Chapter 7
Chapter 7
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Silver Dragon
Chapter: 7
Chapter Title: Manchester United
-----------------------------------------------------------------
After a quick chat with Park Ji-jeong, I headed straight to Manchester United.
Truth be told, the team's situation and facilities couldn't even charitably be called good compared to the other places I'd scouted so far.
Even so, the contract with ManU moved forward at lightning speed.
They'd really been waiting just for me.
"Ah, you've arrived."
The first person I met upon reaching ManU was the current manager of Manchester United, Darren Fletcher.
Aiming for immediate promotion after relegation, they desperately needed quality signings.
It was great that they'd snagged a big fish every major club worldwide was chasing, but the timing sucked.
Right now, ManU needed proven starters, not prospects.
Even Ban Yeager fans weren't thrilled about this move.
With official offers pouring in from top-flight teams, no one could understand why he'd join a sinking ship in the second tier.
Ban Yeager's baffling transfer to Manchester United left everyone scratching their heads.
To address the questions, manager Darren Fletcher and Ban Yeager held a joint press conference.
"A question for Ban Yeager! We know you had love calls from several clubs—what made you choose Manchester United?!"
"It was the team that recognized my value best. I'm always ready to give my heart to a club like that."
It was cringey, but unavoidable.
In spots like this, laying on the lip service—even if it felt over-the-top—was the way to go.
"Then a question for Manager Fletcher! The club is seen as needing instant impact players. In that context, what kind of signing is Ban Yeager for ManU?"
"I know the fans have doubts and anxiety about this deal. I can say with confidence: Ban Yeager is the best talent I've seen in years, and he's central to my plans."
The first reason I chose Manchester United?
The manager knew his soccer.
After the presser, I walked home.
Just ten minutes on foot from the training ground.
The club had hooked us up with a standalone house, where I'd live with my family.
"I'm home~"
"Uh... welcome back?"
The only one greeting me awkwardly with a raised hand was my little sister, Ban Yerin.
"Where's Dad?"
"Busy as hell lately, just like you."
Dad had been even busier than me since arriving in England.
With the club's help, he was fast-tracking agent certification through the FA—his soccer background meant no qualification hurdles.
I couldn't handle every offer and call myself, so an agent was essential.
I'd make the big calls like contracts, but Dad's role was crucial for planning ahead.
Plus, it solved our sudden relocation adjustment issues.
The worry was my sister, Ban Yerin.
The club helped get her into a Manchester school, but I fretted over how she'd adapt without knowing the language.
"How's it going lately?"
"What?"
"Y'know, suddenly moving from Korea—anything tough?"
"...Nah. It's better here, so just focus on soccer."
"Haha..."
Bang—!
She snapped back sharply and stormed to her room.
We used to fight over reactions like that, but now I got it.
"Teasing 'cause your big bro's worried~?"
"Shut up!!!"
——
The first team meeting after signing with Manchester United.
It happened at the training ground, three days before Premier League Round 24.
"Ban Yeager from South Korea. Call me Ban, whatever's comfy."
Clap clap clap clap...
Most clapped half-heartedly, eyes full of resentment.
After the quick intro, players scattered for individual drills.
The only one to approach was Manchester United's captain.
‘Harry Maguire!’
The name popped into my head automatically.
Once vilified as the villain of defeats, mocked worldwide, yet he endured to protect the team—a romantic soul.
A man who simply loved soccer.
Harry Maguire.
"Welcome. Glad you're at Manchester United. Call me Harry."
"Nice to meet you, Harry."
"You can tell—the club's vibe sucks right now. If things get rough, come to me."
"Thanks. Should be fine."
If ManU only had guys like him, they never would've gone down.
"Whoa! Nice shot!"
"Hey hey, your fancy spins are still intact."
"““Hahahahahahaha!!!””"
Three players huddled in the corner, chattering.
Mason Mount.
Alejandro Garnacho.
Antony.
ManU's hopeless trio that no one wanted to buy.
"Alright! Time for the practice match by pre-assigned teams! Ban, new today—pick whichever side you want."
The manager's "practice match" meant the first-team starting XI scrimmage.
One side: ManU's best possible squad. The other: scraps thrown together.
My choice was obvious...
The first-team squad I'd be playing with.
I headed straight for the starters without hesitation. Spotting this, Darren Fletcher shuffled the roster.
Mason Mount shifted to the other side.
That's right.
Incredibly, ManU's starting attacking midfielder was Mason Mount.
——
Practice match kicked off with the starters possessing.
I'd half-expected it, but passes to me were scarce.
They weren't outright ignoring me—just avoiding me when options were equal.
No need to rush in cases like this.
Just use the freedom wisely, stay in smart positions consistently.
‘Right side's stacked, for sure.’
How to exploit near-total neglect?
Scout the teammates on the pitch.
ManU's right winger Shea Lacey and right-back Noussair Mazraoui were definitely beyond second-division level.
Grateful they stuck around.
One of the few hopes.
Midfield had Toby Collyer and Finlay McAllister running...
They hustled, at least.
Dodging markers, lingering for a pass—finally, a call came.
"Ban!!"
Harry Maguire's voice.
‘Knew I could count on him!’
Didn't expect backup even on the pitch.
The pass bypassed midfield, straight to me.
Thwump—
I turned, controlled, and lined up a shot in one motion.
Paang—!
My right foot whipped the ball into the top right corner.
"..."
Tweet—!
Whistle for goal.
"Great job!"
Only Harry Maguire ran over to praise me. The rest trudged back, stunned.
Thankfully, passes started coming post-goal, and I rewarded each with scores.
Three days to the next match.
Plenty of time to dominate and become the team's core.
——
Manchester United currently sat fifth.
They needed second for direct promotion—not just that, with the ManU name, winning the second tier was the bare minimum.
For a team that had to win, consistent goals were key.
But with Mason Mount as starting attacking mid, steady scoring was a pipe dream.
Manager Darren Fletcher watched the scrimmage.
"My eye for talent didn't fail me..."
Flawless positioning, always pass-ready.
First touch turning rockets into shots, with eerie trajectories.
First training after Korea to England, exceeding expectations.
Replicating the U-17 World Cup demolition of Spain.
"He could start right away like this..."
Upcoming Round 24 for Manchester United.
Opponent: Leeds United FC.
Current EFL Championship leaders—and ManU's derby rivals.