Chapter 16
Chapter 16
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Translator: Silver Dragon
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: Bban Ye's Championship Plan Lecture
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A free kick from over 30 yards—about 27 meters—from the goal.
Most players in this situation would opt for a pass rather than aiming for a direct goal.
But the current score was 4:0. We were way ahead.
Besides, focusing too much on passes instead of direct shots had led to a goalless second half.
The fans watching the match clearly wanted to see a bold shot, even if it went wide.
And I was confident I could score.
Beep—!
"Huu..."
When striking the ball, use the inside of your instep.
Not a full kick—more like a gentle push.
Bang—!
...
Yaaaaah—!!!
The Dream Theatre, Old Trafford. Southampton's invasion was swept away by the red wave.
Manchester United had rocketed from 5th to 3rd in an instant thanks to Ban Yeager's arrival.
Fans who had been fretting over a potential failed promotion this season now dared to hope.
At this rate, a top-6 finish for the playoffs was practically guaranteed.
If they kept the momentum, they could snag a top-2 spot for direct promotion—or even win the Championship outright.
Rodrygo, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Marc Bernal, Madu Murcia.
None of these four were mere Championship-level players.
That's why the reaction was mostly that transfers to Manchester United were absurd.
But astonishingly, moves were underway beneath the surface to bring them to Man Utd.
Three days after Bban Ye's stream, an official article dropped: one of them had sealed a move to Manchester United.
Bban Ye had nailed two transfers spot-on.
Fans were half-joking, half-serious in wondering if he had some unofficial pipeline to Manchester United.
And honestly, they weren't far off.
Six days before the Manchester United vs. Southampton match.
There had been a full week off between Round 27 vs. Watford and Round 28 vs. Southampton.
Thanks to that, Ban Yeager could join U-18 training temporarily, as he'd discussed with the manager beforehand.
"You all probably know him, but introductions are in order. This is Ban Yeager, the man reviving Manchester United."
U-18 coach Clayton Blackmore introducing me.
"Hello, everyone. Looking forward to working with you."
Clap clap clap clap clap clap!!!
"Whoa... He really showed up..."
"Can I get an autograph...?"
This was a far cry from the reaction when I'd first joined first-team training.
Granted, that was the first team, and this was U-18—but my status at the club had skyrocketed too.
What was the biggest realistic dream for Manchester United U-18 academy players?
Making the first team.
Having trained at the club since childhood with that goal in mind, they were naturally Man Utd fans as well.
Then came the relegation.
Was it time to jump ship from a sinking vessel, or a golden chance to break into the first team amid the chaos?
Into that confusion comet-like appeared Ban Yeager, normalizing Manchester United.
Suddenly, seats opened up on the lifeboat, no sinking worries—for the youth players, it was ideal.
And now Ban Yeager was joining U-18 sessions regularly?
"The reason Ban's training with you is there are drills unique to youth teams. Like working on physical growth that isn't fully complete yet. Anyway, bottom line: get along well. Sorry, but no one your age can compete with him."
The U-18 players nodded instinctively.
Rumors were one thing, but seeing him in person was another.
'Then...'
'Those rumors are real too...?'
Rumors had swirled around the club lately: Ban Yeager would join U-18 training regularly.
And now it was reality.
Alongside the Ban Yeager U-18 rumor came whispers of money.
"Catch Ban Yeager's eye and fast-track to first team!"
"Plans to call up same-age players who support him properly?"
"What? That's why he's at U-18?!!"
"Scouting in person?!!"
With one of the paired rumors confirmed, the other's credibility soared.
Ban Yeager showing up meant the "Ban Yeager parachute to first team" talk suddenly felt legit.
'Why are these kids looking at me like that?'
Ban Yeager was flustered by the U-18 players' oddly sticky gazes.
But from the start, his eyes had been fixed on one player.