Sport

People can’t get enough of Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland’s bromance as they reunite for pre-season

If only could we find someone who looks at us the way these two look at each other.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 21st July 2023

Manchester City supporters and football fans, in general, can’t get enough of Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland’s ever-growing bromance, as a clip of their reunion earlier this week shows just how fond these two are of each other.

The Man City squad have steadily been returning from the extended break after their incredible treble-winning season and ahead of the Premier League restart on 11 August, the players have been reporting for pre-season duty.

While many of them had already returned to the fold in the past few weeks, others had been away with their national teams for a spell — and/or, in City’s case, just having a well-earned holiday — so most teammates hadn’t seen each over for a while.

However, even after all that time away, nothing could have simmered the bromance between besties Grealish and Haaland, as this clip of them being reunited goes to show.

Grealish and Haaland’s reunion was as wholesome as it was hilarious

Not sure we’ll ever get tired of hearing Haaland doing English accents — it has us creasing every time.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Norwegian phenomenon and English superstar have made no secret of their bromance since joining forces at the Etihad and were thick as thieves during the treble celebrations, so it’s no surprise they were so chuffed to see each other.

Welcoming back ‘Super Jack’ with a big hug and an over-the-top “there he is!” like he’s just spotted his oldest mate walking into the pub, Grealish responds with an equally exaggerated “y’alright!?”.

ADVERTISEMENT

It also immediately made us think of this legendary clip:

Read more:

Aside from the warm embrace, we also enjoyed the Grealish complimenting Haaland’s hair, saying, “You know, I’m loving the barnet, you know”.

It was giving us ‘teenager just back from a family holiday to Majorca’ or maybe a quick trip to Claire’s Accessories-vibes, personally, but who are we to overrule Jack’s judgement on hair, after all?

ADVERTISEMENT

You just know these two are going to be brimming with confidence this season having already started to complement each other’s styles — both on the pitch and off it, it would seem — they could really become quite the dynamic duo this year.

For now, though, you’ll have to wait and see and fill up on more clips of Haaland doing accents:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image — Manchester City (via Twitter)

Sport

Manchester United issue response after banning Manchester Evening News and select journalists from press conference

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester Evening News and other journalists banned from United ten Hag press conference

The Manchester Evening News (MEN) along with a number of sports journalists have reportedly been banned from attending a Manchester United press conference after publishing a story on an apparent rift at the club, claiming that manager Erik ten Hag has ‘lost the dressing room’.

The popular local outlet shared the news that their own journalists and three other media channels have been “blocked from attending ten Hag’s pre-match press conference” this Tuesday, 5 December ahead of the Chelsea game on Wednesday night following an article published at the start of the week.

Citing the reason behind the ban as being due to Chief Man United Writer and well-known sports reporter, Samuel Luckhurst’s recent story, which claimed that ten Hag is “losing the confidence” of his players, he and at least three other journalists won’t be in attendance after Sky Sports went so far as to suggest as much as “50%” of the dressing room.

It is thought that Sky‘s chief reporter Kaveh Solekhol, David McDonnell of The Mirror and ESPN‘s Rob Dawson are among the other individuals to have been barred from joining this afternoon’s presser as per instruction from United‘s Director of Media Relations and Public Affairs, Andrew Ward.

Journos from the MEN, Sky Sports, Daily Mirror and ESPN are said to have been banned from the United vs Chelsea pre-match interview.

Issuing a statement to The Manc and journalists across the country, the club said: “We’re taking action against a number of news organisations today, not for publishing stories we don’t like, but for doing so without contacting us first to give us the opportunity to comment, challenge or contextualise.

“We believe this is an important principle to defend and we hope it can lead to a re-set in the way we work together.” It is unclear how long the suspension is set to be upheld but it is likely they will only serve a one-match ban — pardon the pun.

The MEN reiterated that the initial story was “multiply-sourced”, adding that they had not been banned as a result of previous stories that were largely seen as critical of the Man United head coach and/or his squad, including prior claims players were starting to “doubt” his tactics and managerial style.

Furthermore, the outlet goes on to state that several other journalists have claimed they were prevented from asking questions in press conferences by Ward in the past “over perceived negative coverage”, adding that the club have expressed their “regret” over having to issue the ban. The move has been welcomed by many fans, with several saying it is reminiscent of Sir Alex Ferguson’s hardline approach to the media.

Fergie previously banned the likes of The Sun‘s Neil Custis on multiple occasions.

Read more:

Man United have made one of their worst starts to a campaign in decades and, despite winning their first trophy in six years under the Dutchman with an EFL Cup win last season, have unfortunately been breaking all manner of unwanted records of late.

ten Hag’s team suffered another disappointing loss against Newcastle at the end of November and now face another tricky task as they prepare to face a Chelsea side who are starting to gather some semblance of form.

Countless Reds and neutrals alike will no doubt now be tuning in for his pre-match press conference at 1:30pm ahead of the mid-week Premier League fixture against the West Londoners on Wednesday night (8:15pm kick-off).

The former Ajax manager has made no secret of the troubles he faced when he first arrived at Old Trafford but is clearly keen to avoid others from airing any of their rumoured dirty laundry.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Manc Group/Manchester United

Sport

Manchester United are once again opening up Old Trafford and Red Café for ‘Warm Hub’ evenings

Danny Jones Danny Jones Warm Hub evenings Old Trafford Manchester United

Manchester United are once again opening their doors to people in need this winter as they kick off the 2023 season of ‘Warm Hub’ evenings at Old Trafford.

The community support initiative is returning after the success of last year’s campaign which welcomed locals through the doors to Man United’s iconic home ground and the attached Red Café, helping thousands stay warm, grab a hot drink and a snack, as well as socialise with others.

Focusing on those vulnerable during the colder months, as well as those who might feel worried or lonely during the festive period, United‘s Warm Hubs proved to be a truly impactful resource to many Mancunians in 2022 and will no doubt do the same this year.

Starting from Monday, 4 December and repeating every week right through until January, the area will be available to everyone and completely free, staying open from 5-8pm every session.

Warm Hub sessions return to Old Trafford this Monday.

To sign up for the Warm Hub evenings — part of the wider ‘United By Your Side’ campaign — people can arrive at Old Trafford and register via the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand reception and will then be guided into the Red Café where they can grab a brew and something to eat.

Completely open to the public, the United Foundation will also be delivering a multi-layered approach to support the local community this time around, hoping to be an even more vital outlet to people around Greater Manchester than ever.

In addition to the obvious physical benefits of the warm space, the club want the ground to be a welcoming place for those looking for social connection over the holidays and beyond to spend time with others in friendly and safe surroundings.

As a charity supporting children and young people, the Foundation has focused its efforts on supporting families amidst the cost-of-living crisis after participants from its Youth Voice groups expressed concerns over being cold during the winter months.

The club also hosted the second-ever Stadium Sleepout to raise money for Manchester’s homeless community earlier this year.

As a result, the Foundation has now invested more than £100,000 in over 22,000 warm clothing items for every young person across its 77 partner schools in Greater Manchester and beyond, including hats, gloves, scarves, blankets and more.

These items have complemented the winter coats that were distributed earlier this year, following the matchday appeal that was held ahead of the Brentford fixture in October at Old Trafford — a brilliant drive that the club is also hoping to continue.

Donations from fans, club staff and men’s and women’s team players have also led to more than 2,000 coats being received, all of which have since been redistributed to identified families in need, local poverty charities and a charity in Ukraine. Heartwarming stuff.

Similarly, more than 200 shoeboxes – received thanks to Manchester United and Foundation staff – will be handed out to identified children as gifts ahead of the festive season.

Read more:

Speaking on the return of the scheme, United’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Collette Roche, said: “We want people who are struggling to know that they are not alone, particularly in our local community…

“Sadly, we also know many of our young people will be facing challenges during the winter period and we hope by providing them with some warm winter clothing or a Christmas gift through the Foundation’s great work we will bring some joy and support to those in need.”

Children under 16 attending this year’s sessions must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 16. The last warm hub evening of 2023 will be taking place on 18 December and will resume again in the New Year from 8 January until the last Monday of the month (29 January).

Thankfully, the sporting institution isn’t the only one doing its bit for the most vulnerable over the next few months, with places such as libraries across the region offering free hot drinks, wi-fi and a place to simply get warm this winter.

Five ways you can help homeless people in Greater Manchester this winter
If you’re hoping to help out those most vulnerable over the next few months, here are a few ways you can get involved.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Manchester United Foundation/Valeriy Borzov (via Unsplash)

More Sport

Pep Guardiola dig at Mikel Arteta comment on referee mistake Spurs

Sport

Pep Guardiola takes dig at Mikel Arteta after Man City players rage over refereeing mistake

Footy Addicts five-a-side app Manchester

Manchester

The five-a-side app that’s helping people find pick-up football games in Manchester and all over the UK

Andre Onana's reaction at full-time after Galatasaray mistake

Sport

André Onana’s emotional reaction at full-time turns fan frustration into sympathy after another Man United UCL collapse

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches