Rebuilding the Theatre

The day after returning from Argentina, Jin Taige went straight to work. Players were returning from their vacations one by one, and he needed to prepare for many things in advance. After Woodward arrived, he immediately reported the details of their trip to the Glazer family and handled some remaining contract payment issues.

In the office at the Carrington Training Base that morning, Jin Taige was holding a freshly printed copy of *The Sun*, still smelling of ink. He was reading it with interest, particularly an article titled *Good Coach* by reporter Wolf.

"We have to admire the Glazer family's eye for talent. They've truly chosen a 'good' coach. From the perspective of his transfer fee savings, he perfectly meets the Glazers' financial requirements. Look at the new players he's signed: England's Championship, France's Ligue 2, Bundesliga youth teams... Oh my gosh! Before I express my surprise at Manchester United's new coach, I must first applaud the club's selection criteria. The most expensive transfer deal this summer was still Zaha, signed during Ferguson's era for 15 million euros. Since Jin Taige took over, he's bought 15 young players in one go. Does Jin Taige have a thing for young players? Or does he have some magical ability to spot the next Ronaldo in these 15 unknowns?"

At that moment, there were two other people in Jin Taige's office: his assistant coaches, Mike Phelan and Paul Scholes. They were also reading *The Sun*, their brows furrowed as they scanned the article. Jin Taige glanced at them, lost in thought.

Mike Phelan was 45, Scholes was 37, and Jin Taige was 38. The three were around the same age, which made communication smooth. Scholes didn't need an introduction—Jin Taige had a good relationship with him since their youth team days. Mike Phelan was also very familiar with Jin Taige. When Ferguson retired, he specifically asked Phelan to work closely with Jin Taige. These two were Jin Taige's right-hand men.

Phelan had been Ferguson's personal assistant for the last five years of his tenure. He was well-versed in team management, intelligence gathering, and player relations. Scholes, on the other hand, was assigned by Jin Taige to focus on player training. With his experience and reputation, Scholes was more than capable of handling the role.

"This is absolute nonsense!" Phelan, a hot-tempered man, slammed the newspaper on the table. "What's this about a 'thing for young players'? This is a personal attack! We should sue them!"

Scholes quickly waved his hand. "Calm down, Mike. Don't get worked up."

Jin Taige smiled. "Phelan, Paul, don't worry. I just saw this newspaper at the kiosk this morning and thought it was interesting, so I bought it for you to see too. It's not a big deal. Right now, our focus is on rebuilding the team. I don't have time to waste on these trashy articles. I just wanted you to see how the outside world views us."

"The situation isn't looking great," Scholes set the newspaper aside. "Boss, you called us into the office today. Surely it wasn't just to have tea and read the papers, right?"

"Haha, of course not. We're pressed for time and don't have the luxury of sitting around drinking tea," Jin Taige pulled out two printed sheets from his desk, filled with names. "Take a look at this."

"Is this... the first-team roster?"

Jin Taige nodded. "Yes. I've been busy with transfers lately, but now that's done, it's time to clean up the squad. Phelan, Paul, you were both part of the first team last season one as a coach, the other as a player. Let's take a look now. Who among the current players isn't up to par and needs to be moved on?"

Phelan looked at Jin Taige in surprise. Though Jin Taige was smiling, there was a firm determination in his eyes. Phelan realized: *He's serious about clearing out the deadwood. This new coach is decisive.*

The three of them studied the list carefully, analyzing Manchester United's current lineup.

Goalkeepers:De Gea (1), Lindegaard (13), Amos (40).

Center-backs: Ferdinand (5), Vidic (15), Jones (4), Smalling (12), Evans (6).

Full-backs: Evra (3), Rafael (2), Büttner (28).

Midfielders: Carrick (16), Anderson (8), Fletcher (24), Kagawa (26), Cleverley (23), Januzaj (44).

Wingers: Giggs (11), Nani (17), Young (18), Valencia (7).

Forwards: Rooney (10), Van Persie (20), Hernandez (14), Welbeck (19).

Jin Taige started with the goalkeepers. "Aside from De Gea, how good are Lindegaard and Amos? I've brought in Alisson, and I plan to have him as De Gea's backup."

Phelan shook his head. "Those two are barely adequate. They're just here to make up the numbers. With Alisson in, we can let them go."

"Alright, that's settled," Jin Taige moved on. "In central defense, we have decent depth."

Phelan pointed to Evans. "Last season, West Brom wanted to buy Evans and promised him a starting spot. Sir Alex convinced him to stay for another year, with the understanding that we'd consider his transfer in 2013. Tiger, if you can't guarantee him a starting role this season, he'll likely ask to leave."

Jin Taige shook his head. "Even though Ferdinand and Vidic are aging, I've brought in Van Dijk and Bailly. Jones and Smalling are also more reliable than Evans. If he wants to leave, let him go."

Phelan agreed. "The center-back situation is fine, but we're thin at full-back."

"I've signed Alonso to eventually replace Evra. Jones can also cover at right-back. That means Büttner is surplus to requirements and can be sold. Any objections?"

"None," Phelan said.

Jin Taige then turned to the midfield. "The midfield is a bigger concern. Carrick is getting older and injury-prone. I plan to have Kanté take over the defensive midfield duties, which will solidify our midfield. The other five—Anderson, Fletcher, Kagawa, Cleverley, and Januzaj—aren't up to the standard we need. If we receive reasonable offers, we should let them go."

"Our midfield is bloated, and most of them aren't good enough for a top European club. Clearing them out makes sense," Scholes agreed.

Jin Taige then looked at the wingers: Giggs, Nani, Young, and Valencia.

"Giggs can still contribute for another year. The others are decent, but we lack depth. I plan to have Mahrez as Giggs' backup. That should help us manage the demands of multiple competitions next season." Jin Taige glanced at the list. "Up front, we have Rooney, Van Persie, Hernandez, and Welbeck. Rooney and Van Persie still have a few good years left, and Hernandez is a reliable backup. Welbeck is worth developing. This season, I plan to integrate Icardi and Martial into the first team to provide depth and cover for injuries."

"I agree."

"No objections here."

With that, the three finalized the squad adjustments for the upcoming season.

The next morning, Woodward walked into Jin Taige's office looking dejected. He slumped onto the sofa and groaned, "Tiger, you've got me in trouble."

"What's wrong, Ed? What happened?" Jin Taige sat across from him.

Woodward sighed. "When we bought Icardi, Sampdoria wanted 13 million euros, but you only had 11.7 million. Remember how I covered the extra 1.3 million?"

"Of course. You added 2 million euros to help me close the deal."

"Well, Malcolm chewed me out yesterday. He said I overstepped by adding funds without approval. I'm not here to complain, but..."

Jin Taige understood immediately. He handed Woodward a sheet of paper. "Take a look at this."

"What is it?"

"It's a list of players I've identified as surplus to requirements. Some are fringe players who can be sold if the price is right. Selling them should cover the 2 million euros you added." Jin Taige leaned back on the sofa, smiling at Woodward.

Woodward's eyes lit up. "Brilliant! I love your thinking! If we sell these players for a good price, Malcolm might even give us a bonus!"

"I don't need a bonus. Just more transfer funds next year would be great." Jin Taige glanced out the window at the training ground. Players were starting to return from their vacations.

In the following days, Jin Taige spoke privately with several players who weren't in his plans, including backup goalkeepers Lindegaard and Amos, defender Evans, full-back Büttner, and midfielders Cleverley and Anderson. While they were disappointed to hear they weren't part of Jin Taige's vision, they appreciated his honesty. At least they had time to find new clubs.

Soon, the transfers began.

Lindegaard, the Danish goalkeeper, returned to his homeland, joining Kolding for 1 million euros.

Amos, though limited in ability, was English and only 22. He found a new home at Championship side Cardiff City for 2.2 million euros.

West Brom, who had long been interested in Evans, finally got their man for 3.5 million euros.

Büttner, who had joined from the Netherlands in 2012 for 4 million euros, was sold back to Vitesse for 2 million euros.

Cleverley, a product of Manchester United's youth academy, had been inconsistent. At 24, he wasn't getting any younger. When Everton, managed by Moyes, offered to take him on loan, Jin Taige agreed. The loan fee was 2 million euros, with an option to buy for 5 million.

Januzaj, the 17-year-old Belgian winger, was also loaned to Everton. Jin Taige saw little playing time for him this season and felt a Premier League loan would benefit him. Moyes wanted to include a buyout clause, but Jin Taige refused.

These loan deals helped Jin Taige and Moyes build a rapport. Moyes even invited Jin Taige to visit Everton, which Jin Taige gladly accepted.

Finally, Zaha, the Ivorian winger signed by Ferguson, was loaned back to Crystal Palace for 2 million euros.

After these transfers, Jin Taige had raised approximately 12.7 million euros. Woodward was thrilled.

With the squad now finalized, Jin Taige's first-team roster looked like this (with jersey numbers in parentheses):

Goalkeepers: De Gea (1), Alisson (40).

Center-backs: Ferdinand (5), Vidic (15), Jones (4), Smalling (12), Van Dijk (6).

Full-backs: Evra (3), Rafael (2), Alonso (23).

Midfielders: Carrick (16), Kanté (13), Anderson (8), Fletcher (24), Kagawa (26).

Wingers: Giggs (11), Nani (17), Mahrez (28), Young (18), Valencia (7).

Forwards: Rooney (10), Van Persie (20), Hernandez (14), Icardi (9), Martial (22), Welbeck (19).

With a squad of 26 players, Jin Taige felt confident. He had strengthened key areas and added depth. Now, he couldn't wait for the Premier League season to start and see his team in action.

These were the players he would rely on to restore Manchester United to glory. The future of the Red Devils was bright, and Jin Taige was ready to lead them into a new era.