Despite being critical of Real Madrid's unbalanced squad, Queiroz remained highly professional and never missed a chance to praise Su Hang in interviews.
"Su Hang may not be the most naturally gifted player, but he's undoubtedly the smartest on the pitch!"
"Su Hang has an unmatched instinct for scoring! He's a true clutch player—the bigger the game, the better he performs!"
"Su Hang has completely changed how I view training! His approach to managing injured and aging players could revolutionize football!"
"Su Hang shows a maturity far beyond his years. He's a natural leader."
Everyone knew about the history between Su Hang and Queiroz. Yet now, Queiroz was praising him as if he were under a spell.
Outside of "Su Hang is just too good," people couldn't find any other logical explanation.
Queiroz even urged Ferguson multiple times to buy Su Hang.
This put Ferguson in a tough spot.
Queiroz was someone he had personally brought in—now that he wanted a player, wouldn't it seem wrong not to support him?
But just last year, Real Madrid had poached Beckham from Manchester United.
Wouldn't it seem weak for United to turn around and buy one of Madrid's youth players?
They took your superstar—shouldn't you try to poach one of theirs in return?
What's one Su Hang worth anyway?
Still, Ferguson eventually gave in to Queiroz's repeated requests and submitted a bid to Real Madrid.
Su Hang's name shot back into the headlines.
"Manchester United Inquires About Real Madrid Crown Prince Su Hang!"
"With Morientes Set to Return, Selling Su Hang Might Be the Right Move!"
"10 Million Euros! United Makes Official Offer for Su Hang!"
"18 Years Old! Three Matches! Ten Million! Su Hang Breaks Record for Fastest Player to Hit Eight-Figure Transfer Value!"
"Transfermarkt Labels United's Bid as 'Extremely Risky', Estimates Su Hang's True Value at No More Than 2 Million Euros!"
Everyone waited to see how Real Madrid would respond.
Their reply came quickly: "Su Hang is not for sale! We have no intention of letting him go!"
Ferguson had done his part.
But Queiroz still wasn't giving up—he proposed a loan instead.
United followed up with a loan inquiry.
"United Submits Loan Request! Is Su Hang Really Irreplaceable?"
"Su Hang Is Queiroz's White Moonlight—But After Watching Him Play, Who Wouldn't Fall for Su Hang?"
Soon, Florentino called Su Hang himself.
He left the decision about the loan to Su Hang, showing his respect for the young player.
Su Hang gave it some thought.
United, after all, was stacked with superstars—even Cristiano Ronaldo!
But Real Madrid's squad was even more star-studded.
And Su Hang had already built strong connections at Madrid—he was ready to start reaping the rewards in the coming years.
Going to United... meant stepping into the unknown.
There was no reason to take that risk.
Su Hang replied to Florentino: "At Manchester United, I might be able to play to 20% of my potential. But as long as I can still contribute even 1% at Real Madrid, I'd choose to stay."
Florentino was taken aback by the response. "But... at Real Madrid, you'll likely remain a substitute for now. Maybe even for a long time."
Besides Morientes' return, Real Madrid was also quietly preparing to sign a world-class striker—something the public didn't yet know. But Florentino didn't want to mislead Su Hang.
Then again, could Su Hang really be unaware of what was going on?
The Wind Chaser!
England's Golden Boy!
The only active English Ballon d'Or winner!
Michael Owen!
Perfect.
Now he could finally relax on the bench and get a good night's sleep.
No more fear of being subbed in again!
That had been a nightmare!
Su Hang was firm: "Unless there's no room left for me in the first-team squad, I'd rather sit on the bench than leave!"
At that moment, Florentino was genuinely moved.
He briefly considered canceling the Owen deal.
Of course, that feeling only lasted a few seconds.
"Alright! I'll reject United's loan offer. You'll remain with Real Madrid next season!"
"Do you have a preferred jersey number? How about 8 or 11?"
Number 8 is typically worn by starting midfielders.
But since it's close to number 9—the classic striker's number—many high-profile strikers who can't get the 9 shirt opt for 8 instead.
That number likely belonged to Morientes.
Number 11 is usually reserved for starting wingers. Strikers who miss out on number 9 often settle for 11.
Florentino wanted to make it up to Su Hang with a jersey number.
Su Hang smiled. "I'll stick with 24—I really like that number. As for 8 and 11, let the new guys have them."
Florentino froze.
New guys?
Su Hang knew?
How did he know?
Guessing Morientes' return was one thing.
But how did he know another forward was coming?
Everyone thought Real Madrid was shopping for a defensive midfielder.
Florentino asked, "Why do you think the new arrivals are both forwards?"
Su Hang replied, "Didn't you try to loan me out? That tells me the other newcomer, aside from Morientes, must be a forward too."
Florentino: "Ronaldo as starter, Morientes as sub, Portillo as third-choice—what's wrong with that?"
Su Hang: "No disrespect to Portillo, but if someone's still comparing me to him, they're probably not a real fan."
"My competition is Morientes. And knowing Real Madrid only brings in big names, the new guy will definitely rank higher than him."
Florentino: "You're smart. I like working with smart people—like Zidane."
Su Hang: "I like Zidane too. So next season, don't worry about me causing trouble in the locker room just because I'm not playing."
"On the contrary, I'll do everything I can to maintain harmony within the squad."
In truth, Florentino's loan question was a test—he feared Su Hang might cause unrest next season.
When the prince causes trouble, it's the worst kind.
You can't ignore it.
Too lenient—nothing changes.
Too strict—and the fans revolt.
It's the perfect recipe for a divided team.
After that call, Florentino couldn't have been more pleased with Su Hang.
Marca soon published a headline:
"Real Madrid Rejects Manchester United's Loan Offer, Insists It's Not About Money—Su Hang Is a Cornerstone of the Team With Major Plans Ahead!"
And with that, Manchester United officially gave up on Su Hang.
Instead, they spent €37 million to sign Everton's supernova Wayne Rooney.
They paid €10 million to bring center-back Gabriel Heinze from Paris Saint-Germain.
They shelled out €9 million to snatch the last star from Leeds United's youth team, Alan Smith.
And for €5.25 million, they took young center-back Gerard Piqué from Barcelona.
...