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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Shane Ireland

Why Cristiano Ronaldo is at Tommy Fury vs Jake Paul fight as Manchester United win Carabao Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo attended the Tommy Fury vs Jake Paul boxing match in Saudi Arabia on the same day Manchester United won the Carabao Cup at Wembley.

United ended their six-year wait for a trophy with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United on Sunday, with Casemiro opening the scoring before Newcastle defender Sven Botman deflected Marcus Rashford’s effort into his own net.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, was spotted in attendance for Fury’s fight against American YouTube star Paul. The fight is taking place in Riyadh.

LIVE UPDATES: Follow Fury vs Paul here

Ronaldo left United last year after his controversial interview with Piers Morgan. The Portugal international criticised several elements of the club in the interview with the broadcaster, including manager Erik ten Hag.

In November, Ronaldo’s contract at Old Trafford was terminated by mutual consent and the 38-year-old joined Saudi side Al-Nassr after the World Cup. The forward is reportedly earning over £170million per year having signed what is claimed to be the most lucrative contract in football history.

Paul said in the build-up to the fight that Ronaldo would be in attendance. Morgan confirmed this shortly after, saying: “Quick update to the end of that conversation: Cristiano Ronaldo has just told me he is going to the fight on Sunday. And he thinks it’s going to be a great fight, which many people do - so there we are.”

Ronaldo’s club Al-Nassr are based in Riyadh, which is around a 20-minute drive from the Diriyah Arena where the fight is taking place. Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Al-Nassr beat Damac 3-0 on Saturday to go back to the top of the table.

Their next match is on Friday, March 3. Ronaldo has previously posed for photos with boxing legend Floyd Mayweather, who made his UK debut in an exhibition bout against Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers on Saturday night.

Ronaldo has also shown an interest in other combat sports. He posed with two-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor in a gym.

United co-chairman Glazer attended only his sixth United match in the last four years to see the win against Newcastle. Ten Hag said: "He was really happy, really happy for the club, as an owner. So I really wanted (him) to be part of it. He was in the dressing room, very good he was there to show his intentions."

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