CH 9

The Main Lineup

Matteo Conti didn't even need to think about it.

No matter how much Ferguson liked him, there was no way he would put him in the starting lineup—at least not yet.

After all, Matteo's performances in training matches had been terrible.

However, making the squad and securing a spot on the substitutes' bench? That was a different story.

So, when Matteo's name appeared on the matchday squad list, most of his teammates weren't surprised.

Except for Obotan and Macheda, who both looked a little bitter, the other Manchester United players had already accepted the reality—Ferguson had a clear soft spot for Matteo.

And, after all, Matteo had scored a last-minute winner in the Community Shield.

Now, everyone could acknowledge that he deserved a place on the squad.

Of course, Matteo himself was thrilled.

His place at United was anything but stable. Even his position on the bench was shaky.

Right now, he was only making the squad because of Ferguson's backing.

But the most exciting part?

The match was against Birmingham City—a team significantly weaker than Manchester United.

If United could secure an early lead, he might get another chance to step onto the field.

And as long as he played in an official match, his full luck stat would activate.

So, Matteo continued working harder than ever, determined to improve.

August 16: Matteo's First Time at Old Trafford

The next day, August 16, Matteo arrived at Old Trafford for the first time.

This legendary stadium had witnessed Manchester United's rise and fall over the decades.

Known as the "Theatre of Dreams", every match played here attracted massive attention.

With a capacity of over 76,000, the atmosphere at Old Trafford was electric.

Even though Matteo had already experienced the roar of 90,000 fans at Wembley, the feeling here was completely different.

It wasn't nervousness—it was something else.

Excitement.

No, pure exhilaration.

This was United's home ground.

Most of the fans were United supporters, passionately backing their team.

Even during the warm-up, Matteo could hear sporadic cheers calling his name.

It took him by surprise.

Even as a former football fan himself, he knew how impatient supporters could be.

They would cheer you on if you performed well.

But the moment you disappointed them?

They would tear you apart.

Still…

If he continued to prove himself, these fans would become the most loyal and passionate supporters.

The real question was—would he get a chance to play today?

The starting strikers were still Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov.

Even among the substitutes, Michael Owen was ahead of him.

In the Community Shield, Owen didn't get any minutes.

Would Ferguson leave him on the bench again in the Premier League opener?

Unlikely.

Ferguson didn't care about keeping people happy, but completely ignoring Owen would be hard to justify.

So, Matteo figured he probably wouldn't play today.

The Match Begins

Sure enough, in the 34th minute, Rooney latched onto a pass from Nani and fired Manchester United into the lead.

Despite controlling the game completely, United didn't extend their advantage.

Birmingham's limited attacking threat meant the match remained comfortable.

Berbatov, however, was having a disastrous game.

Despite excellent service from Nani and Valencia, he kept wasting chances.

Then, in the 75th minute, Manchester United signaled for a substitution.

At that moment, Matteo was warming up alongside Owen and a few others.

He assumed Owen would be coming on.

But then—

"Matteo!"

Mike Phelan called his name.

Matteo was stunned for a second.

Then, without hesitation, he ran over to hear Ferguson's instructions.

Ferguson's Words

Ferguson leaned in and whispered to Matteo.

"Some people say you're not good enough for Manchester United."

Matteo held his breath.

"I think so too," Ferguson added.

Matteo nearly rolled his eyes.

Boss, come on! I know you're telling the truth, but did you really have to say it like that?

"But," Ferguson continued, with a smirk, "you scored in the last game. Consider this your reward."

He patted Matteo on the shoulder.

"So, enjoy the game."

Matteo took a deep breath.

And just like that—

He was subbed on for Berbatov.

As Matteo ran onto the pitch, he instinctively raised his hand to high-five Berbatov.

But the Bulgarian ignored him completely, walking off with an annoyed expression.

Matteo hesitated for a moment.

Then, brushing off the mild humiliation, he focused on the game.

Though…

Deep down, he made a silent promise.

One day, I'll take your starting spot.

Struggles on the Pitch

Matteo's biggest improvement over the past few weeks wasn't in his attributes.

It was in his understanding of the game.

During training matches, he had started to grasp the role of a striker within the team's tactics.

From the bench, he had been carefully analyzing both teams' forwards, trying to learn as much as possible.

And now, on the pitch—

At least, he wasn't just running around cluelessly anymore.

There was some structure to his movement.

But…

That didn't mean he was playing well.

His lack of technical ability was on full display.

• His first touch? Horrible. Half the time, he stopped the ball straight into an opponent's feet.

• His passing? A disaster—either way off target or straight to the wrong player.

• His physicality? Non-existent. The slightest contact, and he went tumbling to the ground.

• His shooting? Absolutely tragic.

The worst moment?

Rooney danced past three defenders before laying the ball off to Matteo—

A golden opportunity.

Matteo swung his foot—

And blasted the ball miles over the bar from inside the penalty box.

From Cheers to Boos

When Matteo was subbed in, the Old Trafford crowd applauded.

But now?

Boos filled the stadium.

• "He's not even better than the youth team strikers!"

• "How the hell did he make the first team?"

• "This is a scam! They only signed him to expand the Sammarinese market!"

• "Is Sir Alex being blackmailed? If so, blink twice!"

The fans were furious.

Some still defended Matteo, arguing that Ferguson clearly saw potential in him.

They urged patience.

But those voices were drowned out.

On the pitch, Matteo stood there, stunned.

The same fans who had cheered him minutes ago were now ripping him apart.

At that moment, Matteo Conti truly understood football.

One good performance, and they'll worship you.

One bad performance, and they'll destroy you.