Interview and Reactions

When Hall stepped out of the Carrington training base, his mind was still racing, replaying the conversation he had just had with Jin Taige. He glanced back at Jin Taige's office, now distant, but in his mind, he could still see the young coach's cheerful yet determined face.

Hall got into his old car, stepped on the accelerator, and headed straight for the newspaper office. He could already imagine the headlines: the Manchester Evening News would surely see a spike in sales tomorrow.

The next evening, newspapers across the UK prominently featured the Manchester Evening News, with bold headlines declaring: "Goal: The Triple Crown." The publication broke single-day sales records for sports newspapers that year, and Young Hall became an idol among aspiring journalists.

Meanwhile, Jin Taige was thrust into the spotlight.

The first to criticize him was Wolf, a reporter for The Sun. It was unclear where Jin Taige had offended him, but Wolf didn't hold back. "Youth isn't a sin, nor is a lack of ability. But arrogance? That's a crime. A newly appointed young coach dares to claim his goal is the Triple Crown? I recommend Manchester United's team doctors give Mr. Jin Taige a thorough check-up, especially his brain, to see if he's lost his mind."

Sky TV commentators Morris and Raman also weighed in during their show.

Raman was blunt: "I can understand Jin Taige's ambition. With last season's title-winning squad and the legacy of Sir Alex Ferguson, if he had simply said his goal was to defend the title, I'd have respected his courage. But the Triple Crown? That's ridiculous. Last season, even under Sir Alex, we were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in the group stage. Does Jin Taige really think this squad can outperform a European giant like Real Madrid? Morris, what's your take?"

Morris, a Manchester United fan, sighed. "This summer, Real Madrid spent €170 million on players like Gareth Bale. Their strength has increased significantly, and other European giants have also strengthened. This season's Champions League will be tougher than ever."

Raman interjected, "But don't forget, our Mr. Jin Taige also signed 15 players. Maybe he can lead them to the Champions League final and win it all."

Morris ignored the sarcasm. "I hope Manchester United can achieve good results this season and go as far as possible in the Champions League."

Raman added mockingly, "Let's hope Mr. Jin Taige lasts longer than mid-season. Otherwise, the Triple Crown will remain a dream."

The controversy wasn't confined to England. Across Europe, Jin Taige's declaration had stirred the football world. Even in the East, media outlets were buzzing. One newspaper used a particularly provocative headline: "Bluffs!"

On the third day at Carrington, the first-team players returned from their two-day break. As they warmed up on the pitch, the conversation inevitably turned to the headlines.

"Did you see yesterday's papers?"

"Which one?"

"The one every newsstand is displaying front and center. You know which one."

"I saw it. And The Sun. And Sky TV."

"Me too..."

"Do you think the boss is angry?"

"He must be! If it were me, I'd be furious!"

"Let's be careful today. Don't give him a reason to take it out on us."

Jin Taige soon arrived on the training ground, holding a copy of the "Triple Crown" newspaper. After taking attendance, he addressed the team.

"I'm sure you've all seen this. Maybe some of you also read The Sun or watched Sky TV last night. Since that's the case, I'll get straight to the point. What do you think about the goal of the Triple Crown?"

The players remained silent, unsure of Jin Taige's intentions.

He continued, "I imagine you're thinking, 'They're mocking me, so I must be angry,' right?"

Someone at the back muttered, "Yeah..."

Jin Taige smiled. "You're wrong. Why should I be angry? Ryan, why would I be angry?"

Giggs, standing at the front, replied, "Because they're underestimating you."

"You're wrong again! They're not underestimating me—they're underestimating you!" Jin Taige's voice rose. "They're not questioning my coaching ability. They're questioning your talent, your strength!"

He pointed at each player in turn. "Ryan, they think you're too old to play, that it's time to retire! Rooney, they think you've lost your edge! Robin, they think you can't win the Golden Boot again! Carrick, they think you can't make those penetrating passes anymore! Nani, Young, Valencia—they think your crosses are rubbish! And Kanté, Van Dijk, Mahrez—you new signings, they don't think you're good enough to play for Manchester United!"

The players listened, their frustration mounting. But then Jin Taige's tone softened.

"What I want to tell you today is this: they're talking nonsense. Look at this!" He held up the newspaper. "The Triple Crown—that's my expectation for you. I believe in your ability. I suggest you buy a copy of this paper and keep it. At the end of the season, we'll use it to shut those 'experts' up!"

The training session that followed was unlike any other. The intensity was palpable, as if they were preparing for a Champions League final rather than a routine practice. Scholes had to repeatedly remind the players to avoid unnecessary risks.

Later, Jin Taige, Scholes, and Ferran discussed the session.

Ferran expressed concern. "Tiger, you really lit a fire under them. I was worried someone might snap and confront you."

Jin Taige gestured to the pitch. "They needed that fire. If they can carry it into the league and the Champions League, it'll be worth it."

Scholes agreed. "Captain, that speech was brilliant. The players were angry, but when you brought out the 'Triple Crown' paper, it showed your faith in them. They respect you even more now."

"That's exactly what I wanted," Jin Taige said, satisfied. "By the way, Paul, let's end training an hour early this afternoon. I have plans."

That afternoon, Carrington welcomed an unusual group of guests. Woodward personally escorted a group of journalists to Jin Taige. Among them were notable figures like Carlo Ink from the Daily Telegraph, Leslie from The Times, and Toynbee from The Guardian.

Jin Taige greeted them warmly. "Hello, friends. Let's not talk about football today. I've invited you here for something different."

He led them to the indoor training ground, where the entire first team was waiting. Jin Taige announced, "Welcome to the first round of the Manchester United Darts Super League!"

For the next hour, players and journalists competed in a lively darts tournament. The atmosphere was electric, and the reporters left with a newfound appreciation for Jin Taige's approach.

On August 3, Manchester United played a friendly against Sevilla at Old Trafford to commemorate Ferdinand's 10th anniversary with the club. Despite a 1-3 loss, Jin Taige didn't reprimand the team. He could see the effort, but the defensive gaps were glaring. Ferdinand and Vidic, both aging, struggled against Sevilla's attack.

Jin Taige sighed. "This lineup needs a shake-up."

A few days later, Manchester United faced Wigan Athletic in their final preseason friendly. Jin Taige made two key changes: Smalling replaced Vidic, and Kanté partnered Carrick in midfield. The adjustments paid off, and Manchester United won 2-0, with goals from Van Persie and Carrick.

Soon after, Jin Taige received two loan offers: one from Real Madrid for Javier Hernández, and another from Arsenal for Danny Welbeck. Woodward explained that the board was inclined to accept both deals, citing good relationships with the clubs.

Jin Taige was hesitant. "Even if we have depth in attack, losing two backup forwards at once isn't ideal. We're fighting on three fronts this season."

Woodward countered, "But Icardi and Martial have shown promise. The board is confident in them."

Jin Taige sighed. "Even if we agree, we should consult the players. If they don't want to leave, we can't force them."