As Tiger King left Gill's office, his mind was racing. He was digging deep into the memories of his past life, searching for the best possible signings to strengthen Manchester United.
"It's the summer of 2013… Which future superstars are still young talents? Who can I bring in before their value skyrockets?"
The footballing world was already dominated by the duopoly of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Their talent had transcended the normal scope of human ability, making them unattainable. Barcelona had just secured Neymar, one of the biggest young stars of the time, so that dream was also dead.
"Who else is left?"
Tiger King took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment. He needed to build a future powerhouse, not just for the present but for years to come. If he played his cards right, he could secure the next generation of world-class players before their prices exploded.
The first names started coming to mind—youngsters who had shown flashes of brilliance but had not yet fully blossomed into the global icons they would become.
"Kylian Mbappé is still in the youth ranks at Monaco. Ousmane Dembélé is unknown. Jadon Sancho is in Manchester City's academy. Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt are still at Ajax's youth setup. Joshua Kimmich is playing in the German lower leagues. And Erling Haaland? He's just a kid in Norway."
"The squad is strong, but it has hidden dangers. The midfield needs renewal, the wings lack speed, and the defense requires depth. If I invest wisely, I can lay the foundation for a long-term dynasty."
A list started forming in his mind. The thought excited him. He had the opportunity to reshape football history.
But at the same time, he knew that big clubs wouldn't take him seriously if he suddenly tried to sign unknown kids. He needed a balance—some established stars to ensure immediate success and some hidden gems to secure Manchester United's dominance for years to come.
"Alright," he thought. "Let's make history."
Tiger King returned home to the warm embrace of his family. David and Alexa ran toward him, shouting "Daddy!" as he scooped them up with a grin. Victoria watched with a smile, seeing the joy in their faces.
"Daddy, are you tired today?" Alexa asked sweetly, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"I was a little tired, but seeing you makes it all better," Tiger King said, placing a kiss on her head.
David beamed with excitement. "Dad, guess what? Everyone at school knows you're the new head coach of Manchester United, and they're all jealous! Some even asked me for your autograph."
Tiger King laughed. "Tell them to get in line!"
"But…" David hesitated. "My friend Tom, he's a Liverpool fan, said managing United is tough and that you might not last long."
Victoria frowned and knelt beside David. "Sweetheart, that's not a nice thing to say about Daddy."
Tiger King smirked, undeterred. "David, you tell that Liverpool fan to watch closely next season. I'm not just aiming to do well—I promise you, we'll finish above Liverpool. And mark my words, we'll beat them home and away!"
"Yeah! Dad, you're the best!" David cheered, jumping with excitement.
Victoria chuckled. "Well, now you've made a promise. No pressure, coach."
Tiger King grinned confidently. "Pressure? I live for it."
The family spent a joyful evening together, laughing, playing, and sharing dinner. Afterward, Tiger King and Victoria tucked David and Alexa into bed, staying by their side, telling stories, and playing with them until they finally drifted off to sleep.
Once the children were settled, Tiger King and Victoria quietly returned to their own room. Victoria leaned against him with a soft smile. "You had a long day," she murmured.
Tiger King nodded, exhaling deeply. "Yeah, but moments like this make it all worth it."
She reached for his hand. "No matter what happens with the team, just remember—this is your home, and we're always here for you."
He squeezed her hand gently, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "With you by my side, I can take on anything."
"Please rest now, I still have some work to do. Planning for the business trip I'm about to take to finalize the transfers."
Victoria nodded understandingly. "Just don't overwork yourself, alright?"
Tiger King smiled, kissing her forehead. "I won't. I promise."
She lay down, pulling the covers up, watching as he sat at his desk, flipping through scouting reports and transfer targets. The soft glow of his laptop illuminated his determined expression.
Victoria knew this was just the beginning of a new chapter for him—and for their family. She closed her eyes, whispering, "Good night, my love," as she drifted into sleep.
Tiger King glanced over at her peaceful face and smiled. "Good night, Victoria," he murmured before diving back into his work, determined to build a new era for Manchester United.
Tiger King knew that his new contract brought financial security. A salary of 3 million, plus a 500,000 signing fee, wasn't at the level of Mourinho's 10 million, but it was more than enough for his family. Compared to what he earned in the youth team, it was life-changing.
He glanced back at the bed, where Victoria was fast asleep. If she ever found it too exhausting to balance work and taking care of David and Alexa, she could now comfortably leave her job.
This thought brought him peace. No matter what challenges awaited him at Manchester United, his family would be taken care of.
As the clock ticked past midnight, Tiger King leaned back on the sofa, rubbing his temples. The scouting reports, transfer rumors, and his own knowledge from his past life all swirled together in his mind.
He glanced at the names he had jotted down—young talents who would soon become world-class stars, hidden gems that other managers might overlook. Some were already on the rise, while others were still unknown prospects waiting for their moment.
With a deep breath, he finalized his transfer wish-list.
"Now," he muttered to himself, "let's see if I can pull this off."
Satisfied, he closed his laptop and stretched. Tomorrow, the real battle would begin—the negotiations, the persuasion, the planning. But for now, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction.
With one last glance at his list, Tiger King smiled.
"Manchester United's future starts now."
The Next Day
"Mr. Manager, are you so surprised to see me?" A middle-aged man in his 40s stood up from the sofa, walked over with a smile, and extended his hand toward Tiger King.
"Hello, Ed, I didn't expect to see you today." Tiger King shook his hand firmly.
Ed Woodward, Manchester United's executive vice chairman, chuckled. "I heard you were meeting with David to discuss transfers, so I thought I'd join. Squad investment is a crucial part of the club's direction."
Tiger King nodded. He wasn't particularly surprised—after Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, Woodward had taken over the club's financial and transfer operations. His presence meant that any signings would need to be justified from both a footballing and financial perspective.
David Gill gestured for them to take a seat. "Alright, Tiger King, let's hear it. You've had a night to consider your plans. Who do you want to bring in?"
Tiger King exhaled slightly, steadying himself. This was his first major squad decision as Manchester United's manager. Now was the time to build a team that could dominate both England and Europe.
Gill and Woodward took the copies and quickly scanned the names. Woodward raised an eyebrow.
"You're looking at a mix of rising stars and some solid, underrated talents. Interesting choices."
Tiger King nodded confidently. "Yes, Ed. These are future stars, players with massive potential who are currently undervalued. If we act now, we can get them at a reasonable price before their market value skyrockets."
Woodward frowned slightly. "But there's not a single established star on this list. No big names to boost the club's profile immediately. Are you sure about this approach?"
Gill, still studying the names, sighed and finally spoke. "Tiger King, some of these players are practically unheard of in top-flight football. Are you willing to stake your reputation on this?"
Tiger King smiled and replied confidently, "Ed, that's exactly why we need to act fast. These players are hidden gems, not yet on the radar of the biggest clubs. If we wait until they're well-known, their prices will skyrocket, and we'll lose our chance to sign them at a bargain."
Woodward crossed his arms. "I understand scouting potential, but 15 completely unknown players? No established stars? The fans will expect big signings, not just a list of prospects."
Gill, still studying the list, nodded in agreement. "Tiger King, I respect your judgment, but this approach is risky. Developing young talent takes time, and if they don't perform immediately, the pressure will be on you."
Tiger King leaned forward, undeterred. "I know the risks, but I also know the rewards. Sir Alex built this club on smart scouting and long-term vision. These players may not be famous now, but in a few years, they'll be the core of a dominant Manchester United squad."
Woodward sighed and tapped his fingers on the desk. Woodward stared at Tiger King, his face tense. "Yes, the contract gives you authority over transfers, but it also holds you accountable for results. If these unknowns don't perform, it's your head on the line."
Tiger King smirked, unfazed. "I understand the stakes, Ed. But I'm not building a team just for this season—I'm building a dynasty. These players may not be famous now, but they have the potential to become world-class."
Gill, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "Tiger King, I won't deny that Ferguson also made bold decisions in the transfer market, and they paid off. But this is a gamble. We need a balance—potential for the future and impact for the present."
Woodward nodded. "I'll support your vision, but as I said earlier, we need at least one marquee signing. The fans, the media, and our sponsors expect it."
Tiger King thought for a moment and then said, "Fine. I'll revise my list. I'll still push for these young talents, but I'll also pick one high-profile player who can make an immediate impact."
Woodward exhaled, relieved. "That's more like it. Get me the new list by tomorrow, and we'll move forward."
Tiger King nodded. "Done. Just trust me, gentlemen. In a few years, this squad will dominate Europe."
Gill chuckled, shaking his head. "Tiger King, you certainly have confidence. If even half of these players reach their potential, it will be the greatest transfer window in club history."
Woodward leaned back, still studying the list. "Alright, I'll start working on negotiations. But remember, agents will push up prices, and some clubs won't sell easily. Be prepared for setbacks."
Tiger King nodded. "I understand. I'll prioritize key targets and adjust if necessary. But I want these deals done quickly before other clubs catch on."
Woodward stood up and extended his hand. "Then let's get to work. Good luck, Mr. Manager."
Tiger King shook his hand firmly. "Good luck to us all. This is just the beginning."
Tiger King then hesitantly added, "This year is a bit special. I was wondering if we could visit them personally."
Woodward raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You mean personally scouting and negotiating?"
Tiger King nodded. "Exactly. Some of these players are still under the radar. A direct approach from Manchester United's manager could make a big difference in convincing them. For certain talents, I need to see them up close, understand their mentality, and ensure they fit our vision."
Gill leaned back in his chair, considering. "That's an unusual approach, but if you believe it's necessary, we won't stop you. Just keep us updated on any progress."
Woodward smirked. "Fine, but don't take too long. The transfer window waits for no one. Where's our first stop?"
Tiger King smiled and pointed at the two players in England. "These two are in England. I plan to go to them this afternoon and say hello to my future squad"
Woodward glanced at the names Tiger King pointed to and nodded. "Alright, who are these two players?"
Tiger King leaned back slightly, a confident smile on his face. "Marcos Alonso and Dele Alli"
Woodward chuckled. "You're really betting on the future, huh? Alright, let's go. I'll arrange for a car."
Tiger King stood up, grabbing his coat. "Let's keep this low-key. Just two football men on a little scouting trip."
Gill watched the two leave, shaking his head with a smile. "This might just be the most interesting transfer window we've had in years."