The Next Red Legend
With Manchester United’s recent knockout of the Champions League with an unfair red card given to Nani, fans are furious about it. Following the match Legendary Manager Alex Ferguson was distraught at the loss resultant of the referee’s poor judgment and Assistant Manager Mike Phelan said that ‘The manger is not in fit state to talk to the referee about his decision’.
Two days after, Alex Ferguson announced that he would be retiring from English football management at the end of the 2013 season. Media speculates that his resignation is coupled by old age and also David Gills as director of Manchester United’s plans of stepping aside soon. Fans hail the massive job that this tremendous manager has done in the past decades, bringing in dozens of trophies and accolades and also this man’s loyalty to the club.
However, with Fergie’s leave from Old Trafford, Manchester United would now be looking for a new manager to hopefully do a good, if not better job than the previous manager, bringing the club to greater heights.
Season 1
Chapter 1: Unlikely Employment
Chapter 2: First Days
Chapter 3: The Red Crisis
Unlikely Employment
With Fergie’s and David Gill’s imminent departure, David Gill hopes to quickly find a suitable replacement to Alex Ferguson, to ensure the future success of the club and ensure that the Manchester United dream lives on. Many high profile managers like Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola are rumored to be up for the job.
Meanwhile, in the LMA School of football management, Felix Ford has just graduated, acing his education journey in the school, becoming the best graduating student with the highest recommendation given to clubs by the school in its entire history. Even the President of the school has personally written a strong letter of recommendation for Felix.
And of course, I am Felix Ford. This is the story of how my life unfolded from then. Having met Alex Ferguson a couple of times when he visited the school, I had short chats with him regarding revolutionary tactical approaches also the youth prospects which are hidden in the different clubs. And now, after graduation, I have begun looking for a job. I set my sights on low profile clubs like those in the nPower Championship and I began crafting my application letter and resume for sending.
At that moment, suddenly my phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Hi, I am David Gill, director of the Manchester United”
“Oh hello! How can I help you?”
“Mr Ford I know that you are keen in venturing into management of an English club having graduated with top scores from the LMA School. Coincidentally, our hot seat is currently vacant after Alex’s departure and we have yet to find a suitable candidate.”
“Manager of Manchester United?!” I exclaimed at this point, completely doubting if it was reality.
“Yes, I want a new face, someone who is a management rookie, because I want to try something new. Our club has had much success under Alex, but I am unsure if this success can continue under the high profile managers like Pep and Mourinho due to their own style of managing. I hope that you would be the one who would revolutionize the club and bring about greater success.”
“Are you sure you want me? I am just a rookie! I am keen on taking on a managerial role in an English club, but I had set my sights on lower profile clubs to build up a reputation before moving on the larger clubs. Not that I don’t want dream of managing Manchester United, but I really feel that I am not up to such a role.”
“Yes, we are very serious about our invitation and the board has already discussed and approved this decision. And of course, before we approached you, Alex gave me a very strong recommendation for you as he said you have a very bright mind and have the potential to be the greatest manager of all time, better than him.”
“We are planning to hand you a one year contract to see if things work out and for you to prove your abilities to the board. If every goes well and you are able to meet the requirements that the board sets for you, we will extend your contract.”
“Sounds like a good plan, too tempting to refuse I guess.”
“Wonderful, I will meet you next Thursday in my office and we will sign the contract. Do have a great day ahead!”
-beep-
I looked towards the computer screen at my half completed application proposal to be manager of Blackpool again. My head whirled. What had just happened? This is a miracle!
The next Thursday, I met David Gill at his office and I was handed my one year contract. I held my hand over the contract awhile hesitantly and I looked out towards the iconic stadium – the Old Trafford. Then without any further hesitation, I signed and that marked the beginning of my career at Manchester United.
The official announcement was published and there were many critics who felt that it was definitely a wrong decision that David Gill has made. Following is the report by SportsTime.
30-year-old Felix Ford had earlier expressed his interest in pursuing a management career and it appears he has followed that route, with Manchester United. This was a decision by the Manchester United management board that shocked the world as the new manager has just graduated from manager school and was labeled by many as merely a rookie.
The Manager is reported to be on 45,000 per week, and has been given a contract until the end of the season, with Chairman and Director David Gill confirming that Felix will be handed a new contract in the midst of the season if the move works out.
Felix will start duties as Manchester United manager effective immediately.
Chapter 2: First days
Press Conference: With David, I took my seat on the table, facing the journalists and media who began shooting their questions.
"Welcome to Old Trafford, Felix."
"Thank you very much."
"Let us get on with the questions. First of all, what are your long-term plans and short-term plans for the Reds, if any?"
"Our goal this season would be to win the EPL of course. In time, I hope to make Manchester THE power force in English football and hopefully accomplish another treble season."
"A little bit too ambitious, don't you think?"
"Maybe, but that's just my beliefs. It'll be up to me and the team to see if we can accomplish that or not."
"Will you be concentrating solely on the Premier League, or will you be focusing more on the cup competitions, like the League Cup and the FA Cup?"
"I'd say both. We want to win cups, and also maintain our position in the league from last season."
"What kind of football would you want your side to play?"
"Football is all about entertainment and that's what I intend to provide for the Villa fans."
"What can we expect from you in the transfer market? Are there any positions you want to strengthen?"
" Well, I do feel we are short of quality at left-back and midfielder position especially with the aging of some players, but that's all for now since I haven't met the team yet."
“Many United fans believe that you are still inexperienced and might be incapable of thriving under the intense pressure and stress of being a manager of an already world class team. What are your thoughts on this?”
“Well, everything has a beginning and I am grateful to the board of directors for giving me a chance to coach such a team, I believe that I would be able to adapt to the pressure in such a high profile league where mistakes are magnified and bring glory to the club. I hope the fans would just wait and watch the club win its matches.”
"Alright, thank you for answering our questions, David. Good luck to you and Manchester United."
"Thank you very much.
Following that, I met my new players at Old Trafford, our official training ground. I introduced myself as the new manager. I handed the squad a three-hour training session and by the time we were finished, I had identified who was going to be instrumental in our Premier League campaign.
Robin Van Persie
Last Seasons Star Striker of the EPL, this player would definitely play a pivotal role in deciding the team’s success this year.
Wayne Rooney
Rooney has always been a superstar for Manchester and for this season would definitely continue to be.
Welbeck
He is probably the most promising and important youngster for Manchester United, with strength and developing techniques, he has great potential and promises to be an indispensable Striker to Manchester United.
Signings
Wellington Nem – €20 Million
Wellington is an extremely promising youngster who already has capability that matches United’s existing wingers, Valencia, Nani and Ashley Young. His young age also allows great room for developments. His flexibility, allowing him to play across all the midfield position and even as a striker makes him an even better selection. His 20 million price tag thus seems very reasonable.
David Alaba – €22 Million
The signing of Buttner was definitely one that was a poor choice as he was not a play with standards for a world class stage, a new left back is thus crucial to Manchester United’s success this season, with Evra growing old. Alaba is easily the best left back in the game with the greatest potential. He is thus definitely, a must-buy for Manchester.
Carlos Fierro – €5.5 Million
Carlos Fierro has been touted to be a striker with immense potential and ultimate goal scoring abilities. Though the price of 5.5 million for a youngster seems to be a little too much, but he would definitely develop into a wonderful player and score many goals for the club in the future.
Martin Montoya – €17 Million
Manchester United is rather deficient in the people capable of playing in the wing backs, this flexible and young defender can be a very good rotation option for Manchester United and play a very important role for the team in the future.
Tactics
4-2-3-1
This formation is the classic Manchester United formation which allows for wide play. This formation would thus make use of the classy wingers that Manchester United has.
4-3-2-1
This is a more narrowed play for games on narrow pitches. This tactic would focus of retaining possession in midfield and utilize the superior passing abilities of the players to win matches. This is also a back-up tactics in the situation when the wingers need to be rested or are injured during a game.
Preseason Matches
The preseason results are not at all satisfying, probably due to the lack of team cohesion. The loss to Real Madrid was especially disappointing as the players performed badly.
Chapter 3 – A red crisis
Walking along the perimeter of the stadium, I sighed. What was I going to do with so many of my key players injured? Especially in the defense department, with Phil Jones, Alaba, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling still recovering from injuries, how would I beat Arsenal tomorrow? Our attack is definitely not a problem… I thought and thought, the more I thought the more unrest I felt. Then, I had a plan, a crazy one.
Tactic Employed:
What?! A 4-1-5? We have never trained for this before! And we are facing Arsenal! Two full backs are definitely not enough to stop their attacks!
I know it’s risky, but this is the tactic that the team would be following tonight. Just forget everything else and play in the role that you are assigned. Trust in the team’s attacking force and that everything would turn out to be alright. Van Persie, today is your debut and you have a crucial role today, being the receiving end of the crosses, do play well!
Yes Sir. Thanks for you trust in me.
Match Result - 2-0 (18(Rafael),39(Hernandez))
Great job in clinching the victory tonight, even though you have been playing with a tactic which had been almost entirely foreign to you! I hope that the team would continue to do so well in all future matches, in that way, the title is definitely ours.
With Manchester United’s recent knockout of the Champions League with an unfair red card given to Nani, fans are furious about it. Following the match Legendary Manager Alex Ferguson was distraught at the loss resultant of the referee’s poor judgment and Assistant Manager Mike Phelan said that ‘The manger is not in fit state to talk to the referee about his decision’.
Two days after, Alex Ferguson announced that he would be retiring from English football management at the end of the 2013 season. Media speculates that his resignation is coupled by old age and also David Gills as director of Manchester United’s plans of stepping aside soon. Fans hail the massive job that this tremendous manager has done in the past decades, bringing in dozens of trophies and accolades and also this man’s loyalty to the club.
However, with Fergie’s leave from Old Trafford, Manchester United would now be looking for a new manager to hopefully do a good, if not better job than the previous manager, bringing the club to greater heights.
Season 1
Chapter 1: Unlikely Employment
Chapter 2: First Days
Chapter 3: The Red Crisis
Unlikely Employment
With Fergie’s and David Gill’s imminent departure, David Gill hopes to quickly find a suitable replacement to Alex Ferguson, to ensure the future success of the club and ensure that the Manchester United dream lives on. Many high profile managers like Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola are rumored to be up for the job.
Meanwhile, in the LMA School of football management, Felix Ford has just graduated, acing his education journey in the school, becoming the best graduating student with the highest recommendation given to clubs by the school in its entire history. Even the President of the school has personally written a strong letter of recommendation for Felix.
And of course, I am Felix Ford. This is the story of how my life unfolded from then. Having met Alex Ferguson a couple of times when he visited the school, I had short chats with him regarding revolutionary tactical approaches also the youth prospects which are hidden in the different clubs. And now, after graduation, I have begun looking for a job. I set my sights on low profile clubs like those in the nPower Championship and I began crafting my application letter and resume for sending.
At that moment, suddenly my phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Hi, I am David Gill, director of the Manchester United”
“Oh hello! How can I help you?”
“Mr Ford I know that you are keen in venturing into management of an English club having graduated with top scores from the LMA School. Coincidentally, our hot seat is currently vacant after Alex’s departure and we have yet to find a suitable candidate.”
“Manager of Manchester United?!” I exclaimed at this point, completely doubting if it was reality.
“Yes, I want a new face, someone who is a management rookie, because I want to try something new. Our club has had much success under Alex, but I am unsure if this success can continue under the high profile managers like Pep and Mourinho due to their own style of managing. I hope that you would be the one who would revolutionize the club and bring about greater success.”
“Are you sure you want me? I am just a rookie! I am keen on taking on a managerial role in an English club, but I had set my sights on lower profile clubs to build up a reputation before moving on the larger clubs. Not that I don’t want dream of managing Manchester United, but I really feel that I am not up to such a role.”
“Yes, we are very serious about our invitation and the board has already discussed and approved this decision. And of course, before we approached you, Alex gave me a very strong recommendation for you as he said you have a very bright mind and have the potential to be the greatest manager of all time, better than him.”
“We are planning to hand you a one year contract to see if things work out and for you to prove your abilities to the board. If every goes well and you are able to meet the requirements that the board sets for you, we will extend your contract.”
“Sounds like a good plan, too tempting to refuse I guess.”
“Wonderful, I will meet you next Thursday in my office and we will sign the contract. Do have a great day ahead!”
-beep-
I looked towards the computer screen at my half completed application proposal to be manager of Blackpool again. My head whirled. What had just happened? This is a miracle!
The next Thursday, I met David Gill at his office and I was handed my one year contract. I held my hand over the contract awhile hesitantly and I looked out towards the iconic stadium – the Old Trafford. Then without any further hesitation, I signed and that marked the beginning of my career at Manchester United.
The official announcement was published and there were many critics who felt that it was definitely a wrong decision that David Gill has made. Following is the report by SportsTime.
30-year-old Felix Ford had earlier expressed his interest in pursuing a management career and it appears he has followed that route, with Manchester United. This was a decision by the Manchester United management board that shocked the world as the new manager has just graduated from manager school and was labeled by many as merely a rookie.
The Manager is reported to be on 45,000 per week, and has been given a contract until the end of the season, with Chairman and Director David Gill confirming that Felix will be handed a new contract in the midst of the season if the move works out.
Felix will start duties as Manchester United manager effective immediately.
Chapter 2: First days
Press Conference: With David, I took my seat on the table, facing the journalists and media who began shooting their questions.
"Welcome to Old Trafford, Felix."
"Thank you very much."
"Let us get on with the questions. First of all, what are your long-term plans and short-term plans for the Reds, if any?"
"Our goal this season would be to win the EPL of course. In time, I hope to make Manchester THE power force in English football and hopefully accomplish another treble season."
"A little bit too ambitious, don't you think?"
"Maybe, but that's just my beliefs. It'll be up to me and the team to see if we can accomplish that or not."
"Will you be concentrating solely on the Premier League, or will you be focusing more on the cup competitions, like the League Cup and the FA Cup?"
"I'd say both. We want to win cups, and also maintain our position in the league from last season."
"What kind of football would you want your side to play?"
"Football is all about entertainment and that's what I intend to provide for the Villa fans."
"What can we expect from you in the transfer market? Are there any positions you want to strengthen?"
" Well, I do feel we are short of quality at left-back and midfielder position especially with the aging of some players, but that's all for now since I haven't met the team yet."
“Many United fans believe that you are still inexperienced and might be incapable of thriving under the intense pressure and stress of being a manager of an already world class team. What are your thoughts on this?”
“Well, everything has a beginning and I am grateful to the board of directors for giving me a chance to coach such a team, I believe that I would be able to adapt to the pressure in such a high profile league where mistakes are magnified and bring glory to the club. I hope the fans would just wait and watch the club win its matches.”
"Alright, thank you for answering our questions, David. Good luck to you and Manchester United."
"Thank you very much.
Following that, I met my new players at Old Trafford, our official training ground. I introduced myself as the new manager. I handed the squad a three-hour training session and by the time we were finished, I had identified who was going to be instrumental in our Premier League campaign.
Robin Van Persie
Last Seasons Star Striker of the EPL, this player would definitely play a pivotal role in deciding the team’s success this year.
Wayne Rooney
Rooney has always been a superstar for Manchester and for this season would definitely continue to be.
Welbeck
He is probably the most promising and important youngster for Manchester United, with strength and developing techniques, he has great potential and promises to be an indispensable Striker to Manchester United.
Signings
Wellington Nem – €20 Million
Wellington is an extremely promising youngster who already has capability that matches United’s existing wingers, Valencia, Nani and Ashley Young. His young age also allows great room for developments. His flexibility, allowing him to play across all the midfield position and even as a striker makes him an even better selection. His 20 million price tag thus seems very reasonable.
David Alaba – €22 Million
The signing of Buttner was definitely one that was a poor choice as he was not a play with standards for a world class stage, a new left back is thus crucial to Manchester United’s success this season, with Evra growing old. Alaba is easily the best left back in the game with the greatest potential. He is thus definitely, a must-buy for Manchester.
Carlos Fierro – €5.5 Million
Carlos Fierro has been touted to be a striker with immense potential and ultimate goal scoring abilities. Though the price of 5.5 million for a youngster seems to be a little too much, but he would definitely develop into a wonderful player and score many goals for the club in the future.
Martin Montoya – €17 Million
Manchester United is rather deficient in the people capable of playing in the wing backs, this flexible and young defender can be a very good rotation option for Manchester United and play a very important role for the team in the future.
Tactics
4-2-3-1
This formation is the classic Manchester United formation which allows for wide play. This formation would thus make use of the classy wingers that Manchester United has.
4-3-2-1
This is a more narrowed play for games on narrow pitches. This tactic would focus of retaining possession in midfield and utilize the superior passing abilities of the players to win matches. This is also a back-up tactics in the situation when the wingers need to be rested or are injured during a game.
Preseason Matches
The preseason results are not at all satisfying, probably due to the lack of team cohesion. The loss to Real Madrid was especially disappointing as the players performed badly.
Chapter 3 – A red crisis
Walking along the perimeter of the stadium, I sighed. What was I going to do with so many of my key players injured? Especially in the defense department, with Phil Jones, Alaba, Jonny Evans and Chris Smalling still recovering from injuries, how would I beat Arsenal tomorrow? Our attack is definitely not a problem… I thought and thought, the more I thought the more unrest I felt. Then, I had a plan, a crazy one.
Tactic Employed:
What?! A 4-1-5? We have never trained for this before! And we are facing Arsenal! Two full backs are definitely not enough to stop their attacks!
I know it’s risky, but this is the tactic that the team would be following tonight. Just forget everything else and play in the role that you are assigned. Trust in the team’s attacking force and that everything would turn out to be alright. Van Persie, today is your debut and you have a crucial role today, being the receiving end of the crosses, do play well!
Yes Sir. Thanks for you trust in me.
Match Result - 2-0 (18(Rafael),39(Hernandez))
Great job in clinching the victory tonight, even though you have been playing with a tactic which had been almost entirely foreign to you! I hope that the team would continue to do so well in all future matches, in that way, the title is definitely ours.
