The 2013-14 English Premier League season officially began on August 17, 2013, with the opening match between Liverpool and Stoke City at Anfield, kicking off at 14:45. Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory, with Daniel Sturridge scoring the decisive goal. Simon Mignolet played a heroic role, saving a late penalty to ensure Liverpool started the season with a win.
Later in the day, at 19:00, Manchester United, now managed by Tiger King, were set to begin their campaign against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium. As the defending champions took to the pitch, all eyes were on how they would fare under their new leadership.
As Tiger King sat on the bus heading to Liberty Stadium, he looked down at the first-team squad list in his hands, feeling a wave of emotion. Just a few days ago, the list had 26 players, but after losing two players, it had now shrunk to 24.
🔹 Goalkeepers:🧤 1 – David De Gea,🧤 40 – Alisson,🧤 50 – Sam Johnstone
🔹 Center-Backs: 🛡 4 – Phil Jones, 🛡 5 – Rio Ferdinand, 🛡 6 – Virgil van Dijk, 🛡 12 – Toby Alderweireld, 🛡 15 – Nemanja Vidić
🔹 Full-Backs:⚡ 2 – Rafael da Silva,⚡ 3 – Marcos Alonso
🔹 Midfielders:🎯 8 – Anderson, 🎯 13 – N'Golo Kanté,🎯 16 – Michael Carrick, 🎯 24 – Darren Fletcher, 🎯 26 – Shinji Kagawa, 🎯 22 – Jesse Lingard
🔹 Wingers:⚡ 7 – Antonio Valencia,⚡ 11 – Ryan Giggs,⚡ 17 – Nani,⚡ 18 – Ashley Young,⚡ 28 – Riyad Mahrez
🔹 Strikers:⚽ 10 – Wayne Rooney,⚽ 20 – Robin van Persie⚽, 22 – Anthony Martial
As the Manchester United team bus rolled into Liberty Stadium, Tiger King led his squad off and onto the pitch for their warm-up. The stadium, located in Swansea, the second-largest city in Wales, had a capacity of 20,532 spectators, making it the third-largest stadium in the country.
The moment United stepped onto the field, a deafening chorus of boos erupted from the home supporters.
Walking at the back of the group, Tiger King paused for a moment and glanced toward the visiting fans' section. He turned to Paul Scholes beside him and asked, "Paul, do they always give such a warm welcome to visiting teams?"
Scholes chuckled. "If it were a weaker team, the boos would be quieter. The stronger the opponent, the louder the hostility."
Tiger King nodded, clenching his fist. "In that case, let's make sure these home fans leave disappointed tonight."
Scholes said nothing, but his mind drifted to a fond memory—the last time he played at this stadium as a Manchester United player, he had scored a stunning long-range goal. But now, things were different. No longer a player, he was standing on the sidelines as a coach, adjusting to his new role.
Sensing Scholes' unease, Mike Phelan leaned in and whispered, "Paul, if you were still in kit, you'd probably be sprinting onto the field right now."
Scholes smiled. "You're not wrong."
Mike Phelan gave him a knowing look. "But don't let your nerves show—remember, there's someone here who's more nervous than you."
Scholes turned and saw Tiger King, standing near the edge of the pitch, fists clenched, eyes locked on the players warming up. His expression was intense, burning with determination.
At that moment, Mike Phelan walked up to him. "Tiger, relax a little. Swansea isn't that strong—we should have no trouble getting the win."
Tiger King turned to him, his gaze sharp and unwavering. The fire in his eyes was undeniable. "Who said I was nervous? I can't wait to win."
Mike Phelan smirked, nudging Scholes. "I guess I was overthinking things."
The atmosphere was electric. The Tiger King era at Manchester United was about to begin.
Tiger King had spent more than a decade coaching the youth team, shaping future stars and preparing them for the first team. Though he had also served as an assistant coach, he had never been fully responsible for adjusting the team's tactics.
At the end of last season, Sir Alex Ferguson personally promoted him to the first team. As Ferguson's assistant, Tiger King had been in a learning phase, absorbing knowledge while working under the legendary manager. The presence of Sir Alex provided a safety net—no matter how tense a Premier League match became, the pressure never truly reached him. With Ferguson in charge, there was always a solution.
But now, everything was different. For the first time, Tiger King was leading Manchester United on his own. Every decision, every tactical move, every result would be his responsibility. He would be the one experiencing the highs of victory and the lows of defeat. This was his true beginning—and a new era for Manchester United.
For a brief moment, Tiger King was lost in thought. His past life felt like a distant memory, but there was one thing he remembered vividly: his love for Football Manager (FM). He had spent countless hours on the game, dreaming of managing a top European club, standing on the touchline, hearing the roar of the crowd, and guiding his team to trophies and glory.
And now, that dream had become reality.
The 20-minute warm-up was nearing its end. Tiger King signaled Scholes to stay near the pitch and gather the players, while he and Mike Phelan headed back to the locker room to prepare.
Inside, everything was already in place. Phelan had taken care of every detail—players' boots, shin guards, water bottles, spare jerseys. The team doctors were carefully organizing the medical kit. The entire room had an air of quiet professionalism.
A few minutes later, the Manchester United players returned. Scholes entered last, closing the door behind him. Instantly, the outside noise was muffled.
The real challenge was about to begin.
As Tiger King scanned the faces of his players, he knew that this moment was crucial. The first starting lineup of the season would set the tone for what was to come.
With a firm voice, he began announcing the eleven men who would take the field.
"De Gea, the task of keeping the goal today is up to you." The Spanish goalkeeper nodded, his expression calm and focused.
"The backline will consist of Van Dijk and Ferdinand in central defense, with Alonso on the left and Raphael on the right." Each defender acknowledged their selection, determination flashing in their eyes.
"Carrick, you will partner N'Golo Kanté in midfield. Giggs will play on the left, and Nani on the right." The experienced Carrick nodded, while Kanté—making his Premier League debut for Manchester United—straightened his posture, eager to prove himself. Giggs and Nani, both veterans of the club, exchanged glances, ready to take on their wide roles.
"Up front, Rooney and Van Persie will lead the attack." A sense of confidence filled the room. The proven partnership between Rooney and Van Persie had already brought United success, and today, they would be relied upon once more.
Finally, Tiger King turned to the bench. "Our seven substitutes for this game are Alisson, Jones, Valencia, Anderson, Mahrez, Martial, and Toby Alderweireld."
For Alisson, Mahrez, Martial, and Toby Alderweireld, there were no complaints about starting on the bench. As new summer signings, they understood their roles and were focused on training hard, waiting for their opportunities to prove themselves.
Meanwhile, Van Dijk, Alonso, and Kanté were filled with excitement. They had earned Tiger King's trust and were eager to repay his faith with a strong performance on the pitch.
Valencia, a key rotational player from last season, had expected his role. Having been an integral part of the squad before, he knew his time would come.
At just 21 years old, Phil Jones wasn't discouraged. His career was still in its early stages, and with Tiger King personally discussing his transition into a defensive midfielder, he had plenty to look forward to.
However, the one player who felt truly dissatisfied was Anderson. Last season, he had been a regular starter under Sir Alex Ferguson, and now, under Tiger King, he had lost his place in midfield to N'Golo Kanté.
Anderson shot a sideways glance at Kanté, full of disdain. This guy? Lacking skill, just relying on his physicality… what right does he have to take my place?
Frustration bubbled inside him, but he kept his thoughts to himself. Just wait. I'll be sitting on the bench, watching them struggle. Then they'll realize how much they need me.
As the emotions swirled among the players, all eyes turned to Tiger King, waiting for his next instructions.