Bet my honor

The next day, at Manchester United's Carrington training base.

Solskjaer looked at the players in front of him with a serious expression.

"Now, I will announce the starting lineup and substitutes for tomorrow's FA Youth Cup match. Step forward when your name is called!"

"Goalkeeper: Liam!"

Hearing this name, Jonathan's expression changed slightly.

He recalled the scene of being beaten by Ye Chen's shots yesterday…

"Left-back: Tyler. Center-backs: McGinty and Wilkinson. Right-back: Massach!"

"Yeah!" Wilkinson clenched his fists and let out an excited shout.

Yesterday, he was still a B-team player, but today, he had successfully replaced Luke!

And both full-back positions had also changed.

"In midfield—left winger: Jack Barmby. Central midfielders: Dahli and Jack Rudge. Right winger: Januzaj!"

Dahli was the best player in the youth team, so his starting position was never in doubt.

But last match's central midfield duo, Rothwell and Tom, both lost their starting spots!

Even right winger Liam was benched!

Januzaj, however, smiled. As expected, his hat-trick of assists yesterday had earned him a precious starting opportunity!

As Januzaj stepped forward, he winked playfully at Ye Chen, as if to say, "I'm waiting for you."

To be honest, Ye Chen was nervous at that moment.

He had given his all for his hat-trick yesterday. If he didn't make the starting lineup… there was nothing he could do.

After all, team selection was always the coach's decision!

Solskjaer glanced at Ye Chen before continuing, "Now, the two forwards!"

"Left forward: Pearson. Right forward: Byrne!"

"Huh?"

Many players let out surprised murmurs. Ye Chen had performed so well, yet he wasn't in the starting lineup?

Several teammates turned to look at Ye Chen, eager to see his reaction—perhaps he would be angry?

Byrne also grinned and sneered as he passed Ye Chen, "Now you know who the coach favors, huh? You little scrub."

However, they were destined to be disappointed, as Ye Chen remained completely calm.

To be honest, he hadn't even expected to start; just making the squad was enough for him.

He firmly believed in the saying: A golden dragon cannot remain in a small pond forever—when the winds rise, it will soar to the heavens!

With the starting lineup confirmed, it was time for the substitute list.

Solskjaer maintained a composed expression. "There are only five substitute spots. Step forward when I call your name!"

"Substitute goalkeeper: Jonathan!"

Jonathan walked out from the group, visibly displeased.

Hmph! This was all because of Ye Chen!

"Luke!"

"Kiriliano!"

"Tom!"

Four names had been called, leaving just one final spot.

Yet, the Manchester United U18 squad had at least 25 players!

Ye Chen's breathing grew heavier—this was crucial for another task he had.

Could it be that even a hat-trick wasn't enough to impress Solskjaer?

If that was the case, he might as well consider leaving Manchester United!

If one place doesn't appreciate you, another will!

Just as Ye Chen was lost in thought, Solskjaer's voice rang out again, "The fifth substitute… Ye Chen!"

Ye Chen clenched his fists tightly!

His Manchester United career was finally about to begin…

Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the task—successfully making the match squad! Task completion rating: A. Reward: One Bronze Treasure Chest!

With the 11 starters and 5 substitutes standing together, Solskjaer turned to address the remaining young players.

"Even though you haven't made the squad, you can still go to Old Trafford to watch the game. I hope you can improve by observing the match and earn a place in the squad as soon as possible!"

Many players looked disappointed.

Of course, there were plenty of matches in the youth league, and they would still have future opportunities.

But this was Liverpool—a bitter rival! Everyone wanted to play against them for Manchester United…

After all, not every youth team match was played at Old Trafford!

And any game at Old Trafford meant two things: passionate home fans and live television coverage!

Even Manchester United's youth team didn't get TV coverage for every match!

"Alright, let's begin our tactical session and go through the game plan for the next match…"

Preparations officially began, and as a substitute, Ye Chen had the chance to listen to the tactics planned for the A-team.

In fact, Solskjaer's approach was heavily influenced by Ferguson—a classic 4-4-2 formation, with a focus on wing play and crosses, supplemented by long shots from midfield.

He also provided detailed tactical instructions—for instance, Jack Rudge was assigned to mark Sterling throughout the match.

The day passed in the blink of an eye.

That night, Ye Chen even dreamed about the game. He saw himself wearing a Manchester United jersey at Old Trafford, scoring a stunning volley to win the match…

But as soon as his alarm rang, he realized it had all been a dream.

The match was scheduled for 11 a.m.

For this game, Sky Sports had invited two pundits—Jamie Carragher and Paul Scholes!

Scholes, a Manchester United legend, had just retired and landed a new job. At this point, he was still a rookie in the commentary world.

Carragher, a Liverpool legend, was already a seasoned veteran at Sky Sports.

Even before kickoff, the two football greats were already bantering.

"Hey, Paul, you know what? Even though Manchester United's first team is great, in the U18 league, Liverpool is the best!" Carragher grinned as he spoke to Paul Scholes.

Scholes nodded. "Of course I know—you guys are top of the table. You've got that kid Sterling, right?"

"Looks like you did your homework! But remember, even though this is Old Trafford, we're taking the win!" Carragher declared smugly.

Before Scholes could respond, the home crowd erupted in loud boos!

This was Old Trafford, not a place for Liverpool to show off.

Carragher, however, remained unfazed, still smiling. "I know you fans don't like it. How about we make a bet?"

"What do you want to bet on?" Scholes raised an eyebrow.

"Let's bet on the outcome of this match. Whoever loses has to wear the other team's jersey during the next live broadcast! Do you dare?" Carragher taunted.

Both were club legends, and their teams were arch-rivals.

Wearing the opposition's jersey on air? That was a huge bet—it would be a humiliation!

But Carragher was confident. After all, Liverpool was leading U18 Group 8, while Manchester United was four points behind in second place.

Not to mention, Liverpool had Sterling—an absolute standout talent. That was Carragher's trump card!

"Do it, Paul!"

"Paul, don't back down!"

"Screw Liverpool!"

The crowd roared.

Scholes gritted his teeth. "Fine, a bet is a bet! This is the Theatre of Dreams—you won't be boasting here!"

"Heh, today you'll witness the power of the 'English Messi'!" Carragher sneered.

"What if it's a draw?"

"A draw doesn't count… Hey, I'm not stupid!" Carragher chuckled mischievously.

Scholes was a brilliant player on the pitch, but in real life, he was rather simple-minded.

There was no way he could outmaneuver Carragher in a battle of wits…

Now, he could only hope that the young Red Devils would deliver!