Chapter 72
Chapter 72
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Silver Dragon
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: 29-30 Summer Transfer Window (2)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Rodrygo: Real Madrid, left winger
Warren Zaïre-Emery: Paris Saint-Germain, central midfielder
Pablo Gavi: Barcelona, central midfielder
Nuno Mendes: Paris Saint-Germain, left fullback
Roony Bardghji: Barcelona, right winger
Leny Yoro: Atlético Madrid, centerback
As soon as Banyae revealed the list, laughter erupted before any opinions on feasibility or realism could form.
They'd be great signings if they actually happened, but these players didn't seem likely at all.
In the past, plenty of players came to Manchester United out of love, even if the conditions weren't the best.
But after years of decline upon decline, culminating in relegation...
Even players who flopped at United revived spectacularly after leaving.
Even with promotion back, the club was still seen as a fallen giant compared to its glorious past.
That's why, among United fans, the infamous "Mangu" meme had taken hold—a self-deprecating joke about preferring suicide over joining Manchester United.
They'd returned to the EPL.
They had plenty of money to sign players.
And these targets were actively looking for moves, so transfers were possible in theory.
Yet...
The memories of hope turning to betrayal were too vivid and painful.
Just like the past decade, pretending not to expect anything had become the norm.
Are they insane? Those players coming here? lololololololololololol
Manchester United had wrapped up the 28-29 season perfectly.
They won the second division and earned promotion to the EPL.
They also lifted the FA Cup, securing a Europa League spot for next season.
It wasn't just promotion—they brought in talents like Ban Yeager, Lucas Krüden, Marc Bernal, and Mike Maignan, players capable of competing in the EPL and coveted worldwide.
Ban Yeager, in particular, shone in FA Cup clashes against top clubs and was named the Club World Cup's best player, proving he could lead United's present and future.
The path to glory seemed clear, yet fans remained anxious.
Twenty years of repeated losses had scarred them.
"Next season will be different. We can't fall any lower," they'd say—but somehow, they always did.
Sent Garnacho off to Chelsea nicely, and Zabarnyi's a solid addition
Even offloading problem child Garnacho and adding a needed centerback couldn't spark joy.
It would take major good news to rebuild their shattered spirits.
"They still seem pretty worried."
"Can you blame them? They've poured a decade into this club."
A one-on-one with manager Darren Fletcher.
It had been a whole month, so it felt like ages.
Of course, Xabi Alonso had filled the tactical talks to the brim, so it wasn't exactly missed.
"We need to prep for next season, but nothing's set in stone. Real headache..."
"The current squad's competitive enough. Kai Rooney's adapting better than expected."
"True, but... have you given up on Rodrygo already? Is that why you're saying Kai Rooney's enough?!!"
"Sigh... just trust and wait."
I got where Darren Fletcher was coming from.
He'd latched onto Rodrygo as our left winger the moment I shared my plans, and now with things dragging, he was sweating bullets.
I wasn't worried—I'd met Rodrygo personally and gauged his interest.
"Any word on sponsor proposals?"
"Hmm. Nothing firm, but they want to talk directly with you soon."
"...Sounds good."
Not everything was wrapped up yet.
But it was all progressing smoothly.
All I had to do was stay focused on what was in front of me.
"You okay with this schedule? Even just official matches next season look packed."
"No issue."
Focus on upcoming games.
Even rest means recovering on the pitch—that's my motto.
I repay the fans' love and expectations with full 90s every match.
Not just United fans—many were fretting if this window would flop too.
But with over a month left, it was too early to panic.
New deals could explode anytime.
Though that didn't guarantee good news for United.
Hot commodities were limited, and must-haves were chased by everyone.
As clubs announced signings and celebrated, others couldn't smile.
Especially infuriating when a target went to a rival.
United desperately needed wingers.
Shea Riley was great but injury-prone; Mount and Antony were still for sale.
Losing Bardghji to City ignited fury.
Just as that rage peaked...
An unexpected signing dropped—no rumors, no leaks.