The following morning, August 24, Tiger King, arrived early at the training ground. His players, noticing his recovery, greeted him with evident relief and enthusiasm. As per their routine, Scholes led the training session, with Mike Phelan assisting, while Tiger King observed, assessing the team's form and contemplating strategies for their upcoming match against Chelsea on August 26. This fixture would mark his first encounter with a formidable opponent since taking charge, and he was keenly aware of the challenges posed by Mourinho's side.
Lost in his thoughts, Tiger King felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning, he saw Ed Woodward.
"Feeling better?" Woodward inquired.
"Absolutely," Tiger King replied with a grin. "Fit enough to take on a bull."
Woodward chuckled. "Good to hear. We need you in top form for the game on the 26th."
"Don't worry," Tiger King assured. "Even if I were on a stretcher, I'd be there to lead the team against Chelsea."
"That's the spirit," Woodward nodded approvingly. After a brief pause, he added, "Remember the minimum targets outlined in your coaching contract."
Tiger King nodded, recalling the stipulations: securing at least a fourth-place finish in the Premier League and advancing to the Round of 16 in the Champions League. Failure to meet these objectives would result in an automatic termination of his contract at season's end. While these targets seemed modest for a club of Manchester United's stature, Tiger King was acutely aware of the challenges ahead. He resolved to approach each match with diligence, nurturing his young talents and progressing step by step.
Later that day, during lunch, Tiger King received an unexpected call from Sir Alex Ferguson. "Fancy a trip to London tonight?" Ferguson asked.
"Of course, Sir. What's the occasion?"
"The FA is hosting an awards ceremony," Ferguson explained. "There's a reception afterward where I'll catch up with some old friends. Thought you might want to join me."
Honored by the invitation, Tiger King agreed. He informed Mike Phelan and Scholes of his early departure and called his wife, Victoria, to let her know he'd be accompanying Sir Alex to London.
Arriving at the club's entrance, Tiger King spotted Connie and Thor, the venerable caretaker of the Carrington training base, conversing cheerfully with Ferguson, who was seated in his car.
"Mr. Sir, it's been too long since we last saw you," Connie exclaimed. "How have you been?"
"I'm well, thank you," Ferguson replied warmly.
Thor added, "You should visit more often; we all miss you."
Ferguson nodded appreciatively. Noticing Tiger King approaching, he gestured to the passenger seat. "Hop in."
As the car pulled away, Ferguson waved to Connie and Thor. "Take care, both of you. See you soon."
The journey to London spanned approximately 300 kilometers, translating to a drive of over two hours. Settling into his seat, Tiger King turned to Ferguson. "Sir, you look remarkably well."
Ferguson smiled. "Retirement has its perks. I feel as if a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders."
They shared a light laugh before Tiger King's expression grew earnest. "Sir, I have numerous questions I'd love to discuss with you."
Ferguson gazed out of the window, reflecting. After a moment, he replied, "Tiger, I understand your eagerness. But I've stepped back now; I'm retired."
"With your vast experience, any advice would be invaluable," Tiger King pressed gently.
Ferguson sighed softly. "It's not about my ability to advise. It's about allowing you to chart your own path, to make decisions and learn from them. That's the essence of leadership."
Tiger King lowered his head. "I don't quite understand..."
Ferguson sighed again. "Tiger, in fact, what I was most worried about before I left was not the coaching level of the next head coach, nor the player status, but myself."
"Worried about yourself?" Tiger King asked, puzzled.
"Yes," Ferguson admitted. "I've been with Manchester United for so long that when people think of the club, they think of me. And when they hear my name, they link it to United. It was a great honor, but now that I've stepped away, it has become a double-edged sword. My biggest concern was that the club would still carry my imprint too strongly, making it difficult for the next manager—you—to establish his own identity."
Tiger King listened intently as Ferguson continued. "If you succeed, people will say it's because of the squad I left behind. If you struggle, the media will say you're not good enough. No matter what, you'll be compared to me constantly. That's why I don't want to interfere—I want you to build your own legacy."
Tiger King absorbed every word, his respect for Ferguson deepening. He knew he had to carve his own path, to prove himself not as Ferguson's successor, but as his own man. The road ahead was daunting, but he was ready to face it head-on.
"But your move in the past two months really surprised me," Ferguson added. "You bought a group of young players, and the first round of the league went very well. When I talk to Paul, he tells me you have high prestige within the team. And I hear that your relationship with the board and the media is strong. Looks like I can truly enjoy my retirement without worries."
Ferguson smiled. "Oh, and I just said I wouldn't talk about your coaching, but I couldn't help myself. Let's change the subject."
For a moment, Ferguson seemed rejuvenated, his passion for football evident. Tiger King felt as though he had traveled back in time to the end of last season when Ferguson was still in charge. Time had left its mark on Ferguson's face, but it hadn't diminished his love for Manchester United and the game.
As they continued their conversation, they eventually shifted to discussing league opponents. Ferguson smirked. "Tiger, I can't wait to see you go up against Wenger and Mourinho. Their reactions when you beat them will be priceless."
"Sir, rest assured, you'll see that moment soon enough."
"Haha, well said! That's the spirit! Spoken like a true Manchester United man." Ferguson clapped him on the back. "That's exactly what I, as a lifelong supporter, want from you."
With that, Tiger & Ferguson soon arrived in London. When Tiger King accompanied Sir Alex Ferguson into the FA's awards hall, five minutes before the awards ceremony began, FA President Palmer came to meet Sir Alex outside the door. Tiger King supported Ferguson as they walked in. The moment Ferguson entered, the entire hall stood up, applauding in honor of his arrival. Palmer personally invited him to sit at the center of the front row.
Tiger King helped Ferguson to his seat. Looking around, he quickly realized that this section was reserved for FA officials and distinguished guests. He was about to take a seat in the back row when Ferguson stopped him.
"Tiger, sit beside me," Ferguson said firmly.
"Sir, I..." Tiger King hesitated.
"Sit beside me," Ferguson repeated, leaving no room for argument.
FA President Palmer, sitting nearby, was momentarily taken aback. He quickly signaled to the staff to adjust the seating arrangement, ensuring Tiger King was placed beside Ferguson.
Palmer leaned toward his secretary. "Who is this young man?"
"Mr. Palmer, he is Manchester United's new coach, Tiger King," the secretary whispered.
"Oh, I see," Palmer murmured, studying the young manager with a familiar name but an unfamiliar face.
The awards ceremony commenced shortly after, with the FA honoring Sir Alex Ferguson with a "Lifetime Achievement Award," recognizing his immense contributions to English football during his tenure at Manchester United.
Tiger King assisted Ferguson to the stage to receive his award and stood behind him, listening attentively as the legendary manager delivered what might be his final speech at such a prestigious event.
Following the ceremony, the FA hosted a reception—a relaxed and cordial gathering that felt more like a reunion of old friends. Only then did Tiger King fully grasp what Ferguson had meant by "friends." The reception was filled with football elites: managers, agents, and prominent figures from the sports media, all engaged in conversations about the game they loved.
Tiger King thought: No wonder the retired jazz said in the car, it will not be easy to see them later.
At this time, Tiger King was with Ferguson. Many people approached to congratulate and greet Sir Alex Ferguson, who thanked them one by one, responding with his signature mix of warmth and formality.
This feeling made Tiger King slightly uncomfortable. Ferguson noticed and smiled slightly. "Tiger, you will often participate in occasions like this in the future. Just take your time and get used to it."
"Yes, Sir."
Ferguson chuckled. "And this is just the beginning. The real friends will be arriving soon."
Just then, a voice called out, "Mr. Sir, we haven't seen you in a long time."
Ferguson looked up and saw David Moyes approaching. "Oh, it's you, Moyes."
Moyes, the Everton coach, extended his hand. "Mr. Sir, congratulations on your Lifetime Achievement Award. You truly deserve it."
"Thank you. I watched Everton's first league match. You played well, just unlucky to be held by Norwich at the last moment," Ferguson said with deep regret. "I believe Everton will get good results this season."
Moyes nodded. "Thank you, Sir. I wish you good health and all the best." Then, turning to Tiger King, he said, "Mr. Tiger, I've been meaning to thank you, my friend."
His expression, however, carried a mix of envy and hostility—after all, it was supposed to be him managing Manchester United this season.