Rebuilding the Theatre

Chapter 1: The Gaffer’s Final Bow



"This pass is beautiful! Van Persie gets the ball! Great, okay, let's go! Shot! Oh, the ball slips just wide of the goal. What a pity—just a little bit more!"

"Swansea's goalkeeper has been the best player on the pitch today. Without him, this game would have been a one-sided slaughter. The score is now 1-1, even though the Red Devils are desperate to win. They've thrown everything at Swansea, but the visitors are stubbornly holding on."

"Morris, I know you're a Manchester United fan, but this farewell match is almost irrelevant. Manchester United is already 7 points ahead of their rivals, Manchester City. Even if they lose this game, they'll still be champions."

"Raman, you're right. But as the final game of the Ferguson era at the Theatre of Dreams, I think every Manchester United player—and every fan—wants to see a victory to bid farewell to the most respected coach in football history, Sir Alex Ferguson!"

The Sky TV broadcast of Manchester United's match against Swansea was in full swing. Commentators Morris and Raman were buzzing with excitement, especially Morris, a die-hard Manchester United fan.

"That's right! We only need victory! It's always the same!"** shouted a group of Manchester United fans gathered at a bar, watching the game intently. One shirtless fan downed his glass of beer in one gulp and yelled, "Come on, lads! Beat Swansea and send the Gaffer off with a win!"

"Yeah, come on!"

"Fight for it!"

The clock showed 86 minutes. The Manchester United players on the pitch were relentless, running as hard as they had at the start of the match. They had one goal in mind: to win this game for their legendary manager.

Manchester United won a corner kick on the right side of the field. Every outfield player, except goalkeeper De Gea, surged into the penalty area, ready to attack. Even the central defensive duo, Ferdinand and Vidic, positioned themselves in the box, waiting for their chance.

Van Persie, who had already scored 30 league goals that season and claimed the Premier League Golden Boot, stepped up to take the corner. He placed the ball on the spot, took a deep breath, and sprinted forward, whipping the ball into the penalty area with a powerful, curling cross.

"Boss, thank you for believing in me. Let this be my final assist for you!"

The ball soared into the box, causing chaos among the defenders. Swansea, sitting comfortably in ninth place with no relegation fears or European ambitions, fought hard to clear the danger. But in the midst of the scramble, the 189 cm tall Vidic rose above everyone. At the last moment, he ducked his head, letting the ball sail past him.

The Swansea goalkeeper, caught off guard, couldn't react in time. The ball fell to Ferdinand, who struck it cleanly from seven yards out, sending it into the back of the net!

"GOAL! Manchester United have scored! It's their number 5, Rio Ferdinand, in the 87th minute! Manchester United now lead 2-1!"

"What a goal! This is Ferdinand's first goal at Old Trafford in five years. What a way to pay tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson!"

The Theatre of Dreams erupted in celebration. Though there were still a few minutes left, the fans didn't care. They chanted Sir Alex Ferguson's name, their voices echoing through the stadium.

When the referee blew the final whistle, Manchester United emerged victorious with a 2-1 win. They finished the season 10 points clear of rivals Manchester City, securing the 2012-2013 Premier League title.

After the match, the players, led by captain Ryan Giggs, thanked the fans around the stadium. Among them was Paul Scholes, who was playing his final game at Old Trafford. After today, he would no longer wear the famous red jersey or grace the pitch with his brilliance. Standing behind Giggs, Scholes looked as shy as the 18-year-old who had first joined the first team decades ago. Giggs tried to pull him forward to acknowledge the fans, but Scholes, ever humble, waved and quietly retreated.

Suddenly, the crowd fell silent. All eyes turned to the sidelines, where a 72-year-old man slowly walked onto the pitch. He held a microphone, his arm trembling slightly—whether from emotion or age, no one could tell. The fans watched in awe. If not for his weekly presence on the Manchester United bench, it would have been easy to forget that this man had carried the weight of a club for so many years.

"Yes, it's time to rest. You've given everything for Manchester United."

Sir Alex Ferguson stood at the center of the Theatre of Dreams, delivering his final speech as Manchester United's manager. When he thanked the club and the fans, a middle-aged man in the stands, his face covered in a thick beard, broke down in tears like a child.

At the end of his speech, Ferguson pulled Scholes forward, asking him to say a few words. Scholes, standing beside his mentor, looked as clear-eyed as he had 20 years ago.

"An era of passion and glory has come to an end. This has been an incredible journey, and I want to thank you all once more," Scholes said, his voice steady.

Ferguson added, "I also want to remind everyone: when times were tough, the club stood by me, and the players stood by me. Now, your job is to support the next manager. That is crucial."

The fans listened in silence, their applause erupting only when Ferguson waved one last time. They stood and clapped, giving the man who had defined their club the heartfelt send-off he deserved.

Yet, amidst the celebration, there was an undercurrent of sadness and uncertainty.

"The Gaffer is gone. Who will carry Manchester United forward now?"

...

This is a mtl so I have no control on what goes on I saw this on webnovel before but it's gone hope you guys like it. This is also just for now it currently 12:48 am where I'm at sooo until next time.


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.