Sport

Puma and Man Utd star Brandon Williams unveil Worker Bee inspired boots

Puma have launched a new edition of the Future 5.1 football boot inspired by Manchester and the iconic worker bee symbol.

Kate Jackson Kate Jackson - 17th July 2020
Pro:Direct x PUMA City Pack

Puma have launched a new edition of the Future 5.1 football boots inspired by Manchester and the city’s iconic worker bee symbol.

The boots are an exclusive collaboration with Pro:Direct Soccer and will honour the famous work ethic of Mancunian workers both past and present.

All of the other features of the Future 5.1 boots will remain, including the customisable lacing system, but this new edition features a black and yellow theme and ‘MCR’ printed on the sole of the boot alongside a honeycomb pattern.

The boots will also contain the worker bee on the heel of the boot.

Pro:Direct x PUMA City Pack

The worker bee is an enduring symbol of the city; born out of the Industrial Revolution when Manchester was abuzz with mass production activity.

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Man United left-back Brandon Williams has helped launch the boots and the rest of the City Pack collection.

Williams, who is Mancunian born-and-bred, growing up just outside of the city centre, will debut the boots during United’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea this Sunday (19 July), should the 19-year-old feature in the game.

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Pro:Direct x PUMA City Pack

The City Pack collection also includes a t-shirt and hoodie, as well as a Worker Bee shirt with ‘A City United’ printed on the back of the shirt. The phrase is a reference to the times in which Manchester’s football rivals, United and City, have joined together in times of adversity.

Fancy getting your hands on the collection? Items are available to pre-order on prodirectsoccer.com.

Sport

Carl Froch slams ‘pathetic’ John Fury after bust-up at Darren Till press conference

Danny Jones Danny Jones Carl Froch calls John Fury pathetic and embarassing after fight at Till press conference

Former fighter Carl Froch has branded boxing patriarch John Fury “pathetic” following the chaotic scenes at the recent Darren Till press conference.

‘Big’ John was at the centre of some pre-bout bedlam earlier this week after tempers flared during the presser between his son Tommy Fury and his next opponent, Darren Till.

For anyone who didn’t see it, a reaction from the Fury father following a lengthy foul-mouthed exchange sparked a massive on-stage brawl, requiring both parties to be separated and the face-off cut short.

Offering his thoughts on the incident, the ex-middleweight and multi-time champion called out the 59-year-old for what he now says is just the “usual pathetic childish behaviour from a grown man.”

Carl Froch back in 2010, four years before his retirement.
‘Big’ John seeing red at the Fury vs Till press conference.
Credit: Pasi (via Wikimedia Commons)/Fight Hub TV (via YouTube screenshot)

Speaking to sports media and betting company, Action Network, Froch said: “Darren Till did have a lot to say and he was very vocal but at the end of the day it’s not about him, it’s about Darren Till and Tommy Fury so why is Big John Fury, the fighting man, getting involved?…

“Has he been sacked by Tyson Fury? Did Tyson tell him to f*****g do one and now he’s with Tommy Fury trying to get some of the limelight? I don’t know but same old s***. Darren Till totally wrote him off.

Froch went on to say of Fury junior – who has flirted with the idea of an exhibition match with the retired British, Super Middleweight, Commonwealth and WBC champ in the past – “For me, I don’t give it any credibility but when he mentions my name and puts my name in the mix, I’m obligated to respond.

“It’s like Jake Paul. He doesn’t like the way I give Jake Paul stick because I’m honest. He’s not a fighter or a pro boxer, he’s a YouTuber, TikTok dancer and content creator […] All of these guys like Jake Paul and ‘Big’ John Fury – when they start talking bull***t, I just tell it how it is, give my honest opinion and sit back to watch the parade go by because they all get upset.”

The 47-year-old also speculated that there is a serious possibility that older brother Tyson has dismissed his dad from his current entourage, at least during media events, noting that he isn’t helping promote fights by “headbutting children at press conferences” as we saw before the Fury vs Usyk fight.

John Fury explains why he headbutted a member of Oleksandr Usyk’s team ahead of son’s fight

“That kid he headbutted didn’t even look like he could have a shave”, added Froch. “He might’ve been a young man, but he picked on the smallest person there and dropped the headbutt on him. It’s not the kind of behaviour you want to see, it’s bad for boxing.

Offering his final thoughts on the ever-controversial John Fury, Froch signed off by saying: “At the end of the day, he is a guy who wants some attention. He’s a man who has never achieved anything. His son Tyson Fury is obviously very good, he’s a top fighter and we know what he’s all about.”

As for 25-year-old Tommy, he takes on fellow North West fighter Darren Till at the Co-op Live arena early next year. You can find out more HERE.

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Featured Images — Fight Hub TV/Froch on Fighting (via YouTube screenshot)

Sport

Manchester United are offering fans the chance to play at Old Trafford as part of a dream competition

Danny Jones Danny Jones Play at Old Trafford competition Man United Marriot Bonvoy competition

Manchester United fans are being offered the chance to live out their childhood dreams and play at Old Trafford as part of an exciting new competition by the club.

For anyone who has grown up a Red, the idea of playing under the lights at the Theatre of Dreams is a fantasy most can only ever fantasise about – even being a ball boy or a mascot would suffice for some – but Man United are taking things even further.

Teaming up with hotel partners, Marriott Bonvoy, not only is the club prepared to give supporters the opportunity to walk out onto that pitch and play a real game of footy, but they’re also hoping to give those fortunate enough to win the ultimate stay in Manchester city centre.

Fancy playing in red, watching the match at the weekend, enjoying a lavish hotel room and much more?

As part of this limited-time-only competition, United are giving away the perfect hospitality package in collaboration with Marriott Bonvoy, the hotel group’s loyalty programme which specialises in helping members redeem points towards extra perks like activities, spending and free stays at luxury resorts.

So, not only will the 10 lucky winners get to part in the exclusive ‘Play on the Pitch’ event, but they will also receive a pair of tickets to watch the Manchester United vs Aston Villa game on 25 May 2025 and (get this) a FOUR-night stay for two at the Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.

It doesn’t stop there either…

As well as round-trip flights for those flying into Manchester from abroad and full train coverage for anyone travelling into the city, those selected will also be treated to a group dinner with a Man United legend and no, we can’t tell you who it is: that would spoil the surprise!

Come on, that’s a pretty incredible deal, right?

phil bardsley man united legend
We’ve been met a few Reds past and present in our time.
man united dressing rooom
Your kit is waiting for you…
It’s the shared dream of millions all over the world to play at Old Trafford (Credit: The Manc Group)

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As if all this wasn’t enough, if selected, you will also receive a variety of personalised gifts from the club and Marriot Bonvoy to remember the experience – not that you’ll be forgetting it any time soon.

To have a chance at winning this unreal competition, all you need to do is simply complete the entry form HERE before 23:59 on the closing date, which is 31 March, 2025.

Entry is currently open (18+ only), so don’t waste any more time if you want to win the opportunity of a lifetime. You can find the full terms and conditions online but, other than that, we just really hope you score a proper screamer right in front of the Stretford End.

Best of luck!

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

Featured Images — The Manc Group

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