Rebuilding the Theatre

The End of an Era

Sir Alex Ferguson completed his final game at Old Trafford and bid farewell to the Red Devils faithful. The stadium erupted in thunderous applause. Slowly, Ferguson made his way toward the internal passage of the stadium, waving to the fans one last time.

Beside him walked a sharply dressed young man. Though clearly in his 30s, his youthful features stood out. What was even more striking was that he had an Asian face—an unusual sight in the upper echelons of English football.

As Ferguson approached the tunnel, he suddenly stopped, turned to the young man, and said:

"Remember this moment. Soon, all of this will belong to you."

Without waiting for a response, he strode into the passage without looking back. The young man inhaled sharply, then took a deep breath. He didn't hesitate. Quickening his pace, he followed Ferguson into the tunnel.

In the Sky Sports studio, commentator Morris was in full flow. "Ferguson's impact on Manchester United is immeasurable. His records will stand the test of time. Those who come after him may feel hopeless trying to match his legacy."

His colleague Raman interrupted.

"Morris, who's that beside Sir Alex?"

"Which one?"

"The young man. The one with the Asian face."

Morris squinted at the screen.

"No idea."

"Aren't you supposed to be a die-hard United fan? Is there anyone you don't know?"

"He might be a relative of Sir Alex… or maybe a club official."

A week later, in the final round of the Premier League, Manchester United played out an astonishing 5-5 draw with West Brom. The 2012-13 Premier League trophy returned to Old Trafford.

After the match, the FA held a grand ceremony. FA President Palmer personally awarded medals to the Manchester United players. As the stadium roared with celebration, Ryan Giggs lifted the Premier League trophy high above his head.

Old Trafford shook with sheer euphoria. The Stretford End—home to United's most loyal supporters—erupted in chants and songs. The atmosphere was volcanic. Fans wept, laughed, and roared in unison, knowing they were witnessing history.

The press conference hall was packed. Reporters whispered among themselves, waiting for Sir Alex Ferguson to arrive.

The loudest voice in the room belonged to Wolfe, a journalist for The Sun.

"Alright, lads, what do you reckon? What bombshell is Sir Alex about to drop?"

Toynbee, from The Guardian, smirked.

"Wolfe, planning to spin another tabloid fairytale? Hate to break it to you, but you're in the wrong place."

The room burst into laughter. The Sun was notorious for its sensationalism, and Wolfe was a master of it.

Unfazed, Wolfe grinned.

"We all write stories. Can anyone here swear that everything they publish is the truth?"

Leslie from The Times wasn't interested in the banter.

"United announced yesterday that there would be a major statement today. What do you think it'll be?"

"Ferguson's retirement, obviously," someone replied.

Leslie shook his head.

"That news is already out. If it was just about his retirement, why hold another press conference?"

Wolfe leaned in conspiratorially.

"I bet there's something bigger coming. Maybe Rooney's leaving for Bayern Munich?"

Toynbee rolled his eyes.

"'Reliable sources'? Let me guess—The Sun made that up too?"

The room laughed again.

At that moment, someone turned to a quiet young journalist sitting nearby.

"Hall, you've got good connections with United. Got any inside scoop?"

All eyes turned to Hall. A bespectacled man in his 20s, he carried an air of quiet authority. He was a journalist for the Manchester Evening News, a publication known for its close ties to the club.

Hall adjusted his glasses and spoke in a low voice.

"I've heard Sir Alex will announce his successor today."

Silence. Then, an explosion of voices.

"No way! I heard United's board is negotiating with Mourinho!"

"Mourinho's had a nightmare season with Real Madrid—losing to Barcelona and Atlético, crashing out of the Champions League. Maybe now's the perfect time for him to come to England."

"But Ferguson prefers David Moyes from Everton. He's always admired him."

Hall didn't join the debate. As a die-hard United fan, his mind was elsewhere. He glanced at the stage, knowing that in a few minutes, Ferguson would take the mic and reveal Manchester United's future.

Sir Alex Ferguson entered the press room and sat down. He looked around at the journalists before speaking.

"Today, I have two announcements to make. First, after 1,500 matches as Manchester United's manager, I officially announce my retirement."

A hush fell over the room. Everyone had known this was coming, yet hearing it from Ferguson himself made it real.

He continued before anyone could react.

"Second, I strongly recommend that the Manchester United board appoint Mr. Tiger King as my successor."

Then, with a final nod, he stood up.

"That's all. Goodbye, everyone."

He turned, walked to the door, then paused.

"Dear reporters… no more questions."

With that, he walked away, leaving behind the echoes of a legend.

For a moment, no one moved. Then, the inevitable question filled every journalist's mind.

Who is Tiger King?