Manchester United's Dominant Premier League Opener Under Jin Taige

The match kicked off with Manchester United launching a two-footed shot within the first five minutes, signaling their aggressive intent. Swansea manager Michael Laudrup paced the sidelines, urgently directing his players to tighten their defense. He glanced toward the away dugout, where 38-year-old Jin Taige sat relaxed, intently analyzing the game. Laudrup couldn't help but note the composure of United's young manager, thinking, This new coach might be tougher than expected...

At 50, Laudrup watched his counterpart with a mix of curiosity and wariness. Jin Taige, however, remained focused on the pitch. Beside him, assistant coach Ferran muttered nervously, "What if their pressure breaks us?" Paul Scholes stayed silent, eyes glued to the action. Jin Taige reassured them, "Relax. With Kanté, we're secure."

In the pre-game briefing, Jin Taige had outlined a bold strategy: overload the wings, push full-backs forward, and trust Kanté to anchor the defense. "Carrick, advance without hesitation—Kanté's got your back. Giggs and Nani, support the attack; don't worry about tracking back. Evra and Rafael, join the flanks. Leave the gaps to Kanté." The squad echoed in unison: "We've got Kanté!"

The plan worked flawlessly. United's relentless wing play pinned Swansea deep, their defense creaking under waves of attacks. Commentator Morris marveled, "No one expected such audacity from Jin Taige's debut! The Premier League's on notice." Skeptic Raman countered, "This reckless attack will backfire. That French free-transfer defender can't save them forever."

Laudrup adjusted, instructing wingers Routledge and Dyer to exploit United's advanced full-backs. A swift counter saw Dyer surge down the right, delivering a cross that evaded Michu—only for Routledge to lurk at the far post. As Raman crowed, "Jin Taige's naivety will cost them!" Kanté materialized from nowhere, sliding to clear the danger. Morris erupted, "Kanté's anticipation is unreal! Where did he come from?!"

The away fans erupted in relief. In Manchester's Scarlet Bar, fans gasped, "That Kanté's a ghost!" Laudrup fumed, hurling his water bottle. Who is this midfielder?!

Emboldened by Kanté's cover, United's attackers ran riot. Van Persie broke the deadlock with a deft header from Giggs' cross (1-0), then added a second via a sharp turn and finish (2-0). Rooney capitalized on Rafael's overlap to smash home a third before halftime (3-0).

Laudrup's halftime tweaks changed little. Substitute Mahrez tormented Swansea's right flank, teeing up Rooney's header (4-0). Shelvey's late free-kick consolation (4-1) spared Swansea's blushes, but Raman's jibe—"Kanté can't stop a dead ball!"—rang hollow.

As United's bus rolled back to Manchester, Jin Taige reveled in his debut triumph. Scholes grinned, "You were right, gaffer. With Kanté, we're untouchable." Fans chanted "Triple Crown!" in pubs, already dreaming of glory.

Yet challenges loom: Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City await. For now, Jin Taige's philosophy reigns. As Morris noted, "This was just the start. But with Kanté, United's engine roars louder than ever."

Jin Taige was lost in thought when assistant coach Ferran called out, "Tiger, why aren't you saying anything? Are you unhappy with the game?"

At Ferran's words, the players fell silent, all eyes turning to Jin Taige in the front row.

Jin Taige turned his head and smiled at everyone. "I was just thinking about giving you one or two days off tomorrow."

"Two days off, Boss! Definitely two days!"

"Boss, you're the best!"

The players erupted in excitement, and Jin Taige promptly announced a two-day holiday starting the next day, with the team to reconvene the day after.

The players cheered loudly, reveling in the double joy of victory and a well-deserved break.

Jin Taige's decision wasn't just a reward for the win. With the second round of the Premier League set to begin in 10 days, he wanted the players to enjoy one last period of relaxation before the grueling season kicked into high gear.

During this time, the lower leagues in England completed the first two rounds of the League Cup. Many teams delivered thrilling performances, advancing to the third round.

On August 20, the draw for the 2013-2014 English League Cup took place at the FA's press conference hall. While most Premier League teams avoided tough matchups, one result stood out and captured everyone's attention.

On September 25, 2013, Manchester United would host Liverpool in the third round of the League Cup!

The draw sparked widespread surprise and speculation. Many wondered if the FA had orchestrated the matchup to boost interest in the competition.

In recent years, the League Cup had lost much of its prestige, with many Premier League teams prioritizing the league and Champions League over what had become a "Mickey Mouse" tournament. The FA, eager to revive the competition's appeal, seemed to be taking steps to generate excitement.

Last season's League Cup quarter-final between Chelsea and Manchester United, a thrilling 5-4 encounter, had reignited some interest. This season, pitting Manchester United against Liverpool in the third round seemed like another attempt to draw attention.

The FA, however, denied any manipulation of the draw, stating emphatically, "The draw is absolutely fair, transparent, and open!"

For Jin Taige, the prospect of facing Liverpool was not a cause for concern but rather a source of excitement. As a disciple of Sir Alex Ferguson, Jin Taige shared his mentor's deep-seated rivalry with Liverpool. The chance to defeat them would bring immense satisfaction.

This animosity wasn't unique to Jin Taige; it was ingrained in the fabric of Manchester United.

While Jin Taige was still buzzing about the League Cup clash with Liverpool, an even more significant event loomed: the Champions League group stage draw. Scheduled for August 23 in Monaco, France, it would determine Manchester United's path in Europe's premier competition.

Woodward had planned to accompany Jin Taige to Monaco, but the coach came down with a fever, forcing Woodward to attend alone.

Jin Taige spent the day resting at home. He had already instructed Ferran and Scholes to oversee training and manage the team in his absence.

His wife took excellent care of him, ensuring he took his medicine and drank hot soup. While the children played quietly in the other room, careful not to disturb their father. At noon, the children brought fruit, pizza, and milk to Jin Taige's bedside, a gesture that touched him deeply.

By evening, Jin Taige's fever had subsided, much to his relief. With a packed schedule ahead, falling ill at this critical juncture was far from ideal.

After a pleasant family dinner, Jin Taige settled on the sofa to watch the UEFA Champions League group stage draw.

Who would Manchester United face in the group stage?

Jin Taige was filled with anticipation. He feared no "group of death" or formidable opponent. His goal was to conquer Europe, and he was prepared to overcome any challenge on the path to glory.

An hour later, Jin Taige turned off the TV and reviewed the group assignments on his laptop. He couldn't help but smile.

The draw had produced some intriguing matchups.

-Group A: Manchester United (1st seed), Bayer Leverkusen, Shakhtar Donetsk, Real Sociedad.

This group seemed straightforward for Manchester United, with little pressure to top the table.

- Group B: Real Madrid (1st seed), Galatasaray, Juventus, Copenhagen.

The clash between Real Madrid and Juventus was the highlight of this group.

- Group C: Paris Saint-Germain (1st seed), Olympiacos, Benfica, Anderlecht.

The French giants appeared to have landed a favorable draw.

-Group D: Bayern Munich (1st seed), Manchester City, Viktoria Plzeň, CSKA Moscow.

A battle between Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern and Premier League upstarts Manchester City promised fireworks.

- Group E: Chelsea (1st seed), Schalke 04, Basel, Steaua Bucharest.

Chelsea's path to the knockout stages seemed clear, with the remaining teams vying for second place.

- Group F: Borussia Dortmund (1st seed), Arsenal, Napoli, Marseille.

This group, featuring teams known for their attacking football, promised entertaining matches.

- Group G: Atlético Madrid (1st seed), Zenit Saint Petersburg, Porto, Austria Vienna.

Atlético Madrid were favorites to advance comfortably.

- Group H: Barcelona (1st seed), AC Milan, Ajax, Celtic.

The showdown between Barcelona and AC Milan was the marquee matchup of this group.

This season's Champions League promised to be an exciting spectacle, and Jin Taige was ready to lead Manchester United on their quest for European glory.