Exclusive: Avid Man Utd Fan Crolla Backing Amorim to Succeed at Old Trafford

Will Crolla, a devoted follower of Manchester United and one of British boxing’s fastest rising stars, is backing Ruben Amorim to turn around the ailing club’s fortunes after revealing why he is desperate to see the Portuguese guide his team to Europa League success.

Crolla (pictured right with older brother Anthony), who will be aiming to stretch his unbeaten record to 8-0 when he returns to the ring in March, is a passionate supporter of the 20-time English champions and regularly attends matches both home and away. 

A familiar face on the terraces at Old Trafford, Crolla has also boosted his airmile collection by watching United compete abroad. 

With the final of this year’s UEFA competition set to be staged at San Mames stadium, the home of Athletic Bilbao, in May, the explosive southpaw told SportsBoom.com: “I’m looking to go there in May. I’ve been before and it’s brilliant, one of the best cities I’ve ever visited, so fingers crossed we’ll be going back.

“I’m always at games. People see me there and all the lads know that I’m United and Manchester through and through."

“I’ve missed two (games) recently, because I was in camp and making weight, so you can feel the cold a bit."

“But I love watching United, catching up with my mates and having a few beers beforehand and then at half-time."

“You can’t beat it. That’s what it’s all about.”

Although Crolla’s career is on an upward trajectory, United’s fortunes continue to wane despite appointing Amorim in November following his achievements at Sporting Lisbon. 

Having also previously coached Casa Pia and Braga, the former Belenenses and Benfica midfielder twice delivered the Primeira Liga title to the Estadio Jose Alvalade as well as the Taca da Liga. 

But Amorim has struggled since taking charge of United.

DESIRE TO RESTORE FORMER GLORIES

In an attempt to restore United to their former glories, Amorim recently axed Marcus Rashford from United’s squad and Crolla continued: “I think he’ll be able to change things and, to be honest, I like what he’s trying to do so far. I like how he’s going about things and handling certain situations.

“But the club has got to back him. At the moment, I think Amorim is being set up to fail a bit as things stand."

"We don’t have a proper striker and we’ve got to let him bring one of those in when the transfer window reopens."

“But I really like the way he carries himself and the things he’s trying to bring in and do.”

Crolla, aged 26, is making waves in the super-welterweight division thanks to his concussive punching power. 

The younger brother of former world champion Anthony, Crolla was taken the distance on his paid debut by Joe Hardy but has beaten all of his opponents since then inside two rounds.

Ayoub Zakari, who faced Crolla on the undercard of Jack Catterall versus Arnold Barboza Jr earlier this month, had never previously been stopped but lasted only two minutes and 43 seconds of his bout against the popular Mancunian.

Crolla is scheduled to re-enter the ring on March 28th, when Olympian Pat Brown makes his professional bow at Altrincham’s Planet Ice venue.

“Activity is great,” Crolla said. 

“I just look to build on every performance, keep knocking people out."

“There’s no other option for me but to succeed and get to the top.”