What does "Manchester United on the box" mean?

[NewHopeR]

A: When I've got a cold, they're those green herbs that taste a bit oniony.
B: I've got something tonight, am missing my Thursday out with the lads, and I can't be bothered with Manchester United on the box. Definitely sickening for something.

 

[J&K Tutoring]

"The Box" refers to television. TVs used to have tubes, necessitating some considerable depth to the cabinet. 'Idiot Box' was one way of refering to television. Not sure if that was because all the people on TV were idiots or if watching TV made you an idiot. My mother used to say, "Turn off that squawk box!"

 

[NewHopeR]

Thx

 

[Rover_KE]

Please take the trouble to write thanks in full as a courtesy to those who take the trouble to answer your questions and as an example to other students.

Rover