The atmosphere at Carrington's first-team training ground was different today. There was a sharp intensity in the air, a sense of urgency that made the usual routine feel like a high-stakes match. If it weren't for the training kits and the absence of spectators, one might mistake it for a Champions League final. Every pass, every tackle, every sprint carried an extra edge.
For the third time in a row, Scholes called out from the sidelines. "Keep it controlled! No reckless challenges—we don't need injuries."
As he stepped back, he shook his head and muttered, "They're going at it like wolves."
Scholes returned to the coaching bench, where Tiger King and Mike Phelan were deep in conversation.
Mike Phelan, still visibly unsettled, exhaled. "Tiger, you really went after them earlier. You tore into them like a hurricane. The fire in their eyes—I was half-worried someone might snap and start an argument with you."
Tiger King glanced at the pitch and smirked. "That's exactly what I wanted. Let them burn on the training ground. If they can keep this fire alive through the season, let our opponents suffer instead."
Scholes gave him a thumbs-up. "That speech was something else, Captain. They were angry at first, but the moment you pulled out that 'Triple Crown' newspaper, they knew—it wasn't just criticism. It was trust. You expect the best from them."
"That's the point," Tiger King said, satisfied. He then leaned forward, his expression shifting. "Paul, adjust today's schedule. Training ends an hour early—I have plans."
Scholes nodded and jotted it down in his notebook.
That afternoon, Carrington welcomed unexpected visitors. Woodward personally led a group of journalists to the facility, and Tiger King greeted them with a wide grin.
"Welcome, my friends," Tiger King said. "Nice to finally meet in person."
The group included renowned reporters—Carloinke from The Daily Telegraph, Leslie from The Times, and Toynbee from The Guardian. They exchanged wary glances, some of them still recalling their recent critiques of Tiger King's bold aspirations.
Carloinke was the first to speak. "Mr. Tiger, you wouldn't have invited us here just to settle scores, would you?" His words drew a few nervous chuckles from the group.
Tiger King laughed. "Of course not! We're not here to talk about football today." He gestured toward the indoor training hall. "We're here to play."
The journalists exchanged confused glances as Tiger King led them inside. The moment they stepped in, their confusion turned to surprise—all of Manchester United's first-team players were already there, waiting for them.
Tiger King pointed to the equipment. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the first-ever Manchester United Darts Super League!"
The room erupted into laughter as the journalists finally realized what was happening.
A friendly yet fiercely competitive darts match ensued. The scoreboard read 1002–1024 in favor of the journalists' team, who celebrated each point with exaggerated cheers, much to the amusement of the players.
Meanwhile, Tiger King leaned back against the fitness equipment, watching the scene unfold with Woodward at his side.
Woodward shook his head in amazement. "Tiger, I have to admit—this is brilliant. You got a bunch of reporters, most of whom were criticizing you just days ago, to come here and bond with the team over darts. How did you even come up with this?"
Tiger King smirked. "It's simple. The players get to relax, and the journalists get to connect with them. Next time they sit down to write an article about us, maybe they'll think twice before twisting a narrative."
Woodward chuckled. "So that's your game? Not making enemies, just making them hesitate?"
Tiger King shrugged. "I'm no 'Magic Bird'—I'm not interested in picking fights with the press. But if I can use them to build momentum for us, why not?"
Just then, Hall, who had been playing alongside Rashford, walked over with a grin. "Boss, you should've seen Rashford's last shot. He nearly took Toynbee's head off!"
Tiger King laughed. "Well, at least now they'll have a real story to write."
Leslie from The Times shook his head in amusement. "You're a different kind of manager, Tiger. I can see why your players back you so strongly."
Tiger King glanced at his team, who were fully engaged in the match. "Trust goes both ways. They believe in me—I believe in them. Simple as that."
After an hour, the game ended in good spirits. Tiger King walked the reporters to the gate alongside his players, shaking hands and exchanging a few last jokes.
As they departed, he turned to the team. "We'll be hosting this every week. End-of-season rankings will determine the top three scorers, and the club will issue honor certificates."
The journalists laughed, clearly enjoying the playful rivalry.
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, August had arrived.
On August 3, Old Trafford hosted a special warm-up match—Rio Ferdinand's 10th anniversary at Manchester United. To mark the occasion, the club invited Sevilla from La Liga. For this match, Tiger King selected the same lineup that faced the Thai Lions All-Stars:
Goalkeeper: De Gea
Defenders: Ferdinand, Vidic, Ashley Young, Rafael
Midfielders: Carrick, Anderson, Giggs, Nani
Forwards: Rooney, Van Persie
Despite their best efforts, Manchester United fell 1-3 to Sevilla.
Unlike previous matches, Tiger King didn't criticize his players. He could see their determination, but the defensive frailties were glaring. Ferdinand and Vidic, with a combined age nearing 70, struggled to keep up with Sevilla's quick attacks. Carrick's lack of pace slowed down defensive transitions, and Anderson barely tracked back, leaving the midfield exposed. The result? Three goals conceded from defensive breakdowns.
Meanwhile, the forwards were starved of service. Van Persie managed to score, but only through sheer individual brilliance.
Watching from the sidelines, Tiger King sighed. It's time for a reshuffle.