Rebuilding the Theatre

When Jin Taige handed over his meticulously prepared transfer list to David Gill and Ed Woodward, the room fell into an uneasy silence. Gill stared at the document, his expression unreadable, while Woodward's face shifted from curiosity to outright disbelief.

"On your transfer list," Woodward began, his tone laced with skepticism, "there are 15 unknown young players I've never even heard of?"

Jin Taige leaned back in his chair, his demeanor calm and composed. "These aren't just 15 obscure youngsters. They're 15 future stars who can shape Manchester United's destiny."

Woodward frowned, flipping through the pages. "I may be the commercial director, but I know international football well. I've never come across any of these names. Who are they?"

Jin Taige didn't flinch. "They're players with immense potential. Players who, if we sign them now, will become the backbone of our team in the years to come."

Woodward's skepticism only deepened. "Mr. Manager, I must say, your Excel skills are impressive. The list is detailed—names, positions, ages, nationalities, current clubs. It's very professional. But let's be honest, these players… they're from the French second division, the Belgian league, even youth teams. How did you even find them?"

Jin Taige smiled faintly. "I dreamed about them. And then I chose them. It's as simple as that."

Woodward's patience wore thin. "Mr. Manager, this isn't a joke. The contract clearly states that you need to finish in the top four of the Premier League and reach the Champions League round of 16. If you fail, there's only one outcome for you."

Jin Taige's voice hardened. "And the contract also states that I have full control over transfers. No interference. Remember?"

Woodward threw up his hands in exasperation. "With your ability to make spreadsheets and your understanding of legal jargon, it's a shame you're not a lawyer."

Jin Taige's smile didn't waver. "If I were a lawyer, it would be Manchester United's loss."

Woodward sighed, glancing back at the list. "Fine. Let's say we go along with this. You estimate the total cost for these 15 players is under 40 million euros. If we can really sign 15 future stars for that price, I'll be laughing all the way to the bank."

"In five years," Jin Taige said confidently, "the combined value of these players will exceed a billion euros."

Woodward raised an eyebrow. "Well, then I'll thank you in advance for that billion."

"You're welcome," Jin Taige replied, his tone light but firm.

David Gill, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "Mr. Manager, Ed is here to assist you in completing these transfers. We're all professionals here. Let's work together to make this happen."

Woodward nodded, his earlier frustration giving way to a more cooperative tone. "If there's anything you need, just say the word. For example, if you want me to start contacting these players right away, I can do that."

Jin Taige shook his head. "Some of these players require a personal touch. I'll need to meet them myself."

Woodward leaned forward, intrigued. "Where do you want to start? I'll accompany you."

Jin Taige knew Woodward's offer was as much about supervision as it was about assistance, but he didn't mind. "There are two players in England. I plan to visit them this afternoon."

Woodward glanced at the list. "Marcos Alonso and Dele Alli. Let's get started."

That evening, 17-year-old Dele Alli sat in his modest home, staring in disbelief at the two men in front of him. One was Jin Taige, the newly appointed manager of Manchester United. The other was Ed Woodward, the club's commercial director.

Alli had spent the past season playing for the youth team of Milton Keynes Dons. His contract had expired, and the club had offered him a meager £2,000-a-week deal to renew. It was an insult, especially for a player of his talent. But Milton Keynes had assumed no one else would be interested in a teenager from a lower-league club.

They were wrong.

"Dele," Jin Taige began, his voice warm but authoritative, "we believe you have the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world. We want you to join Manchester United."

Alli's eyes widened. "Manchester United? Me?"

Woodward handed him a contract. "Take your time to read it. But I can assure you, this is a life-changing opportunity."

Alli barely glanced at the terms before signing. A weekly salary of £5,000, a chance to train at Carrington, and the opportunity to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world—it was a dream come true.

As Jin Taige and Woodward left Alli's home, the young midfielder was already packing his bags. By the time Milton Keynes realized what had happened, their prized talent was already settling into his new life at Manchester United.

Back in the car, Woodward couldn't hide his satisfaction. "One down, fourteen to go. Not bad for a day's work."

Jin Taige nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Dele Alli is just the beginning. He's going to be a star."

Woodward glanced at him, his earlier skepticism replaced by a flicker of respect. "You really believe in these players, don't you?"

"I do," Jin Taige said firmly. "And by the time we're done, you will too."

As they drove back to Manchester, Jin Taige felt a surge of optimism. The road ahead would be challenging, but he was ready. With his vision, his knowledge, and the support of his team, he would lead Manchester United into a new era of glory.

XXXX

While Ed Woodward was busy finalizing the deal for Dele Alli, Jin Taige was already on the move. His next target was Marcos Alonso, a talented left-back whose contract with Bolton Wanderers had just expired. Alonso was in talks to renew with Bolton, but Jin Taige had other plans.

Alonso was at home when he received a surprising phone call from Fiorentina. The Italian club expressed interest in signing him, but their plan was to loan him out to a Premier League team for a year or two to gain experience. While the offer was tempting, Alonso was hesitant. He knew his style of play—an attacking full-back with defensive solidity—was better suited to the fast-paced English game than the tactical rigidity of Serie A.

As he pondered his options, there was a knock at the door. Alonso opened it to find a man he didn't recognize.

"Are you Marcos Alonso?" the man asked.

"Yes, I am. And you are?"

The man handed him a business card. Alonso's eyes widened as he read the name: *Jin Taige, Manager, Manchester United.*

"May I come in?" Jin Taige asked with a smile.

Alonso, still in shock, stepped aside. "Of course, please."

Once inside, Jin Taige got straight to the point. "Marcos, I want you to join Manchester United."

Alonso's heart raced. "Me? As a backup left-back?"

Jin Taige shook his head. "No. As our starting left-back."

Alonso was stunned. "You're serious?"

"Dead serious," Jin Taige replied, his gaze unwavering. "I don't have much time, Marcos. The fact that I'm here, in person, should tell you how much I value you. Come to Manchester United. Let's create something special together."

Alonso felt a surge of emotion. This was the opportunity of a lifetime. Without hesitation, he extended his hand. "I'm in."

With two signings secured, Jin Taige turned his attention to Germany. Accompanied by Woodward and a team of transfer negotiators, he arrived in the industrial heartland of the Ruhr Valley. Their first stop was Dortmund, home to one of the most lethal strikers in world football: Robert Lewandowski.

On the drive to a café in Dortmund, Woodward couldn't contain his excitement. "Tiger, I have to admit, I was skeptical at first. But Lewandowski? That's a masterstroke. If we can sign him, our attack will be unstoppable."

Jin Taige leaned back in his seat, eyes closed. "He's the complete striker—strong, technical, and clinical. Pair him with Rooney and Van Persie, and we'll have the most feared attack in Europe."

Woodward nodded enthusiastically. "And with his contract expiring next year, Dortmund might be willing to sell him now for a reasonable fee. Plus, his marketability is off the charts. This could be huge for the club."

Jin Taige opened his eyes and glanced at Woodward. "I'm only thinking about the football side of things."

Woodward chuckled. "Fair enough. But seriously, this is a brilliant move."

In a private room at the café, Jin Taige and Woodward met with Lewandowski and his agent. The Polish striker was calm and composed, his demeanor reflecting the confidence of a player who had dominated the Bundesliga.

"Robert," Jin Taige began, "I want you to join Manchester United."

Lewandowski hesitated. "I'm sorry, Mr. Tiger, but I can't accept your offer."

Jin Taige raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"

Lewandowski's agent interjected. "It's not Robert's decision. Dortmund has made it clear they don't want to sell him this summer."