Rebuilding the Theatre

On May 26, 2013, the football world turned its attention to Wembley Stadium, where Bayern Munich defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in a thrilling UEFA Champions League final. With this victory, Bayern claimed their fifth Champions League trophy, capping off a historic season. As the confetti rained down and the celebrations began, the 2012-2013 football season officially came to a close.

For most players, the summer offered a well-deserved break. With no major international tournaments aside from the Confederations Cup, Europe's stars scattered across the globe for vacations. But behind the scenes, the summer of 2013 was anything but quiet. A seismic shift was underway as several European giants announced changes at the helm.

José Mourinho, the self-proclaimed "Special One," returned to Chelsea, signing a four-year contract. Pep Guardiola, fresh from a sabbatical, took over at Bayern Munich, aiming to build on their treble-winning season. Carlo Ancelotti arrived at Real Madrid, tasked with steering the Galácticos to European glory. Manchester City unveiled Manuel Pellegrini as their new manager, while Paris Saint-Germain turned to former France coach Laurent Blanc, hoping to make a deep Champions League run.

Amidst this flurry of high-profile appointments, Manchester United's announcement of Jin Taige as their new manager stood out—not for its glamour, but for its audacity. While other clubs splashed cash on proven winners, United had turned to a relatively unknown figure from within their own ranks. The decision sparked a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and outright disbelief.

The media wasted no time in dissecting the appointment. The Manchester Evening News ran a series of articles detailing Jin Taige's journey from a promising member of the Class of '92 to his early retirement and subsequent coaching career. While some fans appreciated the club's commitment to its roots, many remained unconvinced. How could someone with no first-team managerial experience lead one of the biggest clubs in the world?

The skepticism wasn't limited to Manchester. In London, The Sun published a scathing piece by reporter Wolfe, questioning the Glazer family's commitment to the club. "While rivals invest in world-class managers," Wolfe wrote, "United have opted for a gamble. Jin Taige's appointment reeks of cost-cutting and complacency. Fans have every right to worry."

The article struck a nerve. Protests erupted outside Old Trafford, with fans holding banners that read, "Glazers Out!" and "Where's the Ambition?" For a club accustomed to success, the uncertainty was unsettling.

In the heart of Manchester, the Crimson Bar was a sanctuary for die-hard United fans. Its walls were adorned with memorabilia from decades of triumphs, and its patrons were as passionate as they came. On this particular evening, the mood was tense.

Rodney, a burly man with a fiery temper, slammed his beer mug on the table. "What the hell is this?" he roared, tearing a copy of The Sun in half. "Top four? We'll be champions again next season, no question!"

The bar erupted in cheers, but the enthusiasm quickly faded. The reality of Ferguson's departure and the unknown quantity of Jin Taige weighed heavily on everyone's minds.

A young fan, barely out of his teens, voiced the concern many were too afraid to admit. "I've never even heard of Jin Taige. How's he supposed to manage the first team?"

Rodney turned on him, his face red with anger. "You don't know Jin Taige? What kind of fan are you?"

Before the situation could escalate, Cook, the chairman of the "King of Devils" fan association, stepped in. "Easy, Rodney. They're young. They don't remember."

Cook was a towering figure, both in stature and influence. His calm demeanor and deep knowledge of the club commanded respect. He turned to the young fans. "Jin Taige was the captain of the Class of '92. He was supposed to be the next big thing, but injuries cut his career short. He's been coaching in the youth setup ever since. Ferguson believed in him, and that's good enough for me."

The explanation seemed to placate the room, but the underlying unease remained. Cook himself wasn't entirely convinced. As he sat at the bar, nursing a pint, he confided in the owner, Butler.

"Honestly, I'm not optimistic," Cook admitted. "The squad's aging, the competition's getting stronger, and Jin Taige… well, he's untested. Even Mourinho would have his work cut out."

Butler, a wise and weathered man, nodded thoughtfully. "Ferguson left big shoes to fill. But he also left us with a message: 'Support the next manager.' That's what we'll do."

Despite the doubts, there was a glimmer of hope among the faithful. Jin Taige's appointment was a gamble, but it was also a statement. It signaled a return to the club's values, a belief in nurturing talent from within. For fans who had grown disillusioned with the Glazers' profit-driven approach, it was a reminder of what made Manchester United special.