09 Don't Decide? I'm Forcing You!!

As the discussion about Tiger King becoming the head coach continued, Gill suddenly realized how much time had passed.

Noting the long time passed during their conversation over just some tea to fill their stomachs, he was feeling hungry and felt Ferguson might be hungry as well. So, he extended an invitation to Ferguson for dinner. However, Ferguson politely declined, expressing his desire to return home and enjoy time with his family.

After the legendary manager left, Gill locked himself in his office. He took a deep breath, then picked up the phone and dialed.

"Malcolm, I need to report something to you..."

After Ferguson's conversation with Gill, more than ten days passed, and in the blink of an eye, May had arrived. His farewell day was drawing closer.

Ferguson knew that while Gill might support his decision, Malcolm Glazer was another matter entirely. The Glazer family operated with one priority—profit. Promoting a youth team coach not even 40 years old, as old as a few players still playing on the field, rather than a renowned manager with experience leading top teams, would undoubtedly be a tough sell to Malcolm.

But Ferguson wasn't one to wait around. A few days prior, he had already taken action—transferring Tiger King from the youth team to his side as his second assistant coach.

Then, on May 12, 2013, Manchester United secured a 2-1 victory over Swansea at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson took his final bow at the Theatre of Dreams, concluding his legendary career with a perfect farewell.

Despite the smooth end to the league campaign, Ferguson couldn't shake his disappointment with the club. There was still no official announcement about his successor.

He exhaled sharply, his mind set. "If they won't decide, then I'll force them to."

On May 19, 2013, in the last round of the Premier League, Manchester United tied West Brom 5: 5.

On May 20, 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson held a press conference and he announced two things that caused a sensation in football.

First, Sir Alex Ferguson completed his 1500th game coaching at Manchester United today and officially announced his retirement.

Second, Sir Alex Ferguson highly recommended Tiger King to Manchester United as his successor.

On that day, the entire football scene was in turmoil with one prevailing thought in everyone's mind:

'Who is Tiger King?'

May 21, 2013—Sir Alex Ferguson's first official day of retirement. Yet, even in retirement, visitors arrived early in the morning.

The housemaid led an elderly man, dressed in a luxurious suit, into the living room. Ferguson greeted him with a knowing smile.

"Mr. Glazer, I rarely saw you when I was coaching, but the moment I retire, here you are."

His words carried a hint of sarcasm. The Glazer family was notorious for never stepping foot in Old Trafford since acquiring Manchester United—a fact that had long frustrated the club's most loyal supporters.

Malcolm Glazer, however, remained unfazed. Taking a seat opposite Ferguson, he said, "Old friend, you handled things well yesterday."

Ferguson smirked. "Since you weren't in a hurry to appoint a new coach, I thought I'd give you a little push. No need to thank me—it's my duty, after all."

Malcolm let out a bitter chuckle. "Let's be honest, at this point, even football fans on Mars know that you're backing Tiger King as your successor. Given the situation, who in their right mind would want to take on the pressure of managing Manchester United now?"

Ferguson leaned back, his expression calm and resolute. "That's simple—just appoint Tiger King."

Malcolm fell silent, deep in thought.

Ferguson observed Malcolm's silence and smirked. "What are you thinking about? Coffee or black tea?"

Without waiting for an answer, he handed Malcolm a cup of warm water. "If you're feeling parched, I'd recommend this instead. It may have a milder taste, but it quenches thirst the best."

His words carried more weight than just a simple drink selection—he was making a point. Sometimes, the best choice isn't the most glamorous or obvious one, but the one that gets the job done. Malcolm took the cup, his eyes narrowing slightly as he pondered Ferguson's subtle message.

Malcolm looked at the clear water in front of him for a moment, then looked up at Ferguson, "Jazz, do you think Tiger King is suitable?"

Ferguson leaned forward slightly, his gaze unwavering. "Trust me in my choice—whether it's Tiger King or this cup of warm water. I swear by my loyalty to Manchester United. I want this club to thrive more than anyone else… including you."

His words were deliberate, each syllable carrying the weight of decades of dedication. Malcolm Glazer gripped the cup in his hands, feeling the warmth seep through his fingers, as if the conviction in Ferguson's voice had transferred into the very water he held.

Malcolm paused for a moment, then let out a small chuckle. He knew Ferguson well enough to understand that when the old Scot made up his mind, there was little point in resisting.

As he stepped into his car, he looked back one last time. "Let's hope you're right, Sir Alex. For all our sakes."

Ferguson stood at the doorway, arms crossed, watching Malcolm's car disappear down the road. He exhaled deeply, a rare smile creeping onto his face.

"The club won." He repeated softly to himself.

Now, all that remained was for Tiger King to prove him right.

Malcolm drove away from Ferguson's home, he has decided to bet on a big one. As a successful businessman, he is good at gambling and rarely loses at critical moments.

But Malcolm doesn't know yet. His gambling decision today has given the Glazers another victory, and this time, he has won the future for decades.

May 25, 2013

Official Club Statement

📢 Manchester United Appoints New Manager

Manchester United is pleased to announce that Mr. Tiger King, former assistant coach of the Manchester United youth team, has been appointed as the new First Team Manager.

Further details to follow on the press conference on 26 May, 2013 with David Gill.

#MUFC 🔴⚫ #NewEra #RedDevils

The announcement sent shockwaves through the football world.

May 26, 2013

On receiving confirmation, the entire press room was filled with murmurs. The appointment of an unproven coach, someone who had never managed at the senior level, was unheard of for a club of Manchester United's stature.

Journalists in the room exchanged bewildered glances, their pens momentarily frozen.

Cameras flashed as David Gill spoke with unwavering confidence. "Tiger King embodies the spirit of Manchester United. His deep understanding of the club's philosophy, his years of dedication, and his vision for the future made him the ideal candidate in the eyes of Sir Alex Ferguson and the board."

"Let's not forget, he was the Captain of the Class of '92 before injury sidelined his career."

A murmur of disbelief rippled through the crowd before the press erupted with a barrage of questions.

"Mr. Gill, does this mean Manchester United is abandoning experience for youth?"

"Why not a proven manager like Mourinho or Ancelotti?"

"Tiger King has never managed a first-team squad—how can he handle a club of this stature?"

"Mr. Gill, why choose Tiger King over more experienced candidates?"

"Was this decision influenced solely by Sir Alex Ferguson?"

"How do you respond to critics who say this is a massive gamble?"

David Gill remained composed, raising a hand to settle the room. His voice was firm, unwavering. "This club has always been about vision and long-term success. Sir Alex Ferguson himself has endorsed Tiger King, and we believe he embodies the values and philosophy of Manchester United. We are confident he is the right man to lead us into the future."

Despite the official backing, skepticism loomed large. Fans and pundits alike debated whether this was a masterstroke or a reckless decision.

Meanwhile, in the shadows of Old Trafford, Tiger King stood alone, taking a deep breath. The weight of expectation was heavy on his shoulders.

His era had begun.