As the two chatted, they walked into the cafeteria.
Since it was nearly five o'clock, the cafeteria was mostly filled with academy players.
"Ling!!!"
Because Jeremy Ling had hired a nutritionist, he rarely visited the cafeteria.
This was why his presence caused a stir among the academy players.
After all, at the Carrington Training Base, the widely circulated story was no longer about the Class of '92, but about the new Manchester United No. 7 who had risen from the youth team to the senior squad.
Shola Shoretire's admiration was unmistakable.
He was the most promising youngster in Manchester United's academy, having become the youngest player to appear in the Youth Champions League at just 14 years and 314 days old.
Moreover, his position was left winger.
"One day, I'll make it to the first team before I turn 18, just like Ling, and stand on the same pitch as him!"
Shoretire declared confidently.
Ling noticed Shoretire's gaze and responded with an encouraging smile.
He then picked up his tray and sat at the table on the far left.
"How has your training been lately?"
Sitting across from him was a dark-haired teenager.
Ling remembered his name was Wang Xiaoke, the only player from the open tryouts who had stayed with the team.
Wang Xiaoke kept Ling's words in mind.
To become a great player, you must first believe in yourself.
Looking Ling in the eye, he said, "It's different from training back home—more targeted and intense."
"Yeah, Manchester United's youth system is pretty good. They have dedicated staff closely tracking players' progress to help them develop as much as possible," Ling agreed.
Currently, there are hundreds of players in Manchester United's academy. How many of them will eventually make it to the first team and secure a bright future?
Only a handful.
Most fade into obscurity, while only a few rise to stardom.
But as long as you give it your all, you'll gain something, regardless of the final outcome.
Perhaps that statement is too absolute.
But think about it—joining a team in your youth, fighting alongside your teammates at every level, sharing the joy of victory and the disappointment of defeat, and inching closer to your dreams step by step.
For a player, these are memories that will never fade.
Ling cherished those times dearly.
Once they finished eating, Ling didn't linger. After saying a few words of encouragement, he left with Scott.
...
A few days passed in the blink of an eye.
On the first day of May, Manchester became bustling with excitement.
Apart from tactical drills, the Manchester United players spent their days chatting and relaxing, making for a fairly fulfilling routine.
Everyone understood the importance of the Champions League Semi-final, so they all stayed home and avoided any trouble.
Meanwhile, the Liverpool players arrived in Manchester ahead of schedule. During the hotel interview, Salah stated:
"Last season, my arm was dislocated, and Liverpool fell before the final. I know there's no point in talking about the past. I just want to tell Liverpool fans that this time, we will reclaim everything we lost."
Arnold was even more brazen: "Maybe after I retire, I'll tell you that the greatest achievement of my life was pulling Manchester United off their throne!"
The arrogant remarks made by Liverpool players naturally sparked dissatisfaction among Manchester United fans.
Some die-hard supporters gathered that night outside the hotel where Liverpool was staying, setting off fireworks and singing team chants.
If it weren't for the ample police patrols in the area, the Liverpool players would likely have struggled to sleep.
Such off-field tactics are certainly unwelcome.
However, Manchester United fans don't care about others' opinions, especially those of Liverpool fans. In fact, they even take pride in it.
...
The next day.
Outside Old Trafford, the crowd surged like a sea of red.
Manchester United fans arrived early to show their support for the team.
As for Liverpool fans, there were fewer than five thousand, with only a small fraction holding tickets. In fact, this was already Manchester United showing restraint; otherwise, they could have allocated even fewer tickets to Liverpool.
After all, during previous North West Derbies, Liverpool hadn't given Manchester United many tickets either.
Even if UEFA or the FA imposed mandatory requirements, both clubs would rather pay fines than release tickets.
As the sun fully set and the moon rose into the night sky, the Champions League semi-final was about to begin.
At the pre-match press conference.
A reporter from The Guardian raised their hand and asked.
"Will Manchester United field their full-strength lineup today? Could that affect the final two rounds of the league?"
Mourinho sat at the head of the conference room, looked at the reporters below, and spoke solemnly.
"Liverpool is an excellent team. If we don't give it our all, I dare say Manchester United will be the ones to fail."
"So, to answer your question: yes."
Another reporter followed up: "Manchester United has essentially secured the League Title. Could this lead to a loss of focus among the players?"
Mourinho lowered his gaze, shaking his head with firm conviction.
"Manchester United's founders were railway workers from the era of heavy industry. They instilled a fighting spirit into the club from the very beginning, so you need not doubt the state of Manchester United's players. I assure you, they will perform at their best!"
"Moreover, Manchester United is different now. There's a certain spiritual quality within the team—it isn't usually visible on the surface but lies deep within the club's bloodline."
"When a true leader emerges on the pitch, it is fully unleashed."
Mourinho rarely praised Jeremy Ling in public, as he felt it unnecessary, given Ling's undeniable talent.
But today, he wanted to discuss it from another perspective.
"Ling seems to possess a remarkable spiritual quality, unlike any player I've ever seen. As long as he's standing on the pitch, you believe he can take on the entire world."
"Moreover, the team he's in has a special atmosphere—everyone wants to play their part, and everyone gives one hundred percent effort."
What was supposed to be a routine pre-match press conference turned into a commendation session for Jeremy Ling, but the reporters had no complaints.
After all, it was all big news!
...
Meanwhile, in another conference room.
Klopp faced the reporters' questions and declared with conviction, "In a previous interview program, Ling once said that Manchester City was approaching perfection, but that doesn't mean they have no weaknesses."
"Today, I'd like to borrow that statement: although Manchester United is at the top of the league, they also have fatal flaws."
Klopp did not specify what those flaws were.
However, judging by his confident demeanor, it was likely not just a pretense—he had genuinely found a way to counter Manchester United.
After all the pre-match preparations were completed, the Champions League anthem echoed through Old Trafford.