The time goes back to a month ago, with just over 30 days left until Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement. The sky over Manchester is still as gloomy as the mood of many passers-by, but at the Carrington training ground, things are bustling.
The Carrington training ground is only 6 miles away from Manchester United's home ground, Old Trafford. It is surrounded by green trees, with beautiful scenery, convenient transportation, and a peaceful atmosphere. There are a total of 14 football fields of different sizes for players to train on. In addition to the spacious outdoor training fields, there are also many indoor training halls, swimming pools, fitness centers, physiotherapy centers, restaurants, and more. From the under-9 youth training team to the first-team players, everyone undergoes systematic training at this base.
In the early morning, the old caretaker of Carrington, Connie, is chatting with the security guard, Thor.
"Hey, good morning. How's it going today?"
"Good morning, everything is normal today."
The conversation between Connie and Thor was as usual.
"It's only April of this year and we're about to win the league championship. Just thinking about it is exciting."
"But it's a bit regretful that we were knocked out of the Champions League too early."
As they were chatting, a voice behind them suddenly said, "Good morning, Connie and Thor. It's great to see you both."
Connie and Thor turned around and said, "Mr. Tiger, you're here so early today."
"Yes, if I'm late compared to those young guys in the youth team, how can I set a good example for them?" said Tiger with a smile. "I'll go in first, old buddy. See you later."
Connie nodded and said, "Indeed, for some reason, Tiger has suddenly become much more cheerful in recent times. Although Tiger has always been affable and smiling, there was always a sense of gloom about him."
"Tiger has already done quite well. If you and I had gone through what he had, we would have been crushed long ago," Thor shook his head lightly and felt great pity.
As Connie watched Tiger's figure disappear into the distance, he thought of an incident from 20 years ago. The world knows the geniuses of Manchester United's Class of '92, those names that resound in the international football world. Beckham, Giggs, Scholes, Neville Brothers, and Butt. These six were the representatives of the Class of '92, and they led Manchester United to a glorious era.
But few people know that when he was in the Manchester United youth team, there was another young man who was also highly regarded, and his name was TigerKing! At that time, TigerKing was very popular, and his status in the youth team even surpassed that of Beckham and Giggs-because he was the captain of the class of '92. However, unfortunate events happened when he accidentally twisted his ankle during a team training, and after a doctor's diagnosis, it was confirmed that his ligament was severely torn. TigerKing's injury could not be treated, and he could no longer perform as an athlete. He had to say goodbye to his professional football career.
This incident caused a great sensation within the Manchester United team. Ferguson was heartbroken for his beloved disciple, and other young teammates were also very sad. After this setback, TigerKing fell into a deep depression. Unexpectedly, his parents also passed away in the same year, leaving TigerKing alone to face the difficulties of life.
Later, Ferguson took action and arranged for TigerKing to become an assistant coach in the youth team, and helped him obtain coaching qualifications. Under Ferguson's care and guidance, TigerKing eventually obtained the FIFA A-level coaching qualification at the age of 22, breaking the English record. Ferguson arranged for TigerKing to become a formal football coach in the youth team, and since then, TigerKing has started his coaching career. Now 38 years old, TigerKing has been a coach for 16 years and has deep experience. Currently, he is the assistant coach of the Manchester United youth team, helping the head coach McGuinness deal with the team's affairs.
In recent years, his life has been pretty good, with no worries about food and clothing, and a good income. He bought a three-bedroom and two-living room apartment near the Carrington training base, got married, and had children, living a happy life.
"I think TigerKing feels regret in his heart every time he sees his former teammates, Beckham and Giggs, fighting on the green field. 'Tiger, is something on your mind?' McGuinness patted Tiger King's shoulder, and only then did Tiger King react. 'Nothing, just thinking about some things from the past.' Hearing Tiger King's words, McGuinness comforted him with deep meaning, 'Tiger, the past is the past. Don't think too much about it. You are now my assistant coach. I'm getting old, and in a few years, you might take over my position. Work hard, and maybe one day you can go there and command a game.' McGuinness pointed to the east, where Old Trafford Stadium was located. Tiger King laughed, 'Six miles away, it's too far to see.' 'That's just right. Smile more,' McGuinness told Tiger King while continuing to guide the young players in training on the field. 'Hey, move up a little more in the middle and front, don't let the forward wait alone in front. Create gaps and strengthen your running!' Tiger King stood on the edge of the training ground and almost read through TigerKing's past. Even he was deeply moved: if it weren't for injuries, TigerKing's career would have had a high achievement. However, life is like this, full of uncertainty and changes. Just like himself, yesterday he was still Jin Taixi, and today he became TigerKing. However, he still liked the nickname 'Tiger.' At this time, McGuinness returned to Tiger King's side, and the two began to chat about the recent matches of the first team. 'Yes, as long as nothing unexpected happens, we will be the champions,' McGuinness said. 'But Jazz is going to retire, and Scholes is also going to retire. It's really sad.' McGuinness sighed, then raised his head and said with relief, 'But fortunately, the team's lineup is strong enough, and the core is also powerful. Regardless of who coaches next season, we are still strong contenders for the championship.' Hearing this, Tiger King shook his head, 'I don't think so. I think Manchester United's situation is not optimistic now, with a crisis-ridden lineup and an unfavorable future.' McGuinness was taken aback. He did not expect Tiger King to say such a thing. He was about to retort when someone behind them spoke, 'Crisis-ridden? Tiger, what is your opinion on the team's future?' They turned around and were stunned. 'Mr. Ferguson, what brings you here?'"