOALLLLLBrighton have levelled things up again!Copy linkCopied47′ – Saints 0 Wolves 2It’s Larsen at the double for Wolves!The striker gets through on goal and fires a clean shot past Ramsdale.It’s a well-taken effort and one that sends the Wolves fans wild!Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedGOOOOOALLLLLLSouthampton are sinking without a trace as Wolves go two up!Copy linkCopiedPEEEEEEEPWe are underway again in all four games!Copy linkCopiedEverton 0 West Ham 0It started off fairly innocuously. But both sides have had several chances and will feel aggrieved not to be ahead.Bowen’s brilliant volley almost went in before Pickford saved Everton.As for the hosts themselves, they will still be raging after seeing what appeared to be a nailed-on penalty get overruled by the pitchside monitor.Copy linkCopiedMan City 2 Brighton 1From SunSport’s Martin Blackburn:“Omar Marmoush is rapidly establishing himself as a crowd favourite at the Etihad – and the Egyptian forward further endeared himself to them with a super strike to restore City’s lead.“He took a pass from Ilkay Gundogan and thumped home a 20 yarder. Earlier Haaland chalked up his 100th goal involvement in the Prem with an early penalty – also won by Marmoush.“But Pervis Estupinan cancelled it out with a clever free-kick. Expect more goals in this Champions League shoot-out.”Copy linkCopiedIpswich 0 Forest 3From SunSport’s Dan King:“’That’s why you’re going down’ and ‘You’re going down with the Leicester’ – the Forest fans are spot on.“Three bits of poor defending and three bits of typically ruthless Forest finishing, and Ipswich are staring another defeat, and a return to the Championship, in the face.“Nikola Milenkovic grabbed the first after Town did not deal with the second phase after a corner.“Anthony Elanga broke like lightning to score the second soon afterwards.“And Elanga latched on to a Milenkovic punt to race past the Ipswich defence to make it three. Game over.”Copy linkCopiedSaints 0 Wolves 1From SunSport’s Jack Rosser:“This game is there for the taking if either side decide to turn up.“Wolves are ahead thanks to a dreadful lapse at the back from Southampton but have hardly offered much.“Some energy and intent from either side and they could gain an advantage quite easily.”Copy linkCopiedHalf timeLatest scores:Man City 2 Brighton 1Southampton 0 Wolves 1Everton 0 West Ham 0Ipswich 0 Nottingham Forest 3Copy linkCopiedEverton 0 West Ham 0Controversy here.Everton wanted a penalty after Beto appeared to be fouled by Mavropanos.VAR recommended a video review of the incident.But the referee was not having it and denied Everton the spot-kick.Copy linkCopiedSaints 0 Wolves 1From SunSport’s Jack Rosser:“Just over half an hour in and Southampton fans are turning on manager Ivan Juric.“Southampton have been flat since conceding a terrible goal despite their strong start.“Fans at St. Mary’s are now venting at Juric, chanting ‘get a striker on the pitch’ after he opted to start without one for the second game in a row.”Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopied42′ – Ipswich 0 Forest 3It’s Elanga again!This time the winger runs through onto a long ball from Milenkovic.Ipswich again fail to deal with it.And Elanga buries it to put Forest out of sight.Copy linkCopiedGOOOOALLLLLForest are clear here! It’s three!Copy linkCopied39′ – Man City 2 Brighton 1Pep Guardiola won’t want to let this one slip…City go back in front and it’s January signing Marmoush who delivers.The ace is played in by Ilkay Gundogan and fires a sumptuous shot into the net.Copy linkCopiedGOOOOOOALLLLLLMan City are back ahead!Copy linkCopied37′ – Ipswich 0 Forest 2It’s bad news for Ipswich as Forest have DOUBLED their lead!Anthony Elanga is the scorer and the hosts have a lot of thinking to do at half-time.Copy linkCopiedGOOOALLLLLIt’s a quickfire double for Forest!Copy linkCopied35′ – Ipswich 0 Forest 1Milenkovic has put Forest ahead!Ipswich fail to clear a corner and the defender fires home!Copy linkCopiedGOOOALLLLLForest are ahead at Ipswich!Copy linkCopiedEverton 0 West Ham 0Jarred Bowen goes close for the Hammers!He kicks the ball in the air before launching a volley at goal.And Pickford is forced to tip over the bar to keep the shot out.Copy linkCopiedMan City 1 Brighton 1 – Yellow cardCarlos Baleba is in the book for Brighton now.The midfielder went in recklessly on Jeremy Doku.And he is now walking a tightrope.Copy linkCopiedMan City 1 Brighton 1From SunSport’s Martin Blackburn:”Just when you think they are getting back to their old selves, City shoot themselves in the foot. “It’s the story of their season. Erling Haaland put the champs ahead from the spot but they gifted the Seagulls a way back in with a cheap free-kick which Pervis Estupinan shaped past a motionless Stefan Ortega. “Surely the keeper should have done better.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedEverton 0 West Ham 0Neither side bathing themselves in glory here.But it’s Everton who have looked more likely to make something happen.The Toffees have already had five shots at goal, with two of them on target.And Potter’s men need to step things up if they want the win today.Copy linkCopiedIpswich 0 Forest 0From SunSport’s Dan King:“Neither goalkeeper has made a proper save yet. Early on, the Nottingham Forest were hinting that Thomas Tuchel may not have picked a proper squad.”’England’s No 10’ was the chant in praise of Morgan Gibbs-White, whose omission was among the curiosities in Tuchel’s selection decisions.“Elliot Anderson’s shot has just hit Chris Wood, which sums up this game for chances so far.”Copy linkCopied21′ – Brighton 1 Man City 1City’s lead didn’t last long!Pervis Estupinan has curled in a glorious free-kick to level things up.Game on!Copy linkCopied More

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    ‘The chances are there’ – Alexander Isak lifts lid on Newcastle Utd transfer talks as he prepares for Carabao Cup final

    ALEXANDER ISAK has revealed he won’t speak to Newcastle about a new deal until at least the summer.The Swede has been busy preparing for tomorrow’s Carabao Cup final and the chance to lift the Magpies’ first major silverware since 1969.Alexander Isak has said he won’t talk to Newcastle about a new contract until the summerCredit: RexIsak, 25, has three years remaining on his current deal, so there is no immediate rush to sign a new one.However, his high-level performances for the Toon have given rise to plenty of suitors who could be willing to pay top dollar.A new deal on improved terms would allow Newcastle to get a greater return on their prize asset.Isak was coy when asked about a new contract, admitting that discussions have not yet been held.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “Yeah, yeah. I think I’ve said, I’m not really thinking about the summer. “But yeah, that’ll probably be a talking point once the season is finished. “We will really see, because no talks have been held yet.”Any decision on his future may well come down to ambitions, with the likes of Arsenal and tomorrows opponent, Liverpool both reported to be interested.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut Isak insists he is not concerned about the club matching his ambitions.He said: “I mean, that’s why I came here.Inside Newcastle’s £3BILLION new stadium plans with St James’ Park project to rival Old Trafford”As I have said many times, I don’t really look too much or think too much about my future. “I have said I am happy here and we are contenders for titles, which is what you want to win as a football player. “We have been to one final and now we are in another one, so the chances are there.”Isak is Newcastle’s top scorer this season with 22 goals in all competitions, while he has netted 57 goals in 99 appearances for the club.He added: “This club can achieve great things. I think we should really look at it one season at a time, and this season we can achieve winning a trophy, which would be amazing for everyone.”About my future, it’s nothing really I think about. I’ve said many times during a season, just focus on the job, and now is probably the worst time to think about anything else. “So, all of our focus is just on Sunday and yeah, doing good and hopefully bringing the trophy back to Newcastle.” More

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    Arsenal ‘in talks with Nico Williams’ agent’ over bargain £48m move for Atletico Bilbao star but face war with Bayern

    ARSENAL have contacted Nico Williams’ representatives about a bargain summer transfer, according to reports.The Gunners are hoping to significantly bolster their attack ahead of next season.Nico Williams is in red-hot demand ahead of this summerCredit: ReutersWilliams, 22, has excelled in LaLiga with Athletic Bilbao and was among Spain’s star players as they won Euro 2024 last year.According to Bild reporter Christian Falk, Arsenal have opened dialogue with Williams’ management team over a potential summer move.The winger has a release clause in his contract, understood to stand somewhere between £48million and £67m.Arsenal will face significant competition for Williams’ signature.Falk adds that Bayern Munich are also keen on securing the Spanish wide man.While in January it was reported that Chelsea and Liverpool are admirers of Williams’ talent.The Pamplona-born star has played 23 times in LaLiga this term.Williams has scored four league goals and laid on a further five during the 2024-25 campaign.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe homegrown Athletic Bilbao star penned his most recent contract with the Basque side in December 2023.Williams’ deal runs until 2027, although the release clause offers him a way out.Nico Williams reveals which Ghanian and former Premier League cult-hero footballer he looks up tooArsenal have recently had to contend with injuries to Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.Mikel Merino has had to fill in as a forward, while on-loan Raheem Sterling has struggled for form in the Premier League. More

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    New Chelsea signing Geovany Quenda dropped huge hint he would choose Stamford Bridge over Man Utd move with cheeky cele

    GEOVANY Quenda dropped a huge hint he would snub Manchester United for Chelsea. Ruben Amorim’s reported target Quenda, 17, hit Cole Palmer’s ‘cold’ celebration months before his Blues deal went public. New Chelsea signing Geovany Quenda did Cole Palmer’s ‘cold’ celebration in JanuaryAmorim handed Sporting’s Quenda his Portuguese top-flight debut in August 2024 during his time at Sporting, starting in a 3-1 win over Rio Ave. The right wing-back made a great first impression and he quickly became a key player for Sporting.He had been expected to join Man Utd, given his links to Amorim and the fact he’d be considered a perfect fit on the right of his old boss’ preferred 3-4-3 formation.But Quenda’s move to Stamford Bridge went under the radar.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHowever, the teenager – who earned a Portugal call-up this week – arguably showed early signs that favoured a move to Chelsea.He hit Palmer’s famous ‘ice cold’ celebration after scoring his penalty in Sporting’s penalty shootout defeat to Benfica in the Portuguese League Cup.When Quenda beat Anatoliy Trubin from 12-yards, he paid tribute to Palmer by rubbing his hands over his arms to mimic shivering.Palmer first did it last December during Chelsea’s 3-2 win at Luton Town.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSChelsea have been working on this move for two to three months and believe they have beaten Man Utd to his signature.The Blues agreed a fee of £42million for Quenda, and he will join the Portuguese club in the summer in a seven-year deal.Why Gakpo v Isak will decide Liverpool v Newcastle Carabao Cup Final | Experts’ bets – Weekend WagerChelsea’s willingness to let Quenda stay at Sporting for 2025-26 played a role in them securing the transfer ahead of their rivals, who both wanted him to join this summer.But the Manchester Evening News has since debunked the theories that he chose West London over Old Trafford.The Red Devils never submitted a bid for Quenda before Chelsea agreed to sign the winger.Desire Doue also mimicked Palmer’s celebration when Paris Saint-Germain knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League this week. More

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    ‘He’d jump at it’ – Tyson Fury insider reveals why Gypsy King WILL come out of retirement for Anthony Joshua fight

    RICKY HATTON reckons a fight with Anthony Joshua will prove too good to turn down for Tyson Fury. Fury announced his retirement in January following consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk in 2024. Tyson Fury retired following a second loss to Oleksandr UsykCredit: GettyAnthony Joshua looks set to lose out on a fight with FuryCredit: GettyAnd in doing so he walked away from a potential two-fight deal with Joshua – but Fury’s close friend Hatton has raised some hope in a return. He told Sky Sports: “Tyson’s retired before. It just so happens they were trying to make the Joshua fight. “They were trying to make it for 10 years and it looks like they’re still not going to make it now Tyson’s retired.”But I would take that retirement with a pinch of salt knowing Tyson. If he gets offered the right money, the right purse for the AJ fight, knowing Tyson as I do, I think he’d jump at it.”READ MORE IN BOXINGHatton – who helped corner Fury during his 2018 comeback – backed the Gypsy King to leave no regrets in his career. He said: “I think Tyson will kick himself if he’s sat on his sofa 10 years down the line and thinks to himself: ‘I wonder what would have happened if I’d have fought AJ?'”He’s in a position to do something about it now rather than be cursing himself for the rest of his life.”But if Fury does remain retired, Hatton would be a happy man. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “I’d like to see him retire. I think he’s done enough. I would like to see the AJ fight but I think he’s done enough. “Let’s have it right, a few years ago when he was 26st, we never thought he’d fight again.Tommy Fury opens talks with Misfits Boxing over return fight with huge KSI rematch on the cards”He nearly wasn’t here for all the problems that he had. So for him to do what he’s done, he’s done us all proud and I’d like to see him retire now.”Fury was twice beaten by on points by Usyk – who did the double over AJ and beat Daniel Dubois in 2023. And Hatton said: “His fights against Usyk were I think a lot closer than AJ’s fights with Usyk. “Daniel Dubois obviously got beat by Usyk and there was a bit of controversy in that one.”I think Usyk won both the fights against Tyson but I can see why other people thought Tyson might have won them. “Because they were that close. Tyson, he’s still got plenty in the tank as far as I’m concerned. He’s pushed Usyk furthest out of anyone else.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Look what he’s done and what he’s achieved. He’s had that trilogy with Deontay Wilder which was an absolutely sensational three-fight battle. “He’s come back when no one thought he could and became heavyweight champion of the world. He’s got nothing left to prove.”Tyson Fury with Ricky Hatton and son Campbell More

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    ‘I’m not stupid’ – Bruno Fernandes reveals the reason he stayed at Man Utd in summer and snubbed offer to leave

    BRUNO FERNANDES has revealed the main reason he stayed at Manchester United after admitting he had an offer to leave.Club captain Fernandes, who netted a hat-trick in midweek against Real Sociedad in a 4-1 win, signed a contract extension with the Red Devils last summer that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2027.Bruno Fernandes has revealed the reason he stayed at Man Utd after rejecting an offer to leaveCredit: GettyFernandes revealed he ultimately believed the club could be successfulCredit: GettyFernandes has won the FA Cup and League Cup with the Red Devils so farCredit: RexThe midfielder recently revealed he had an offer on the table to leave if he wanted.But Fernandes said he chose to stay because he believes the club can be successful – and want him to be a major part of that success.He said: “I sat with the club because I had an offer to leave and we talked about the possibility of me leaving the club or staying. “They said what they wanted from me. I just asked if they saw me as part of the future of the club or not. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I spoke at the time with (Erik) Ten Hag also. He was very clear and the club were very clear with me, that they thought I would be a big part of this rebuild. “I heard what they had to tell me. I thought that we could be successful.”Fernandes’ recent heroics saw manager Ruben Amorim declare him a “perfect captain” and insist: “We need to help him win titles because he deserves this.”However, the 30-year-old dismissed the idea, saying he only deserved the same as what his team-mates get.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe said: “No, I deserve the same as my team-mates. I’m in the same boat as them. If I haven’t given everything to the club yet, or more to the club – it’s because I don’t deserve it and that’s it.”It doesn’t matter how much you do – how much you score, how much you assist – that doesn’t change anything. It’s about the team, it’s about the club to succeed. Paul Scholes says ‘it’s about time Manchester United caught up'”Obviously, I want to win trophies. I’m not stupid. I want to be in the biggest competitions, I want to fight for the big trophies. “That’s what I said to the club. That’s what the club said to me that they want to do. “Then it’s about the players going on the pitch and the club to do the investments to bring players, take players or whatever they want to do. “It’s not my part to say who’s good to come – that has to be the manager and the board. They have to decide. I just want to do everything I can to help the club succeed.”Fernandes was the only player to emerge with a glowing review from club chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe following a series of interviews on Monday, in which he labelled some of the squad “overpaid” and “not good enough”.Man Utd are desperately struggling in the Premier League this season, sitting in 14th place and 13 points off the top five – the likely Champions League spots for next season.The lack of European football and the revenue it provides next season could be a huge blow to Man Utd’s financial goals to balance the books – which are in a bad state after seven years of making a loss.Fernandes has netted 15 goals and added 13 assists so far this season, while only the injured Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho have hit double figures for goal contributions so far this season.So far Fernandes has the FA Cup and League Cup to his trophy accolades in a Man Utd shirt.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut his performances will prove vital in whether Man Utd can pick up silverware in the Europa League, which is the last trophy the club can win this season.They face Lyon in the quarter-finals, but before that they take on Leicester in the Premier League tomorrow evening after the Carabao Cup final.Man Utd player ratingsCAPTAIN Fantastic rescued Manchester United once again – scoring a hat-trick as the Red Devils overcame an early scare to beat Real Sociedad and advance in the Europa League.He was the coolest man inside Old Trafford twice as he slotted home penalties either side of half-time to put his side in control against the Spaniards.Joshua Zirkzee was another who impressed as Manchester United secured a tie against Lyon in the quarter-finals.But it wasn’t all positive.Rasmus Hojlund drew a blank yet again. That’s now 21 games and no goals – the equivalent of over THIRTY HOURS without the £72m striker hitting the net.Check out our full Man Utd player ratings. More

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    Anthony Joshua hit with injury blow but Eddie Hearn reveals fresh hope over Tyson Fury fight

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has been hit with an injury blow – but Eddie Hearn has revealed fresh hope in a fight with Tyson Fury. Joshua has not fought since his knockout defeat to Daniel Dubois in September and looked set to face Fury this year.Anthony Joshua has been hit with an injury blowCredit: GettyEddie Hearn hopes Tyson Fury will still fight JoshuaCredit: GettyBut the Gypsy King, 36, announced his shock retirement in January following two consecutive losses to Oleksandr Usyk, 38. It has left AJ in the lurch over his next bout but promoter Hearn revealed he has picked up an injury in training. And he “won’t be able to punch again or train properly for eight to ten weeks” – according to BoxingScene. But Hearn added: “In my deluded head, Fury comes out retirement at some point in the next few months, and they end up fighting this year. read more in boxing“But again, no guarantee. Nothing’s led me to think that. I just think that at some point Tyson Fury is gonna sit there and go, ‘F*** it.’ “It’s the biggest fight to make and it’s not like he’s deteriorating. It’s not like he looked shot against Usyk, he just got beat by the better man.”So, yeah, I think Dubois and Fury are the two that light the fire, but we’ll see what happens.”Hearn admitted only Fury and Dubois, 27, will likely motivate Joshua, 35, for his next fight. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “He’s pretty relaxed, but I’ll be honest, I think the only fights that really get his juices flowing are Dubois and Tyson Fury. “Doesn’t mean he won’t fight someone else. But he’s beaten Joseph Parker already, although Parker’s on a great run. “Agit Kabayel is on a great run, but if you’re AJ, can you get yourself up for that? I don’t know.”Tyson Fury teases spectacular boxing comeback at Old Trafford as fans say ‘it’d better be Anthony Joshua’ More