The Liberty Stadium continued to buzz with energy as Manchester United asserted their dominance on the pitch. Meanwhile, across the city of Manchester, in a quiet and elegant home, Sir Alex Ferguson sat in his favorite armchair, eyes glued to the television screen. Beside him, his wife, Cathy, sipped her tea, amused by her husband's intense focus.
As the replay of N'Golo Kanté's heroic defensive intervention played again on Sky Sports, Ferguson leaned forward, his face alight with admiration. "Cathy, do you see that lad? Mark my words, he's the future Makelele! This boy is something special. Tiger King knew exactly what he was doing signing him."
Back at the Liberty Stadium, Manchester United continued their relentless offensive push. The deadlock was finally broken in the 23rd minute. Ryan Giggs, despite his advancing years, rolled back the clock with a sublime piece of play. Receiving the ball from Carrick, he executed a deft turn, leaving his marker flat-footed. Spotting Wayne Rooney's clever run into the box, Giggs delivered a perfect, curling cross.
Rooney, always the predator, anticipated the flight of the ball and, with a powerful header, sent it thundering past Michel Vorm. The net rippled, and the United players erupted in celebration.
"GOAL! WAYNE ROONEY!" Morris bellowed in the commentary box. "And would you believe it? The veteran Ryan Giggs with a masterful assist! This is the Manchester United of old! The legends still have fire in them!"
"I'll admit, that was a well-crafted goal," Raman conceded begrudgingly. "But let's not forget, United's tactics still leave them vulnerable at the back. Let's see if Swansea can exploit that."
But Manchester United remained resolute. N'Golo Kanté, playing with the energy of two men, intercepted another dangerous Swansea attack. This time, it was Michu who attempted to dribble past Carrick. Before he could react, Kanté appeared out of nowhere, cleanly dispossessing him before swiftly transitioning the ball up the field.
On the Swansea bench, Michael Laudrup rubbed his chin, puzzled and slightly frustrated. He turned to his assistant. "Who is this Kanté? How did our scouts miss him? He was a free transfer, and yet, look at what he's doing to us!"
Meanwhile, in the Manchester United dugout, Phelan, Steele, and Scholes were ecstatic, shaking their heads in disbelief. "Where was he in our scouts' list?" Phelan asked with a wide grin. "How did we pull this off?"
Tiger King smirked, arms folded. "I've had my eye on him for more than a year," he said. "I knew he was special. I just needed the world to see it."
Manchester United continued their stranglehold on the game. Virgil van Dijk, making his Premier League debut, was a wall in defense. Rio Ferdinand guided him well, but it was clear that the Dutchman's raw talent and composure were beyond his years. Every aerial ball, every challenge—he dealt with them effortlessly, keeping Swansea's attacks at bay.
The second goal came in the 39th minute, and it was another of Tiger King's new signings who made the difference. Marcos Alonso, proving to be an attacking force from left-back, burst down the flank and swung in a delicious cross. Robin van Persie, never one to waste such service, struck a first-time volley that arrowed into the net.
"Van Persie! What a finish!" Morris shouted. "And what a cross from Marcos Alonso! These three summer signings—Van Dijk, Alonso, and Kanté—have been absolutely phenomenal!"
Gary Neville, appearing as a guest analyst, couldn't contain his excitement. "This is unreal business from Manchester United. Three quality players for just 5 million combined? That's robbery! What were the other clubs doing in the transfer market?"
Raman, for once, was speechless.
As the halftime whistle blew, the scoreboard read 2-0 in favor of Manchester United. Morris, his voice brimming with excitement, declared, "These two goals in the first half are a statement—Manchester United are the defending champions, and they are as strong as ever!"
Tiger King, arms crossed, stood on the touchline with a knowing smile. The world was watching, and they were beginning to understand—
This was a new era for Manchester United.
Inside the locker room, the atmosphere was electric. The players were catching their breath, some grinning, others focused. Tiger King stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room before he clapped his hands together. "Alright, lads," he said, his voice carrying the authority of a champion. "How did it feel out there?"
Rooney, still buzzing from his goal, nodded. "Brilliant, boss. We're in complete control."
Giggs smirked. "Feels like old times."
Van Persie, unwrapping his bandages, added, "Alonso's cross was a beauty. We're clicking well."
Before Tiger King could respond, Michael Carrick, who had been sitting quietly, finally spoke up. "Boss," he said, shaking his head in amazement, "after this first half, I finally understood the meaning of 'We Have Kanté.'"
Laughter and nods of agreement rippled through the room. Tiger King chuckled, placing a hand on Carrick's shoulder. "And this is just the beginning, lad. Now, let's finish the job."
He then turned towards the veterans—Van Persie, Ferdinand, and Giggs—his tone firm but encouraging. "We want to score more," he said. "That said—Carrick, Ferdinand, Giggs—you only have 15 to 20 minutes more. This is just the first match of the season. Let's make it count."