What does it mean to start for Manchester United?
In European football, perhaps not much.
Every year, young talents get their chance. Another academy graduate steps onto the stage.
But for a certain country—one that's never seen one of its own break into the elite—this was different.
To start for Manchester United, even in the Europa League, even in a rotation match?
It was monumental.
It wasn't just a debut.
It was a statement.
Alessandro Dybala had already drawn attention in his home country. Blazevic's public praise had kept him trending, but when the news broke—
> "Alessandro Dybala to start for Manchester United tonight!"
It wasn't just news.
It was a storm.
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Online forums exploded.
> "Fk! Fk!"
> "HE'S STARTING!!!"
> "This guy's a beast!"
> "Screw you, Ma Dexin! Why don't you go sign a Manchester United starter, huh?!"
> "Alessandro got blacklisted by the FA, and now look—starting for Man United!!"
The comment sections under FA officials' social media accounts turned into digital war zones.
> "Ma Dexin, you clown."
> "You buried a world-class player!"
> "FA = Football Assholes!"
The rage was uncontrollable.
It wasn't just passion.
It was betrayal. Vindication. National pride.
A tidal wave of support for a player the system tried to silence.
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Meanwhile, at the Xinglang Sports studio, commentator Zhang Jun was preparing his usual UEFA Champions League broadcast—AC Milan vs Arsenal, a high-profile clash.
Until someone burst into the commentary booth, out of breath.
> "Mr. Zhang! Plans changed. Alessandro Dybala is starting for Manchester United!"
Zhang Jun froze.
> "He's... what?!"
The headset came off.
He stood up, eyes wide.
> "Manchester United is starting a reserve midfielder? What about Pogba?"
> "Forget Pogba," the production manager interrupted. "No one's watching Milan vs Arsenal anymore. Everyone's switching to the Europa League!"
Zhang Jun nodded slowly.
He understood immediately.
> Manchester United had fans across the world.
> But this wasn't about the club.
> It was about one name: Alessandro.
A player from their country, starting in a European competition.
Zhang Jun adjusted his collar and barked:
> "Send me everything you've got—Alessandro's stats, game footage, background. All of it!"
He didn't care that he'd just spent the whole day prepping for Milan vs Arsenal.
That match was irrelevant now.
---
Zhang Jun quickly posted on Weibo:
> "Change of plans! I'll be commentating tonight's Europa League clash—Manchester United vs Ajax—alongside Director Zhang Lu. Let's watch history in the making!"
Instantly, the post went viral.
> "Mr. Zhang's commentary? I'm there!"
> "I'm an Arsenal fan, but I'm watching Alessandro tonight."
> "Supporting Alessandro, not United."
Even fans who would never dare be caught cheering for Manchester United—especially Arsenal supporters—openly admitted they were switching over.
Friend groups started pinging each other like wildfire:
> "Oi, wake up! Alessandro's starting for United!"
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Thirty minutes before kickoff, when Xinglang Sports connected to the live feed, viewership skyrocketed.
100,000...
200,000...
500,000...
Over 2 million fans tuned in.
All for one reason.
To watch Alessandro Dybala.
A 17-year-old who refused to pay bribes.
Who was blacklisted by his country's football authorities.
Who had now forced the world to look up—
Because he was starting for Manchester United.
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