Sport

Eight Manchester players named on 2023 Ballon d’Or shortlist

Like most of the 2022/23 season, it was all about City.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 7th September 2023

Eight different Manchester players have been named on the 2023 Ballon d’Or shortlist, with Manchester City claiming the most nominations this year.

The 30-strong list of potential Ballon d’Or winners was released on Wednesday, 6 September and following their incredible treble-winning season, it’s no surprise that there were a fair few Man City stars named among the candidates.

Boasting seven out of the 30 names — four more than next best club, Real Madrid, who earned three thanks to new signing Jude Bellingham — City saw main marksman Erling Haaland recognised for the goalscoring robot that he is, as well as three midfidlers, two defenders and another forward.

Haaland, strike partner Julian Alvarez and Kevin de Bruyne; Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias and new boy Josko Gvardiol were all nominated, as well as three women’s players: Yui Hasegawa, Jill Roord and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw.

Pep Guardiola’s side cleaned up when it came to nominations.

As for down the road at Old Trafford, the majority of Manchester United squad have been snubbed at this year’s Ballon d’Or awards, with only new goalkeeper André Onana included on the shortlist for his efforts with Inter Milan last season, where he won the 2022/23 Coppa Italia.

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Things were a little better when it came to the Man United women’s team though, as both England keeper Mary Earps and newly signed, not to mention World Cup golden boot-winner, Hinata Miyazawa, were named on the shortlist for this year’s Ballon d’Or Feminin.

In fact, a number of Lionesses were littered throughout this years nominations, with Earps being joined by the likes of Rachel Daly, Georgia Stanway and captain Millie Bright following their respective domestic seasons and incredible Women’s World Cup campaign.

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You can see the 2023 Ballon d’Or shortlist in full down below.

Anyone else you think they missed?

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Other notable exclusions included Cristiano Ronaldo, who was left out for the first time in two decades, Liverpool no.1 Allisson, City keeper Ederson, Declan Rice and several other big Premier League names.

This year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony will be taking place at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 30.

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Last year’s Yashin Trophy (the men’s award) went to European veteran Karim Benzema while the women’s Ballon d’Or went to Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas for the second year running.

We have a feeling that big bloke with the long blonde hair already has his name on one of those trophies…

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

Featured Image — Erling Haaland/Lionel Messi/André Onana/Man City (via Instagram)

Sport

An old clip of Tyson Fury talking about Oleksandr Usyk has come back to haunt him – twice

Danny Jones Danny Jones Old clip of Fury calling Usyk a small cruiserweight foreigner karma

This weekend saw Oleksandr Usyk emerge victorious over Tyson Fury for a second time in less than a year as the Ukrainian won the highly-anticipated rematch on points, and now an old clip of the Manc fighter dismissing his opponent has resurfaced online. Again.

Oh, the irony…

After losing following a split decision for what was his first career defeat back in May, Fury lost following a unanimous decision this time around and while some have questioned the scorecards (as tends to happen with these things), there can be no question over Usyk’s dominance now.

However, rewind to a few years ago before the 37-year-old had even won his first fight against Anthony Joshua and Fury’s naive not to mention controversial comments regarding the possibility of ‘giving’ him a fight look pretty silly now:

As you can see in the interview from 2020, the now 36-year-old Wythenshawe-born boxer was pretty dismissive about the prospect of fighting Usyk, who ultimately went on to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 2000 following the first win over Fury.

Despite already having an Olympic gold, multiple cruiserweight titles and an undefeated record to his name, Usyk had only fought and won two heavyweight bouts at this point, which is perhaps why ‘The Gypsy King’ felt comfortable downplaying his potential back then.

However, although Usyk had a comfortable division debut against Chazz Witherspoon in 2019, he also went on to best Fury’s familiar foe Derek Chisora – a man he’s beaten on three different times but maintains he admires both in terms of personality and ability – so there were signs of what was to come.

Moreover, not only was Tyson clearly foolish enough to underestimate him back then but the divisive and inflammatory nature of his remarks in this clip has been labelled ‘offensive’ and ‘xenophobic’ by many online, both at the time and after reappearing on social media once again.

Regardless, it seems that Usyk was just as unphased by his posturing then as he is now, coming out in the post-fight press conference to shrug off his trash-talking to reiterate his “respect” for someone who ultimately believes is “a good man”.

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Nevertheless, Fury has now lost two him twice and still maintains he didn’t get the right decision on both occasions, dubbing this latest defeat “an early Christmas gift” for his opponent.

In the previous clash, the Greater Manchester athlete even claimed that fans and judges unfairly favoured him because of the war in Ukraine – a response which also received plenty of backlash.

You can hear how he believes he was ‘robbed’ along with his full reaction following the fight down below:

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

Featured Images — iFL TV/Sky Sports (screenshots via YouTube)

Sport

Where to watch Tyson Fury vs Oleskandr Usyk 2 in Manchester city centre

Danny Jones Danny Jones Where to watch Tyson Fury vs Usyk 2 fight in Manchester

Tyson Fury vs Usyk 2: ‘Undisputed’ is nearly upon us with the two contenders fighting to become unified heavyweight champion, and as the biggest fight of the year (at least since the last one), you might rightly be wondering where in Manchester is best to watch it.

With a homegrown albeit controversial talent on one side in Fury and a no-nonsense, not to mention undefeated Ukrainian on the other, there’ll be Mancs cheering for both sides but regardless of who you want to win, we can assure you town is going to be absolutely rammed with fight fans.

That being said, much like getting in the ring itself, you’re best having a game plan if you haven’t already sorted out where you’re going to watch the Fury vs Usyk rematch.

Now, you’re going to want to bank on big rooms with plenty of space for those coming last minute; don’t worry, we’ve got a few ideas and they’re decently spaced out in terms of area too.

Where to watch the Fury vs Usyk 2 fight in Manchester city centre

1. Tank and Paddle – Printworks

tank and paddle printworks manchester
places to watch fury vs usyk in manchester
tank and paddle printworks
Spread across too large floors, it still has all the appeal of the old place and more. (Credit: The Manc Eats)

First up on the list is the newest addition to the Printworks entertainment complex: Tank and Paddle, which has taken over the old Yates site. Specialising in craft beers, cocktails, big pizzas and big screens for live sport, if you used to head here for the boxing before you have even more reason to now.

2. BOX – Deansgate

Next up is arguably the current king of Manchester’s live sports bar scene. Famous for great food, live music, shuffleboard, big steins of beer and even pornstar martinis (yes, whole pitchers of the stuff), as well as its giant jumbotron screen, it’s literally impossible for you to miss a single punch thrown here.

3. Brotherhood – Central

ln at number three is what we refer to as old faithful but, to repeat its true title, is The Brotherhood of Pastimes and Pursuits. We never ever say that name in full but we what do on a regular basis is head here after work, as well as pre and post-matchday to watch the rest of the action and play some games whilst we’re at it. It will be heaving for the fight but if you can book or get there early, you’ll have a ball.

fury vs usyk rematch
is brotherhood showing fury vs usyk 2?
Credit: The Brotherhood (via Facebook)

4. Roxy Ball Room – Manchester Arndale/Deansgate

Speaking of reliable after work and weekend haunts, they don’t get more tried and tested than Roxy Ball Room as we simply like to call her, our lovely lady Roxy. Shuffleboard, bowling, darts, pool, table tennis, basketball machines, beer pong, curling – oh yeah, and you can look up to watch the boxing if you want…

5. Mother Mary’s – Oxford Road Corridor

Fifth and finally, Mother Mary’s is the unsung hero of our list. It’s fast becoming one of our favourite places to watch sport anywhere in town. It’s popped over on New Wakefield St where Manc institution The Font used to be and it won’t stay the city centre’s best kept secret for long, so make sure you grab a table, one the cheapest pints of Guinness around and a seat in front of the big screens whilst you can.

Honourable mention…

Shooters/Bierkeller

Last but not least, we had to throw another suggestion (or two in there) because besides Tank and Paddle in Printworks, there also happens to be the legendary Bierkeller beer hall and the American sports and gaming bar attached it, Shooters, both of which will promise a great crowd for this title fight.

If all else has truly failed, O’Neill’s and Walkabout are just around the corner too – you’ve got to get in somewhere and you really don’t want to miss this clash.

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If you were still wondering where to watch to watch the Fury vs Usyk rematch in central Manchester this Saturday, that handful of suggestions should just about do you in a pinch, just keep in mind that the earlier the better when it comes to events like this.

The two boxers are expect to begin their ring walks at around 10:25pm UK time, so you should have plenty of time to find a good spot to watch the carnage.

Fury has already weighed in more than four stone heavier than Usyk in a bid to get his revenge for the first fight, so god only knows how much of a slug-fest this is going to be.

Judging by that seemingly endless face-off, it looks as though there’s plenty of bad blood going into this. Question is, who are you backing?

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

Featured Images — The Manc Group/TNT Sports (screenshot via YouTube) BOX (via Instagram)

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