Meeting The Owners And The Legends
As I walked into a room full of people who either own a part of the club or have been integral in making the club, I feel out of place. To be honest, any time I talk about Sir Bobby Charlton and how important he was to the club, I get goosebumps and I haven't really considered the idea of being in the same room as him as the manager of Manchester United - that is, until now. While butlers and servers are moving around the room, occupying most people's attention, facing the stadium, with their backs to me stood David Gill, Avram & Joel Glazer, Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson.
I walked upto them, while one of the Glazers was notified about my arrival. All of them turned around, not in synchronization at all, to greet me. Soon enough, Nemanja Vidic, the captain, and Patrice Evra, the vice-captain arrive and we all sit around one big table, headed by Sir Alex, out of respect and gratitude. He has decided now to continue on with the club, even in a directorial capacity, so this will be his last meeting. He clears his throat and starts the meeting off.
Sir Alex Ferguson
"Gentlemen, before we begin, I would just like to say that I have been notified that you are planning to take the squad for a send-off match in Munich right in the middle of this season, and I would like to come out, be clear and tell you that I am completely against that idea. If you are to give me a sendoff, it should be during one of our friendlies. I will not have the boys distracted during the season."
Mike Phelan
"Boss, we could schedule a friendly against Bayern before our season starts. They did show some interest towards the end of last season."
Sir Alex nodded and continued.
Sir Alex Ferguson
"And Akash, I'm hoping you have seen Shinji and Nick in training. I hope you are not disappointed with the signings I made before having to leave. Shinji should be ready for the first-team, once he learns to communicate with the guys in the center."
Akash Vidyasagar
"There is no doubt Kagawa and Powell are both United quality players - and I expect Shinji to be a part of the first team, especially during the run-in."
As both of them exchange a look of approval as Avram Glazer stands up and pats me on the back.
Avram Glazer
"Now, Akash, I don't know whether you are aware of this, but we gave Sir Alex a budget of £60 Million to win the title back from City. Kagawa and Powell came from that kitty, but if you feel you need to further strengthen the squad, you can use the rest of the transfer budget offered to Sir Alex."
Joel Glazer
"Of course, we have had a meeting with the rest of the directors and your predecessor himself, and we don't think it is fair for us to expect you to win the Premier League at the first time of asking, with City, Chelsea and Arsenal taking a step forward when it comes to personel. We expect of you to qualify for the Champions League, that is finish fourth or higher."
Nemanja Vidic
"I would just like to add that the team has taken very well to the new manager with internation experience, and see you as the right man to take this club forward. You have the confidence and the trust of the players."
As soon as Vidic finishes talking, Phelan takes over.
Mike Phelan
"And so have the staff. They are happy you chose to not terminate their contracts, because they love being part of the Manchester United system. The arrivals of Gian Nicola Bisciotti and Enrico Fedele have filled up all the gaps that were starting to be felt within the staff, and it has always lightened up our burden."
The meeting ended with handshakes and some humour, but there's a lot more left to be done before the season begins.
