Better Results

Manchester United's second game ended in a draw, and the players expected Jin Taige to be furious. However, upon returning to the locker room, Jin Taige addressed the team calmly, saying, "It is not the style of Manchester United to let the opponent take the lead twice."

The players felt a deep sense of shame.

Jin Taige, still composed, smiled and added, "Don't just stand there with your arms crossed. Go take a shower and don't catch a cold."

The players were surprised by Jin Taige's reaction. They had expected anger, but the coach's calm demeanor was a relief. It was a good sign that he wasn't losing his temper.

On the bus ride back to the hotel, Paul Scholes expressed his confusion. "Captain, we lost a significant lead today. Why aren't you angry?"

Jin Taige replied confidently, "Because I've identified the reasons for the defeat, and I'm confident we'll win big in the next game."

In the following training sessions, the players remained focused and gradually improved their coordination. Jin Taige was pleased with their progress and particularly admired Scholes for his guidance, which had strengthened the midfielders' ability to link up effectively.

Jin Taige thought to himself, *Having Paul by my side is like having a treasure.*

Twenty-three days later, Manchester United played their third friendly match against Hong Kong Zhijie. Jin Taige made significant changes to the lineup, fielding all seven new signings from the summer transfer window.

In goal, Jin Taige rested David de Gea and started the young Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson. The defensive line featured Rio Ferdinand and Virgil van Dijk, whose imposing presence worried the opposition strikers. At left-back, Jin Taige surprisingly deployed Marcos Alonso, while Antonio Valencia, typically a right winger, was played as a right-back. This unconventional formation raised eyebrows.

In midfield, Jin Taige started N'Golo Kanté, his most important signing, alongside veteran Ryan Giggs. Kanté was tasked with defensive duties, while Giggs orchestrated the attack. On the wings, new signing Riyad Mahrez replaced Giggs on the left, while Nani retained his place on the right despite a poor performance in the first game. Up front, summer signings Mauro Icardi and Anthony Martial led the attack, with Icardi as the central striker and Martial playing slightly behind.

This new lineup had little time to gel, and several players were out of their usual positions. It was unclear how they would perform.

Just five minutes into the game, Scholes, sitting on the bench, remarked, "Captain, the team looks completely different today."

Jin Taige, who had previously been vocal on the sidelines, sat calmly and observed the game. He turned to Scholes and asked, "Paul, do you know why we conceded those two goals in the last game?"

Scholes replied firmly, "The midfield lacked toughness."

Jin Taige smiled. "Exactly. With you by my side, I can focus on more important things. In the first game, the opponent sat back and didn't attack, so our weaknesses weren't exposed. But in the second game, they exploited our lack of a strong defensive presence in midfield. That's why I made adjustments for this game. Look at Kanté now—no opponent can get past him."

Scholes nodded, watching the game closely.

Kanté's presence transformed Manchester United's midfield. Giggs, though slower due to his age, remained a world-class playmaker in the center. The full-backs, Alonso and Valencia, pushed forward aggressively, leaving gaps in defense. However, Kanté's relentless work rate covered these spaces, making him the backbone of the team's defense. Ferdinand and Van Dijk, though new to each other, formed a solid partnership, shielding Alisson, who had yet to make a save.

In the 12th minute, Mahrez dazzled on the left wing, cutting inside and drawing multiple defenders before passing to Martial on the right. Martial, unmarked, calmly squared the ball to Icardi, who tapped it into the net. Manchester United led 1-0.

The players celebrated with Icardi, and Giggs made a point to praise Mahrez. "Well done, young man. Keep it up."

Mahrez beamed with pride.

Jin Taige, watching from the sidelines, was impressed. He turned to Scholes and said, "I've chosen Ryan's successor well."

Scholes agreed, adding, "And Roy Keane's heir is perfect too."

Jin Taige smiled, looking at Kanté and Mahrez with pride. He saw the future of Manchester United in them.

The first half was nearly flawless. In the 26th minute, Icardi turned brilliantly in the box and laid the ball off to Martial, who fired a shot into the top corner. Manchester United led 2-0.

Just before halftime, Alonso surged forward from left-back and unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box. The goalkeeper parried it, but Icardi reacted quickly, heading the rebound into the net. Manchester United led 3-0 at the break.

During halftime, Jin Taige praised the players. They were beginning to understand his straightforward approach: identify problems, criticize poor attitudes, and reward good performances.

In the second half, Jin Taige made no changes, and the dominance continued. In the 65th minute, Giggs scored a stunning goal from the edge of the box, curling the ball into the top corner. Manchester United led 4-0.

Shortly after, Jin Taige substituted Giggs for Shinji Kagawa, a move with commercial motivations, as requested by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward. Kagawa received a warm reception from the crowd.

Jin Taige then replaced Nani with Ashley Young and Icardi with Javier Hernández. Hernández quickly made an impact, scoring to make it 5-0.

However, when Jin Taige brought on Phil Jones for Ferdinand, the young partnership with Van Dijk struggled. Jones' lack of familiarity with Van Dijk led to a goal for Hong Kong Zhijie, making it 5-1.

Kanté, noticing the defensive issues, adjusted his position, dropping deeper to support Jones and Van Dijk. His adaptability stifled the opposition, and Manchester United controlled the game until the final whistle.

After the match, Jin Taige praised the players, especially the new signings. The team was growing more cohesive, and the future looked bright.

On the bus back to the hotel, Jin Taige asked Kanté, "How did you know to drop back and help the defense today?"

Kanté replied humbly, "I saw Jones and Van Dijk needed support, and I had the energy to help. I just did what felt right."

Jin Taige nodded, impressed. "You have a great understanding of the game. With time, you'll become one of the best defensive midfielders in the world."

As the bus rolled through the vibrant streets of Osaka, Jin Taige leaned back, closed his eyes, and imagined the roar of the Old Trafford crowd. In his mind, he could already hear the chants of the Red Devils faithful, calling his name.