Rebuilding the Theatre

Today was the first time Jin Taige met the first-team players at the Carrington training base. Although some players who had returned early from vacation had already met the young new coach, Jin Taige's appearance in a suit back then was very different from his current sportswear. Those who had met him a few days ago were puzzled. At the time, Jin Taige had been polite and reserved, his Asian features giving him an air of humility. But today, on the training ground, he seemed energetic and cheerful.

Jin Taige looked at the players in front of him. This was their first official meeting, and everyone seemed a little uneasy. They weren't sure what to expect from the new coach. Would he be a gentleman like Ferguson, a calm professor like Wenger, or the fiery, intense type like Mourinho?

But what they saw was different from what they had imagined. Jin Taige, at 38, looked young—only a few years older than some of the veterans on the team. When he stood in front of everyone, he noticed their stiff, nervous expressions and immediately smiled. "Everyone, on the field, we're players and coaches. Off the field, we're brothers and friends. I'm a straightforward person, so let's not be too formal."

Jin Taige looked at Rooney. "Wayne, I haven't seen you in half a summer. You seem to have gotten handsomer."

Rooney, who had known Jin Taige from his time recovering with the youth team last season, grinned. "Boss, I got a hair transplant a while ago."

Jin Taige nodded. "It looks good—much younger. But I hope your new look doesn't affect your performance this season. Otherwise, I'll have to have a word with your hair transplant doctor."

The team burst into laughter.

Jin Taige turned to Van Persie. "Robin, where did you go on vacation?"

"I went to Spain—soaking up the sun, watching bikini-clad beauties, and relaxing," Van Persie replied with a smile.

"Damn, next time you go to see bikini beauties, you'd better invite me," Jin Taige said, feigning envy. He then looked at Carrick. "Michael, where did you go?"

"I didn't go anywhere. I stayed home to recover. Last season's injury hasn't fully healed, so I hired a sports therapist to help with my rehab," Carrick answered honestly.

Jin Taige gave a thumbs-up. "Now that's what I call a professional."

Vidic and Ferdinand had also struggled with injuries last season, so Jin Taige inquired about their condition. He was pleased to hear they were doing well.

Next, Jin Taige spotted the shortest player in the group. He pointed. "Kanté, come out."

Kanté stepped forward, looking a little shy. "Boss."

"Several players have left our team. I believe you all understand that in professional football, it's normal for players to move on. They've found better opportunities for their development, and we should wish them well." Jin Taige smiled. "As some leave, others arrive. You've already seen a few new faces. Let's have them introduce themselves so we can get to know each other. Kanté, you start."

"Hello everyone, I'm N'Golo Kanté. I'm French, and I play midfield."

"I'm Alisson, from Brazil. I'm a goalkeeper."

"I'm Riyad Mahrez, from Algeria. I'm a winger."

Next, Van Dijk, Alonso, Icardi, and Martial also introduced themselves. Captain Giggs, representing the veterans, led the applause for the newcomers. The atmosphere was warm, and everyone seemed at ease.

Jin Taige was pleased to see the new players integrating so well. He then addressed the team more formally. "As Manchester United's new coach, I'm still learning the ropes. I hope you'll all support me in my work."

The players laughed at Jin Taige's serious expression, their laughter so loud it startled the birds perched on the training ground fence.

Jin Taige then introduced Phelan and Scholes, emphasizing their roles. Phelan would handle team management, including opponent analysis, player dynamics, and overseeing scouts and medical staff. Scholes would focus on training, managing the coaching team.

With these arrangements in place, Jin Taige headed to the youth team's training ground next door to meet his old friend, youth team coach McGuinness. When McGuinness saw Jin Taige, he rushed over and hugged him. "Tiger, you're amazing!"

"What's up?" Jin Taige was taken aback.

McGuinness pointed excitedly at the players on the field. "Where did you find these talents? They're incredible. I guarantee we'll win the youth league this season, even if we play three games a week."

Jin Taige smiled. "McGuinness, enjoy this squad while you can. In a year or two, these players will be reporting to me."

"Don't take them away too soon. Let me enjoy being the 'local tyrant' for a while."

After listening to McGuinness's complaints, Jin Taige watched the young players on the field: Bailly, Kimmich, Keita, Asensio, Alli, Dembélé, Sané. He had spoken to each of them individually, assuring them that if they worked hard and improved, they would earn a place in the first team. These seven players, who had been youth team players at their previous clubs, were motivated and eager to prove themselves.

In addition to these seven, several players were out on loan: Benjamin Mendy, Januzaj, and Zaha. Jin Taige had also spoken to them, encouraging them to focus on their development and promising to keep a close eye on their progress.

Jin Taige felt a surge of hope. These young players were the future of Manchester United. He was convinced they would become a golden generation, much like the Class of '92, and make their mark on international football.

---

As Jin Taige grew more familiar with the team, they entered a honeymoon period. The players appreciated his friendly, cheerful demeanor. After years under Ferguson's intense pressure, they welcomed Jin Taige's more relaxed approach. His philosophy of "enjoying football" resonated with them, and the training ground became a place where they could express themselves.

But Jin Taige soon noticed a problem. During a training session, he stopped the players and addressed them with rare seriousness. "I told you to enjoy football, not to play selfishly or ignore teamwork. Look at your performance in the last two days—it's been terrible!"

The players were stunned. They didn't understand why the coach was so upset.

Jin Taige pointed to the goal. "If you play like this in the Premier League, you'll be two or three goals down in no time!"

The players fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts.

Jin Taige took a deep breath and spoke more calmly. "I hope tomorrow, I'll see a different attitude. Training is over for today. Dismissed!"

With that, Jin Taige walked off the field without looking back.

As he walked away, Scholes caught up to him. "Boss, what's wrong? You've never been this angry before."

Jin Taige sighed. "Paul, do you think I made a mistake by telling them to 'enjoy football'?"

Scholes shook his head firmly. "Boss, your philosophy is spot on. If you don't enjoy football, how can you keep going? There are plenty of hardworking players, but not many who truly love the game. I fully support your approach."

"But you've seen how they've been playing these past few days."

Scholes glanced around to make sure no one was listening, then whispered, "Boss, I think their hunger for trophies might be fading."

Jin Taige paused. He thought of teams like Mourinho's Inter Milan or Ancelotti's AC Milan, who had dominated but then declined after their managers left. Many blamed the new coaches, but Jin Taige knew the real issue was the players' dwindling desire to win. Was Manchester United facing the same problem?

With this concern in mind, Jin Taige continued to observe the team. Over the next few days, their performance improved slightly, but Jin Taige knew it wasn't enough to compete for the Premier League title.

By mid-to-late July, the board had arranged for Manchester United to tour East Asia, playing several friendly matches. Although the opponents were weak, Jin Taige saw these games as valuable preparation. He and the team boarded a plane to Thailand, then Hong Kong, and finally Japan.

The tour included matches against the Thai Lions All-Star Team, Cerezo Osaka, and Kitchee SC. Woodward, who was leading the tour, was thrilled with the commercial success of the trip. But Jin Taige was more focused on the games. He knew that even in friendlies, the team's performance mattered.

Jin Taige decided on the starting lineup a day in advance. He stuck with the 4-4-2 formation, which the players were familiar with. De Gea was in goal; Ferdinand and Vidic formed the central defense, with Evra and Rafael as full-backs. Carrick and Anderson anchored the midfield, with Giggs and Nani on the wings. Rooney and Van Persie led the attack.

The first friendly was against the Thai Lions All-Star Team. Despite the weak opposition, Jin Taige was determined to test his team's readiness. But as the game progressed, his frown deepened.

Manchester United dominated possession, with Anderson and Nani showing off their skills. But despite their individual brilliance, the score remained 0-0 after 20 minutes of the second half.