CH 4
The Road to the Community Shield
Skepticism and the Relentless Training Regimen
Mike Phelan and Rene Meulensteen were deeply dissatisfied with Ferguson's insistence on signing Matteo Conti.
No matter how hard they analyzed him, they simply could not see any natural talent.
But once they failed to stop Ferguson's decision, their professionalism kicked in.
Since Ferguson had ordered it, they would do their absolute best.
So, after conducting a full set of physical and technical tests, they created a highly detailed special training plan for Matteo.
The training program was immense—
• Divided into multiple sections
• Adjustable in difficulty based on progress
• Covered everything: technique, fitness, tactics, even diet and recovery
And Matteo?
He dove into it like a madman.
The First Training Session—An Unbreakable Mentality
The first basic drill was ball juggling—training ball control and touch.
At first, Matteo struggled badly.
The ball kept falling.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Yet, he never hesitated to start over.
Then came dribbling through cones—his control was horrible, but he kept going.
Even when Mike Phelan and Rene Meulensteen started shouting harsh criticisms, Matteo never complained.
He simply absorbed everything and focused on improving.
Why?
Because this was a privilege.
How many players dream of being personally trained by Ferguson's top assistants?
This was an opportunity people would beg for.
He had to cherish it.
And then, during a break, Matteo casually opened his system interface.
He was shocked.
The System's Revelation—Potential Unlocked
[Shooting] – 56 (73)
[Dribbling] – 49 (72)
[Passing] – 46 (76)
[Defense] – 39 (70)
[Speed] – 69 (85)
[Physical] – 76 (86)
New numbers had appeared!
At first glance, his base stats hadn't changed much.
Except for Defense, which went up from 38 to 39.
But the real change?
Each attribute now had a potential cap in parentheses!
(x) represented the theoretical maximum he could reach.
Before, he had feared that he would hit a limit too soon.
Now?
The system had removed his doubts completely.
His Speed and Physical had high ceilings!
Of course, he knew unlocking potential wouldn't be easy.
But if the potential was there, then it belonged to him.
And there was no way he wouldn't push himself to the limit.
A Grueling Routine—Training Without Limits
Matteo threw himself into the training.
He trained like a man possessed.
The program wasn't just about running and drills—
It included recovery therapy, diet plans, injury prevention.
It was scientific, exhaustive, and intense.
By 10 PM, after his first full day of training, Matteo collapsed onto his bed.
He was so exhausted that he could barely think.
The moment he touched the mattress—he passed out.
And the next day?
It started all over again.
Warm-ups.
Endless drills.
Solo training.
Sweat.
Pain.
Repetitions.
Day 2.
Day 3.
Day 4.
Day 5.
Day 6.
Day 7.
Matteo never stopped.
At one point, even Phelan and Meulensteen were shocked.
They had never seen anyone push themselves this hard.
They even warned him to slow down.
Matteo didn't listen.
As long as the team doctor didn't stop him, he wouldn't stop himself.
He was too far behind.
If he wanted to catch up—no, surpass others—
He had to race against time.
And the best part?
His system stats were visibly improving.
His progress was insane.
Sure, his foundation was weak, so early growth was faster.
Eventually, progress would slow down, but it didn't matter.
What mattered was the feeling of getting stronger.
He loved that feeling.
And soon…
Matchday arrived.
The Community Shield Squad Announcement
August 9, 2009.
Mike Phelan stood before the team.
"The squad for tomorrow's Community Shield match is as follows."
Starting XI:
• Foster
• Ferdinand
• Gary Neville
• Evra
• Scholes
• Giggs
• Rooney
• Berbatov
Then came the substitutes.
• Kuszczak
• Evans
• Fabio
• Fletcher
• Anderson
• Owen
And then—
"…Matteo."
Silence.
Matteo's own eyes widened in shock.
The players looked at each other in disbelief.
Even Matteo himself couldn't believe it.
He had only been here for a week.
He had been training alone the whole time.
He hadn't practiced with the team at all.
His tactical understanding was nonexistent.
By all logic, he shouldn't be on this squad.
Not for another three to six months at least.
But somehow, here he was.
His name was on the squad list.
Sure, it didn't guarantee game time…
But being on the squad was already an opportunity.
And then—
"Boss, I don't accept this!"
Everyone froze.
It was Danny Welbeck.
The room went dead silent.
Welbeck was furious.
His eyes burned with resentment as he looked at Ferguson.
Bad idea.
Everyone in Manchester United knew the rules.
Even Beckham had been exiled for defying Ferguson.
If Beckham wasn't untouchable, no one was.
"Welbeck, are you questioning my decision?" Ferguson's voice was ice cold.
Welbeck hesitated.
"Boss, I—I just don't think this is fair."
Matteo could feel the tension in the air.
Welbeck continued, voice shaking slightly.
"He hasn't trained with us. He doesn't know our system. He won't contribute anything to the team. I just—"
Ferguson's glare was like a blade slicing through the room.
"If you don't agree, keep it to yourself. I don't need you to teach me how to manage my squad."
Welbeck gulped.
He had stepped too far.
But before he could back down—
"Go to the reserves. One month. Don't come back until then."
Everyone's faces drained of color.
Welbeck was stunned.
Just for voicing doubt, he was being sent down?
His anger turned to disbelief.
But looking at Ferguson's furious expression, he knew—
He had no choice.
Lowering his head, he quickly left the room.
The tension slowly eased.
And Matteo?
He had just seen the true power of Ferguson's "hairdryer treatment."
That pressure…
That aura…
It was terrifying.
And now?
Matteo was right in the middle of it.
Selected for his first matchday squad.
Even though Ferguson's rage wasn't directed at him,
It felt like he was standing on fire.
The pressure was real.
And his first test?
The Community Shield.