Boxing heavyweight Tyson Fury is teaming up with ex-Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney to co-manage the England squad for Soccer Aid’s charity match.

The former England striker Rooney, aged 39, is lacing up his boots once more to play in the annual game that supports Unicef’s work for children.

Despite announcing his retirement earlier this year, 36 year old Fury hasn’t dismissed the idea of making an appearance on the pitch during the event. Expressing his enthusiasm, Fury remarked: “Tyson Fury: England manager. Who would ever have thought it?” He went on to say, “I have had some big fights in my career and the prospect of leading my England team to victory this June fills me with just as much excitement as any heavyweight fight.”

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A devoted Manchester United supporter, Fury added, “Everyone knows that I am a huge Manchester United fan too, so it’s even more special for me that the game is at Old Trafford this year – and I get to manage one of my heroes, Wayne Rooney. How can we lose?” Highlighting the cause, he stated, “The work Unicef does all around the world is so special and so important. I really hope that you can come along and support us this summer.”

Since its inception in 2006 by Unicef UK ambassador Robbie Williams, Soccer Aid has amassed in excess of £106 million for charity. The charity match is set to take place on June 15 at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Joining the managerial ranks are Harry Redknapp and ‘Line Of Duty’ actress Vicky McClure for England, while the star-studded player lineup includes Paddy McGuinness, Gary Neville, Tom Grennan, Sam Thompson, Sam Quek, Steven Bartlett, Sir Mo Farah, and Louis Tomlinson from One Direction.

Ex-Plymouth Argyle manager Rooney expressed his enthusiasm about his return to Soccer Aid, remarking: “I enjoyed the last time I was involved at Soccer Aid so much that when the call came for the 2025 match it was a really easy decision.”

He shared his excitement about teaming up with Tyson Fury, a fellow boxing enthusiast, saying, “I’m a big boxing fan, so to do it alongside Tyson Fury is fantastic. It really sums up how brilliant Soccer Aid is. We have this in common: we’ll both be taking it incredibly seriously.”

Rooney highlighted the charitable aspect of the event, noting, “Obviously it’s great to lace-up the old boots again – and see some old friends – but the cause is the real reason we are doing this.”

He also pledged to entertain for a noble cause: “Unicef needs our help. So, I promise we’ll put on a show for you this June if you buy your tickets to help raise money for Unicef and for children around the world.”

The forthcoming game will feature England players against the Soccer Aid World XI FC team, boasting stars like “Diamond” Livi Sheldon of Gladiator fame, and ex-Italian footballer Leonardo Bonucci.

Top Gear and Take Me Out celebrity McGuinness chimed in with his own excitement: “This year’s Soccer Aid match at Old Trafford is going to be an absolute belter. I genuinely love this event – it’s a highlight of the year for me.”

McGuinness playfully addressed his position on the field, stating, “I’ve been involved for many years now and still can’t believe it has become the world’s biggest charity football match. I don’t run around quite as much as I used to, which is why I play in goal now – I’m representing all the dads out there, which is funny because the game takes places on Father’s Day.”