Manchester United unilaterally terminates the contract
This was Ye Chen's first time using the locker room at Old Trafford.
Of course, they only had the right to use it, but they weren't qualified to have their jerseys hung there.
Solskjær was still arranging the tactics, his expression serious.
In fact, his seriousness wasn't because of the match itself—the real reason was Ye Chen.
Just now, the team's manager had approached Solskjær and ordered him not to play Ye Chen under any circumstances, regardless of the situation.
The reason was simple—due to his refusal to train, Ye Chen's reputation in China had plummeted.
Many fans had even flooded Manchester United's official Instagram with comments demanding the termination of his contract.
The team's manager, David Gill, immediately had the PR department follow up on the situation. He also consulted multiple contacts related to Manchester United in China and was shocked to discover how serious the matter had become.
Radical fans had recorded videos of burning jerseys and boycotting Manchester United matches, forcing the club to take the issue seriously.
Originally, signing Ye Chen was meant to boost United's presence in the Chinese market. Not only did he fail to help, but he also caused problems instead!
That's why early this morning, David Gill went straight to Solskjær and handed him a termination letter.
He demanded that the club immediately and unconditionally terminate Ye Chen's contract.
Solskjær tried to plead for Ye Chen, arguing that his recent performances had been promising and that he could represent the U18 team.
But David Gill simply asked, "How does he compare to Pogba?"
"There's still a huge gap," Solskjær admitted honestly.
"Then what are you hesitating for? Even a talent like Pogba isn't guaranteed a spot in the Manchester United first team. Why should he be?"
Hearing this, Solskjær had no choice but to comply.
After all, he was just an employee.
Ye Chen's presence was damaging Manchester United's image, so he couldn't stay at the club…
But Ye Chen was completely unaware of this. As Solskjær explained the tactics, he listened carefully, afraid to miss anything.
After all, this was going to be his first match ever!
Solskjær led the substitutes through the tunnel and to the home team's bench, while the starting players waited in the tunnel to enter alongside the referees.
More than 10,000 fans had arrived at Old Trafford today, with at least 2,000–3,000 Liverpool supporters among them.
Even before the match started, Liverpool fans had already begun singing "You'll Never Walk Alone."
Not to be outdone, United fans chanted "Glory, Glory, Man United," their voices echoing through the stadium.
Though this was only a U18 match, the intensity of the North West Derby was already at full throttle.
In the stands, David Gill watched the pitch with a grim expression.
Initially, when Ye Chen was selected for the U17 national team, he had been delighted. Who would have thought things would spiral into such a mess?
Several youth coaches from the U16 team had repeatedly advised him against renewing Ye Chen's contract, but he had rejected their concerns.
If he had known things would turn out this way, he should have expelled Ye Chen from the team much earlier.
But thankfully, it wasn't too late.
David Gill immediately pulled out his phone, called the PR director, and ordered a press conference. At the same time, he instructed the club's official website to publish the termination announcement.
Since this was a unilateral termination, the club would compensate Ye Chen with £2,000 in severance pay, but this decision made it clear where the club stood.
Of course, at the moment, David Gill was acting decisively.
But years later, when interviewed, he broke down in tears.
"I am the sinner of Manchester United… If only I hadn't terminated Ye Chen's contract back then, maybe United wouldn't have fallen into decline for so many years!"
By that time, Ye Chen had grown into a player capable of single-handedly carrying a team.
But right now, he was still sitting on the bench, grinning like a fool.
"Hey, what are you smiling at?"
Just as Ye Chen was staring at the pitch with a silly grin, a crisp female voice sounded behind him.
Ye Chen turned around and was immediately greeted by an absolutely stunning face!
Even by European standards, this girl was breathtakingly beautiful!
"Lina?"
Ye Chen recognized her instantly. She was the coach's beloved daughter, and they had met a few times before.
"Hey, check out this video!"
She handed him her phone.
Ye Chen pressed play.
In the first clip, Ye Chen took an early shot before two defenders could close him down.
As the ball neared the goal, it dipped sharply!
The second clip followed Januzaj, who passed the ball just before the camera cut to Ye Chen rushing in at full speed at the far post.
Ye Chen's toe connected perfectly with the ball.
The final clip showed Januzaj taking a corner kick, followed by Ye Chen executing a stunning volley…
Honestly, just watching this highlight reel, someone who didn't know better might mistake him for Cristiano Ronaldo!
And the background music was full of adrenaline-pumping energy.
It was clear that this video had been expertly edited!
"How did you get this footage?" Ye Chen asked in surprise.
"Obviously, I got it from my dad!" Lina said proudly. "So? Not bad, right? My classmates are all asking about you after seeing this video!"
Ye Chen felt a bit embarrassed. "Thank you! Can you send it to me?"
"Of course! But only if you treat me to a meal!" Lina grinned, sunlight illuminating her face.
Ye Chen suddenly froze…
Was she the leading lady of a Hollywood film?
She was way too beautiful!
He glanced at Solskjær… Luckily, she didn't look like him—otherwise, she wouldn't be this stunning.
"Hey! What are you daydreaming about? I'm talking to you!" Lina pouted.
Ye Chen snapped back to reality and quickly nodded. "No problem! If we win this match, I'll use my match bonus to treat you to dinner!"
"Then you better do your best! Liverpool won't be easy to beat!"
"Don't worry! As long as I'm on the field, there won't be any surprises!"
Ye Chen flashed a confident smile.
When it came to football, he had every reason to be confident.
After all, he was the Chosen One!
Lina was momentarily stunned…
She suddenly recalled what the girls in her class had said about Ye Chen:
"It's rare to see an Asian guy who looks this good."
Well… she had to admit—she agreed!
The players were now stepping onto the field.
Carragher and Scholes were introducing the lineups, while Ye Chen set his sights on Liverpool's "Happy Boy".
At this time, Sterling was still young and slightly shorter than in his prime.
But Ye Chen was curious—would he still be as "joyful" on the pitch?