"When Sir Alex Ferguson, the legend, decided to step into my office almost sixteen months ago, I was awe-struck. I had been working part-time under his leadership for quite some time, but this was the first time we had had a one-on-one chat. What came next was the greatest surprise of them all – Sir Alex wanted to personally train me till the end of next season, so that I could efficiently take over from him as Manchester United manager. This was very different from the sack-and-replace idea most clubs used nowadays, and something that was going to change my life completely."
The 2011/12 Season
Together with Sir Alex, I dipped my toes into the transfer market by signing up Palermo youngster, Giuseppe Prestia. Another couple of signings quickly followed, while out-of-favour keeper, Tomasz Kuszczak left the club for a nominal amount.
Over the next twelve months, I earned plaudits from United Legends Roy Keane, Bryan Robson and Paul Scholes, but one man’s opinion mattered most – the man who believed I was capable of topping a quintuple.
Why am I talking about a quintuple, you ask?
In his last season in management, this is what, my mentor, Sir Alex Ferguson managed to achieve, with my help, I would like to assume.
Community Shield
League Cup
English Premier Division
FA Cup
Champions Cup
...And now, it's my turn to live up to the expectations of millions and millions of United fans across the globe.
P.S.: I have JUST finished the first season, and these are my accomplishments, not SAF's ;). This just sounds better story-wise and gives me something to beat. What's a game without a challenge anyway?
Hope I'll keep you tuned to the story. Next season updates coming soon.
My first couple of weeks in-charge were more than hectic. Deciding whether the club goes to China for a promotional tour or stays back and get a couple of extra days of rest, deciding who would get a bigger contract from last season and whose demands were too much to accept, and most important of all, who can strengthen this magnificent squad?
With more than £65 Million in my hand, the owners were backing me..or were they backing Sir Alex's choice? Either way, I needed to get my head straight into business and start fielding calls about potential signings. After intense discussion with teams and agents alike, I decided to go for numerous youngsters who would slowly but surely get into the Manchester United first-team.
Transfer History as of August 13, 2012
Also, my first competitive match was just two hours away, and to add further pressure, the England National team had not released my top stars yet. I was going to have to go into this match without the likes of Rooney and Ferdinand. Going into the dressing room, I give the boys the encouragement they need to go out and get the job done. Motivation to defeat the "noisy neighbours" has never been an issue.
Community Shield
Iker Muniain got his first start for his new club, but it turns out to be a sad ending as he had to be stretched off, with an injury that will keep him out of the club for 2 to 3 months.
- Any players readers suggest I should look out for? I still have around £30Mil to spend.
I think you meant to put the 2012-13 transfers there instead of the 2011-12. But I may be mistaken.
I already made the correction. Thanks for the heads-up.
Any comments or suggestions for me?
hey akash.vidyasagar nice story i like the start you thought up it's different. But i could'nt help notice most of the players you bought in 2012/13 were over payed for don't get me wrong there good signings but they are not worth what you payed. Crisetig for £6.75 Million i remember i scouted him in my game and i could get him for just over £1 Million and Muniain you payed nearly double what he was worth?
I got spoilt, to be honest.
I completely forgot about Crisetig in the first season and Inter were asking for £8Million in the season season when I tried making an offer. After two-three negotiations, I finally got him for the mentioned amount.
As for Muniain, nearly the same story. I had £20 Million specially saved for him, because I knew from various other stories that he would be available for that much, but Athletic refused to respond till this season (when I re-sent a higher offer) and asked for £32 Million. With Rooney & Welbeck on international duty, Hernandez injured, Berbatov not scoring, I thought "if you have money, why not spend it?"
Thanks for the comment, Andy. Keep reading.
I look back and wonder, "Should I have these butterflies in my stomach? I'm on a 14 match winning streak domestically, and already guaranteed qualification into the knockout stages of the Champions Cup with two matches to go, but this match is special. I'm on my way with the team to Anfield, home of Liverpool FC, our North-West rivals".
The Match:
I look at the team-sheet and notice Liverpool fielding three of their newest signings - Fernando Gago, Demy De Zeeuw and Landon Donovan. With Gerrard leading the side, the team were not short of confidence with 3-0, 0-4 and 4-1 victories leading into this encounter. Our team weren't short of confidence either, and a quick chat in the dressing room about the importance of the game really brought their spirits up.
5' min:
What a perfect start. Rooney beats Agger and Reina to side-foot the ball into the net. The Kop has been silenced.
11' min:
Whatever you can do, I can do better..Rooney's strike is bettered by Gerrard, while a hapless De Gea looks on. 1-1
45' min:
We were looking good, but now, I'll have to tear up my half-time notes because Rafael just pushes Kuyt in the box. Penalty to Liverpool at the stroke of half-time!
The boys want to go out and get that goal back. Rafael doesn't seem to be sulking, and that's always a good sign.
75' min:
We've been dominating the second half and rattled the bar three times. We get the goal we deserve after good one-two between Hernandez and Rooney.
http://i709.photobucket.com/albums/ww98/akashrv/2012-02-19_00003.jpg
Great match, and surely, the United fans went home happier. We maintain our unbeaten record..my butterflies have finally disappeared.
You did many signings during the window. How did the squad react to that?
