Two weeks into preseason training, Mourinho had asked for a striker, a centre-back, and a replacement for Poulsen. Ethan had delivered all three as promised, but there was still no sign of the right-back he wanted.
"It wouldn't happen to be that Daniel Alves you signed from São Paulo in Brazil, would it?" Mourinho asked with a smile.
Ethan was taken aback. "How do you know about him? Did Marcos Senna tell you?"
Mourinho chuckled. "Of course. We've only been working together for two weeks, but we already talk about everything!"
Ethan shook his head helplessly. However, he had great confidence in Mourinho's ability to manage the squad, and he was certain Mourinho had already held several in-depth conversations with Senna, establishing trust and understanding between them.
From what Ethan had observed, Senna would be one of Mourinho's main defensive midfielders this season, while Juninho would occupy another midfield position. However, Ethan was still unsure who would claim the remaining place.
Last season, it had been Alou Diarra, but Essien's performances had also been outstanding. He had excelled at the World Youth Championship, attracting plenty of attention, and Mourinho could not possibly have overlooked him.
De Rossi, meanwhile, had made considerable progress, but his weakness in physical duels still made Mourinho hesitant to rely on him. He was also young and not yet consistent enough. It would probably take another year or two before he could properly compete for a starting place, so this season was unlikely to be his breakthrough year.
Up front, Drogba was expected to be the first-choice striker. Although his finishing was still rough, his overall technique was decent, and he could occasionally produce moments of real quality. He was currently undergoing intensive finishing drills under Moniz, with Petr Čech in goal.
The two wingers would undoubtedly be Malouda and Hleb. Wright-Phillips had also performed well last season and would rotate with them. Ribéry could only serve as a substitute for now, but with so many matches to play, he would not have to worry about a lack of opportunities.
The defensive line was relatively settled, with Abidal, Terry, Curtis, and Bosingwa. Evra had been improving, but Abidal was also progressing, and the competition between the two left-backs was becoming increasingly fierce.
As for the competition between Terry, Curtis, and Hangeland, Hangeland was undoubtedly behind the first two. The newly arrived Chiellini had good pace, solid tackling and defensive ability, and considerable strength, but he lacked composure and had not yet developed enough understanding with his teammates. He still needed time.
At right-back, Ethan was concerned that once his chosen player arrived, Bosingwa might struggle to keep his starting place.
In goal, Almunia would definitely begin the season as the starter, but Ethan also had high hopes for Čech. Although he had not pressured Mourinho or dropped any hints, he could already see that Čech might seize the starting position at some point during the season.
With a squad that combined experience, understanding, and quality, Ethan felt that even if they failed to win the title, they should at least secure automatic promotion.
In League Two, the top two teams were promoted automatically, while the clubs finishing from third to sixth entered the playoffs for the final promotion place. Only three teams would advance to League One.
Even with fewer promotion places available, Ethan remained confident in his team. According to Villas-Boas's assessment, the sides most likely to challenge for promotion from League Two included Brighton and Cardiff, two familiar rivals from the previous season. Both had been promoted alongside New Manchester United and had already vowed to avenge the humiliation they had suffered the year before.
Reading were another old rival. They had finished third the previous season and narrowly missed promotion. This year, they were determined to win the title and go up, making them New Manchester United's greatest threat.
From Ethan's memories of his previous life, Reading would earn promotion to League One this season and nearly reach the Premier League the following year. Their strength could not be underestimated.
As for Brighton, in Ethan's previous life, they had won another title and earned promotion this season. They then endured a brief and disappointing spell in League One before being relegated back to League Two.
There were also several familiar opponents in League Two this season, including Wigan and Bury. Both clubs were based in Greater Manchester, and New Manchester United had previously played several friendlies against them. New Manchester United had even rented Bury's stadium for half a season, so they knew the club very well.
The difference in quality between the stronger and weaker teams in League Two was fairly clear. Everything would depend on New Manchester United's own ability and performances.
Mourinho saw that Ethan had fallen silent and assumed he was thinking about something, so he did not interrupt him. Instead, he continued watching the team train.
He found Drogba's adaptability remarkable. The striker had quickly begun demonstrating his strengths after arriving. Although his weaknesses were equally obvious, Mourinho greatly admired his powerful physique, and his technique was also better than many people assumed.
"By the way, José, I just thought of something," Ethan suddenly said.
Mourinho turned toward him curiously. "What is it?"
Ethan looked up at the gloomy sky and smiled, speaking almost as though he were thinking aloud.
"Suppose we win the title and earn promotion this season, then win another title and promotion next season, before winning the Premier League in our first year there. Wouldn't that be incredible?"
Mourinho was stunned. "That... isn't very likely!"
No matter how arrogant Mourinho appeared in public, much of it was an act. In private, he was far more realistic.
"Nothing is impossible, José. I won't put pressure on you, but I've already made it my goal. The only question is whether you have the courage to take on this challenge with me!" Ethan said, meeting Mourinho's gaze.
Looking at the familiar future stars in front of him, Ethan knew their ability and potential better than anyone.
The only exception was Curtis, a rising star whose career path Ethan had completely changed. Judging by his current development, his future achievements would certainly not be inferior to Ferdinand's.
With so many future stars, along with Kaká and several others still in Brazil, Ethan believed his team should aim for something greater than merely earning promotion every season.
Looking at the current squad, which one of them was not a future star?
Had they merely been promising players, Ethan would not have dared to dream so boldly. But New Manchester United's head coach was Mourinho.
With Ethan's help, Mourinho had already addressed the greatest weakness in his coaching philosophy. Supported by Cassell, Moniz, and Meulensteen, he had created a nearly complete tactical system for New Manchester United.
What New Manchester United now needed to do was develop their players within that tactical framework while continuing to recruit future stars. Ethan believed Mourinho possessed more than enough ability to bring everything together and achieve their goals.
Of course, it would not be a disaster if they failed, but that did not mean Ethan should stop setting ambitious targets.
"It's crazy, isn't it?" Ethan asked with a smile.
Mourinho could not help nodding. He had to admit that Ethan's goal was insane, but it was also incredibly tempting.
Who could imagine the legendary story such a team would create? A club that had won titles and earned promotion every season since its founding, then entered the Premier League and won the championship in its first year.
It would become a story supporters talked about for generations.
What Mourinho did not know was that Ethan understood the opportunity that might arise if they reached the Premier League in the 2003-04 season.
Manchester United would be going through a difficult transition after Beckham's departure. Chelsea, despite Abramovich's takeover, would not immediately transform into champions. As for Liverpool, they would continue drifting along as usual.
Arsenal's unbeaten title-winning season had been extraordinary, and their total of 90 points was excellent. However, history had already changed.
Ethan firmly believed that if New Manchester United could reach the Premier League and bring in several experienced players to guide the younger squad members, they would be capable of making a major impact.
"Do you dare to try, José?" Ethan asked again.
Mourinho was equally ambitious. "You're the owner, and you're willing to take the risk. What do I have to be afraid of?"
After speaking, Mourinho extended his hand and shook Ethan's firmly.
"This stays between us. We can't tell anyone, especially the players. I don't want to put pressure on them!"
"So you're willing to put pressure on me instead?" Mourinho deliberately countered.
Ethan chuckled. "Because I understand you, José. You were born for challenges, and you need something to drive you, so I'm giving you exactly that. This goal is crazy, but I believe that as long as you, I, and everyone at the club work together, there is nothing we cannot achieve!"
Mourinho laughed as well.
Beyond his admiration and respect for Ethan, he increasingly felt that Ethan's words and actions suited his own personality.
What could be better than working for an owner who shared your ambition?
"Theoretically, you're right, Boss. But in practical terms, you still haven't answered my question. Where is the right-back I asked for?"
Ethan froze for a moment, then burst out laughing. "José, I can't bring him here to meet you yet."
"Why?" Mourinho asked curiously.
"Because he can't get a work permit yet," Ethan replied awkwardly.
"What?" Mourinho almost thought Ethan was joking.
If the player could not obtain a work permit, he could not play for the club. New Manchester United's Special Talent Clause for the season had already been used on Čech.
"Don't worry, José. He's already been called up by his national team, but he hasn't made enough appearances to meet the work permit requirements. If he plays for them once more in the next few days, he'll qualify. Then we can sign him without any problems. I believe he'll be another player who surprises everyone."
"How does he compare with Abidal?" Mourinho asked seriously.
Ethan pretended to consider the question for a moment before replying, "Just as impressive."
Mourinho's eyes immediately lit up.
Although he had high hopes for Bosingwa's potential, the team still needed a player capable of stepping in and performing immediately. If someone as good as Abidal arrived, just as Ethan claimed, Mourinho would feel even more confident about the coming League Two campaign.
Seeing Mourinho's reaction, Ethan also felt excited.
However, that excitement soon gave way to frustration because he had just discovered that another club was targeting the player he wanted.
(To be continued.)
Working on a book that I feel is quite unique? It's not fanfiction, but it has elements of fanfiction. I've posted it and would appreciate it if you could check it out and see if it's something you'd like to follow.
Title: A Guide to Superhuman Extinction
On my other account Junkdog_787