Hat-Trick Hero's Early Exit

Near the edge of the penalty box. It's a tough angle for a direct goal. Still, today he's brimming with confidence, and the situation allows for a bit of greed. Someday, he might get a chance like this when a goal is desperately needed. Gaining experience in resolving it himself now is preparation for that moment. More importantly, accumulating data on choosing to finish these situations personally will force opposing teams to shadow box with multiple options when facing him. Above all, Blackpool's goalkeeper is positioned ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠as if he's not even considering a direct shot.

Upper left corner...

If he can nail that spot precisely, a goal seems entirely possible. And his precise kicking ability is one of his strongest skills.

⚽ 72' Ban Yeager

Ban Yeager's direct free-kick goal makes the score 4-2, surging past reversal into a stable lead toward victory.

Exactly 27 minutes after subbing in, he completes a hat-trick. In this match alone, that's a goal every 10 minutes. Even against 3rd division players, showing such dominance isn't easy. Proof? Manchester United were down 2-1 before he entered. Plus, with reports of poor condition from the previous day's schedule, fans are even more shocked and proud.

Manchester United fans feel like nothing can surprise them anymore. If they can just coast through the remaining 20 minutes and prep for the next game, perfect. The way? Sub rotations to rest players slated for the upcoming Europa League match.

As if reading the fans' minds, Darren Fletcher uses a bunch of subs right before restart after Ban Yeager's free-kick.

"Yeager! That's your number 10!"

"Huh?"

Harry Maguire points to the bench as I cross the halfway line after celebrating. The fourth official's board flashes my number 10 for sub out.

"Hmm? Must be a fourth official mistake~"

These board errors happen sometimes. Maybe confused since I just subbed in earlier?

"Get in here!!!"

While thinking that, Darren Fletcher and assistant Tommy Low wave frantically from the bench.

"Me for real...?"

No correction on the board. Kai Rooney and Rodrygo, heading out, turn back to fetch me.

"Wait, me? I just warmed up?"

"Fire's out, time to save your energy."

"Europa League's coming up, yeah?"

They grin sheepishly, understanding my feelings. I get the reasons, but it's still disappointing.

"Good work. Subbing with injury risk in mind—cut him some slack."

"Yeah... no choice."

I ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠feel I could keep going, but from the manager's view, different story. Darren Fletcher saves one sub card for injury, pulls all main starters.

United fans worry if it's safe without Ban Yeager after losing earlier, but no issues arise. Final score: 4-2.

Defensive subs—CB, CM, ST—prevent more goals but hold the lead steady. Even conceding one leaves 4-3 win. Perfect timing, thanks to Ban Yeager's 30-minute hat-trick freeing three key attackers for rest.

Thus, Manchester United banish Carabao Cup nightmares, ready full strength for Europa League in three days.

Europa League league phase: 8 matches. Top 8 by points direct to knockouts. 9-24 playoffs (home/away, half advance). 25-36 out.

Manchester United aim top 8 for direct entry, no extra games. Past records: 5 wins usually suffices. Win 5 of first 5, trash the last 3.

Early matches crucial. Round 1: Premier League rivals Aston Villa. Rematch of season's league round 3 draw.