VS Birmingham City (2): Hat-Trick Domination

Thanks to Ban Yeager's overwhelming performance, the first half ends with a commanding 2-0 scoreline in today's match.

While two goals might seem underwhelming for such a dominant display, anyone who watched the full 45 minutes of the first half would never think that.

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Chido Obi Martin's shocking big-chance misses and turnovers up top limited them to just two goals.

Substituting him out right away might kill any growth potential, so Darren Fletcher decides to hold off on changes and head into the second half as is.

Birmingham City also fielded their strongest possible lineup from the start, so both teams kick off the second half without any subs.

Yeeeeeeeaaaaah!!!

Stepping onto the pitch, Old Trafford erupts in massive cheers welcoming Manchester United's fans.

Playing at our home ground, the Theatre of Dreams, gives us this huge edge.

And its impact is bigger than you might think.

"Hoo..."

Amid the endless roaring cheers, a strange calm settles in.

Disappointingly dropped to second in the league, with our derby rivals Liverpool now sitting pretty in first just above us.

No direct clash with Liverpool right now, so catching up on points isn't immediate, but that doesn't mean we can't do anything.

When points are tied in the Premier League, goal difference decides the winner.

In easy wins like this, piling on goals benefits both the team and personal stats.

Let's chase that hat-trick~

——

"Jesse!"

Thwump—

Honestly, today's match feels way too easy.

Maybe because we got full rest without international call-ups.

That's part of it, but can't deny Birmingham City is a much softer opponent than recent foes like Manchester City or Arsenal.

Baek Seung-hoon and Iwatake Tomoki are trying everything to shut me down, but...

Pang—

That leaves us with a numbers advantage, opening up more passing lanes.

"Jay!"

JJ Gabriel times his run perfectly to break the line on my through ball and collects it successfully.

He could dribble forward for a 1v1 or cut inside—either works.

I call out just to remind him, then sprint into the box.

Of course, it'd be even better if he sets me up for a goal.

"Defend the cross!!!"

Birmingham City's center-back chases late after JJ Gabriel's perfect run creates the chance.

That opens a lane to Chido Obi, already in the box first.

Pang—

Spotting it, JJ Gabriel whips in the pass instantly.

Shrrrrr—

Oh.

Chido Obi whiffs it completely up front, fooling Birmingham's center-back who can't touch it.

Even the keeper reacts to the dummy.

Thud—

The ball rolls beautifully into the net untouched.

Yeeeeeeeeaaaaah!!!

Old Trafford fills with cheers again.

I'm the star this time.

Chido Obi runs over with an awkward grin to celebrate anyway.

Grateful, but pity too... nothing I can do about it.

Anyway, another goal is always welcome.

——

With his second goal of the match, Ban Yeager surges to sole top of the Premier League golden boot race.

Not only a goal clear of second-place Manchester City's Haaland, but with 30 minutes left, he could extend the lead further.

A player leading the golden boot race—and a team with him—can't help but surge with morale.

Especially when that player is Ban Yeager, with endless potential and bold loyalty to the club.

So Darren Fletcher decides to keep him on for the full 90.

And soon, the crowd's roar rewards that call.

Yeeeeeeaaaaah!!!

He leaps toward the scoreboard, leading fans in "Glory, Glory Man United!"—broadcast worldwide on the big screen.

——

Ban Yeager seals a hat-trick, powering Manchester United to utter domination.

A clean 4-0 win means no need for players needing rest after international duty— a perfect day.

Meanwhile, criticism mounts against Hong Young-bo, who holds national team call-up rights, with questions now if he even has them.

Every time Ban Yeager shines, Korea's national team and KFA naturally draw flak.

Heavy fans, burned out beyond belief, abandon the NT and go all-in on Manchester United to soothe their souls.

Into this atmosphere comes Premier League Round 9.

The top two teams, swapping places, finally clash.