"Are you familiar with him?"
Sitting in the taxi on the way to Steve Bruce's house, Ethan couldn't help but ask Walsh again.
Walsh shook his head. "Not really. We've just met a few times when he came to fan gatherings. You know, he played for Manchester United for nine years, so of course we die-hard fans know where he lives. Otherwise, those newer fans would camp outside his house for autographs. How could he live like that?"
Ethan immediately understood.
"Wait, you mean Steve Bruce?" the driver, Jim, suddenly turned around to ask. Just then, a car cut across in front of them, forcing him to snap his eyes back to the road.
"That's right, Jim. You know him too?" Walsh asked with a grin.
Jim, a regular at Walsh's bar and a Red Devil Knights member, chuckled. "Didn't know him before, but he actually hailed my cab to the press conference today. Looked in pretty good shape to me. Honestly, if you could bring him to the new Manchester United, having him manage and still play a bit… now that would be perfect!"
Ethan and Walsh both laughed with Jim. If even a taxi driver could see the potential, Ethan was even more certain he'd made the right choice.
Although Bruce had left Manchester United two years ago, he never sold his home in Manchester. During his time at Birmingham, he often brought his wife and son back here instead of returning to his native Newcastle.
Since Jim had just been to Bruce's place earlier in the day, he drove straight into the quiet villa estate without hesitation. It wasn't lavish, but it was peaceful, secure, and private.
The security guard stopped them at the entrance. After hearing the purpose of their visit, he called to confirm with Bruce before letting them through.
When they arrived, Bruce was already waiting at the gate with his son. Dressed in loose, casual clothes, he looked every bit the family man.
His son, about fourteen, would later become a professional player himself, though never reaching Bruce's heights and spending his career mostly in the lower leagues. Football history had seen plenty of cases where a great father produced an unremarkable son.
"Hello, Mr. Bruce!" Ethan greeted warmly.
"Hello, Mr. Yu," Bruce replied with equal politeness. He shook hands with Walsh and Jim as well before inviting them inside.
The villa was plain and unpretentious, but it carried the warmth of a real home.
Ethan couldn't help but think of the future generations of football superstars he knew about. They flaunted sports cars, luxury mansions, and endless extravagance. Was all of that really necessary?
He wasn't aiming at anyone in particular, just reflecting on how the culture of football had changed. Bruce's generation, despite their success, had remained down-to-earth. Even with someone like Jim, just a taxi driver, Bruce was polite.
The impression clashed sharply with Ethan's memory of the fiery Premier League manager Bruce would later become. Could this polite family man really turn into someone who roared on the touchline like Ferguson?
"Sorry to bother you, Mr. Bruce," Ethan said apologetically once they sat down.
Bruce smiled. "Not at all, Mr. Yu. In fact, I've wanted to meet you for some time. You've become quite popular recently." He pointed to a copy of The Times lying open on the table. The page featured an article about the new Manchester United, complete with Ethan's photo.
"Red Rebels… that's a powerful name," Bruce said with quiet praise.
Though his tone was calm, Ethan could tell the words were sincere.
"In that case, I'll be direct," Ethan said. "We'd like you to become our head coach."
Bruce froze, then quickly smiled and shook his head. "I'm sorry, Mr. Yu. You know I just left Birmingham this afternoon. I want to spend some time with my wife and son. A player's life takes so much from a family, and I already owe them more than I can repay."
Ethan's heart sank but he nodded.
"I understand, Mr. Bruce. But I also believe you won't stay away from football for long. With your character and experience, you'd make an outstanding manager. That's why I hope you'll give this some thought.
"Our club may have just been founded, but we are full of passion. We love Manchester United deeply. That love is why we refuse to stay stuck in the amateur leagues. We want to climb higher, and one day, face Manchester United itself. That will be a match for history.
"I invited you not only because you're a United legend, but also because of your skill, your discipline, your personality, and your professionalism. I truly believe you can bring immense value to a new club like ours."
Ethan spoke at length, pouring out his conviction. Yet Bruce still looked unmoved.
Walsh stepped in quickly. "Mr. Bruce, do you remember me? Andy Walsh."
Bruce studied him, then recognition dawned. "Yes, you're the supporters' club representative. I've seen you at gatherings."
Walsh nodded. "That's right. Now I work with Ethan. All of us fans are desperate for you to come home."
"Home?" Bruce's expression shifted slightly.
"Yes, home," Walsh said with emotion. "The new Manchester United is the continuation of United's soul, carried on by its die-hard fans. We all hope you can return and bring us joy again."
That struck Bruce. He had already been touched when he first read that Ethan had poured everything into founding a new club. Hearing Walsh frame it as the continuation of United's soul stirred him deeply.
There is only one soul.
Ethan pressed again. "The great Jock Stein once said, without fans, football is nothing. When Manchester United no longer values us ordinary supporters, we have to find a new home for our spirit. That is why we created the new Manchester United."
Bruce nodded. He too had been frustrated with some of United's policies. Ferguson had publicly criticized the board before, and Keane had condemned the club's handling of Old Trafford. Bruce still kept in touch with many friends at United and knew the frustrations were real.
He sympathized, even admired Ethan and Walsh. But his years as a professional had taught him that making decisions based on emotion often led to trouble.
"Alright, Mr. Yu," Bruce said finally. "I promise I'll think about it carefully. Please give me a few days."
Ethan's chest tightened. He knew from all the web novels he'd read that when someone said this, it usually meant no.
After some more polite conversation, they took their leave. Bruce walked them to the gate himself.
Just before leaving, Ethan turned back. "By the way, Mr. Bruce, I heard Sheffield United are interested in you as player-manager. But I don't think that's the right fit for you. You carry the mark of Manchester United too strongly."
Bruce blinked. Sheffield United? He hadn't heard anything from them. And how did Ethan know? Before he could ask, Ethan and the others were already in the car.
Sensing Ethan's disappointment, Jim deliberately slowed the taxi. It was the best comfort he could offer.
"It's alright, Ethan," Walsh said. "He said he'd think about it. That means there's still a chance, doesn't it?" Though even Walsh doubted it.
The reality was simple. The new Manchester United was just too low in the pyramid. If they were in League One or even League Two, Bruce might have accepted. But at the tenth-tier amateur level? Not even a former legend like him would say yes.
"Andy," Ethan muttered through clenched teeth, "I swear I'll lead the new Manchester United to the Premier League. We'll become a giant that shines brighter than United, Arsenal, Juventus, Real Madrid, Barcelona, anyone!"
Walsh and Jim were stunned into silence. Jim quickly turned his eyes back to the road, while Walsh stared at Ethan, shaken by his words.
Finally, Walsh patted his shoulder, serious now. "Alright. I believe in you."
Jim found a chance to glance back. "But when you do become rich and powerful, don't end up like Edwards. Otherwise, we'll have to make a new Manchester United all over again."
Ethan and Walsh burst into laughter at that.
The sound of their laughter filled the night streets, softening the sting of rejection. But it did nothing to weaken Ethan's resolve.
(To be continued.)