Despite securing an away draw, upon returning home, New Manchester United made it abundantly clear to their opponents that the title of Devil's home in the Northwest League was indisputably theirs.
With enthusiastic fans, a fervent home atmosphere, and a resilient home team, New Manchester United dominated their strong opponents in the Northwest Division B, securing a decisive 3-0 victory over Ashton.
Although this semi-professional team from Ashton Underline in eastern Manchester brought more than 500 fans, they were hardly heard amidst the roar of over 3,000 home fans at Butcher's Knife Stadium.
New Manchester United's home ground remained unconquered this season. Their unbeaten record at home, coupled with the passionate home support, always exerted immense psychological pressure on visiting teams, earning Butcher Knives Stadium the moniker of the Devil's Stadium.
David Pace jestingly complained to Levi after nearly every game, suggesting that many might mistakenly believe Butcher's Knife Stadium to be New Manchester United's true home, forgetting his own Drouyden team altogether.
While this banter was all in good fun among friends, Levi couldn't ignore the underlying implications.
On one hand, the acquisition of the Athletic Stadium in the area had yet to make significant progress. On the other hand, the capacity of Butcher Knives Stadium failed to meet the demands of New Manchester United's growing fanbase. A record average attendance of 3,200 fans per game even caught the attention of the FA.
Surprisingly, this average attendance of 3,200, a figure many National League or even English B teams struggle to achieve, was attained by New Manchester United in their inaugural season.
Now, every week, Manchester TV dedicated half an hour to the New Manchester United football show. During one episode, a reporter interviewed fans to understand why so many people attended amateur league matches. They even interviewed a rare, elderly fan named John, who claimed to have been a lifelong Manchester United supporter but now could only afford to watch New Manchester United games due to the expensive tickets at Old Trafford.
To dispel any doubts, John proudly showed the reporters his collection of Old Trafford tickets, proving his loyalty.
"This government may have rejected Murdoch's bid to acquire Manchester United, but I've transferred my allegiance to New Manchester United. No matter what happens, I'll support them until my dying breath!" John declared.
This TV segment struck a chord with Levi. He requested a copy of the footage from the TV station, intending to preserve it as a memento.
In addition to Manchester TV, reporters from outside the UK occasionally visited Butcher's Knife Stadium and the Newton Heath training grounds, curious to learn more about New Manchester United.
The team's outstanding performance in the Northwest Division B, coupled with media coverage, continuously expanded the fanbase. Currently, the club boasted nearly 10,000 official registered members, most of whom resided near Manchester.
Due to this growing fanbase, Levi contemplated relocating to a larger stadium.
"Bury's home, Gig Lane, can accommodate 12,000 people. Their club is facing financial difficulties and intends to lease the stadium, but the rent is steep, at £100,000 per season," Walsh lamented.
"Bury? That's quite a distance from Manchester," Bruce frowned.
Given New Manchester United's predominantly Manchester-based fanbase, moving to Gig Lane could potentially impact attendance.
"There aren't many large stadiums near Manchester aside from Maine Road and Old Trafford. The only viable option for renting that meets our requirements is Gig Lane in Bury," Walsh explained.
Levi shared their concerns. Ultimately, the team needed their own stadium. Levi had been adamant about acquiring the district sports stadium, but the Manchester City Government's stance remained ambiguous, causing delays.
But Levi couldn't dwell on it; New Manchester United's performance demanded attention.
"We'll need to explore whether the district sports stadium is available for sale. Also, look into potential land in Newton Heath for building our stadium," Levi instructed.
"If acquiring the district sports stadium falls through, we'll need to construct our own. While it may not be as ideally located as the district sports stadium, it's better than constantly renting," he added.
"Also, inquire about the lease terms at Bury. Even if we secure a location for our stadium, construction won't be immediate. Until then, we'll need a temporary home," Levi concluded.
Walsh jotted down Levi's directives in his notebook as the meeting adjourned.
Meanwhile, New Manchester United continued to excel in the Northwest Division B, leading Salford City by 17 points. With 18 rounds remaining in the league, New Manchester United seemed destined to clinch the championship, with the real challenge lying in breaking goal-scoring records in England's tenth league.
Currently, New Manchester United had scored 99 goals in 24 rounds, averaging 4.1 goals per game, surpassing all teams in the tenth league. They were just 10 goals shy of the historical record of 109 goals, a feat within reach given their current form.
Despite this, Bruce remained focused solely on the team's performance during training sessions. He emphasized on defeating opponents rather than chasing records, dismissing record-breaking achievements as inconsequential.
Nonetheless, New Manchester United continued their winning streak, securing a 2-0 victory at home in the Northwest League Challenger Cup, advancing to the final four.
As New Manchester United progressed to the FA Cup's third round and the Challenger Cup's semi-finals, Levi's bet with Scarlett seemed well within reach. Every encounter with Scarlett saw Levi proudly posing as the victor, much to her chagrin.
Following a successful Challenger Cup match, New Manchester United faced another league game, edging out their opponents 2-1. However, their triumph came at a cost as left-back Roy Williams sustained a muscle strain, sidelining him for over a month.
Roy's absence would see Evra stepping up, albeit amidst a recent slump in form. Yet, his ability to single-handedly fill Williams' role remained uncertain.
In a stroke of misfortune, New Manchester United's mainstay defender, Karl Mankinson, sustained an injury in the next league game. With the highest number of appearances for the team this season, his absence posed a significant blow to New Manchester United's defensive lineup.
Amidst these setbacks, New Manchester United eagerly awaited the third-round draw of the FA Cup. The entire Manchester, and indeed all of England, anxiously anticipated the draw. Could New Manchester United, who had fought tirelessly from the preliminary rounds to the third round, meet Manchester United, the Red Devils, as many hoped?
As the draw unfolded, New Manchester United's players and fans watched with bated breath. The anticipation was palpable; everyone was eager to see if the upstart club would get a shot at the famous Manchester United. It would be a dream come true for many fans and a chance for the team to prove their mettle against top-tier competition.
The draw eventually matched New Manchester United against a different team from a higher division, but the excitement did not wane. The upcoming match was still a significant opportunity to showcase their skills and determination on a bigger stage.
Back on the field, the team focused on their preparations. Despite the injuries and challenges, there was a sense of determination and unity. Levi and his coaching staff worked tirelessly to keep the players motivated and ready for each game. The fans continued to support the team with unwavering enthusiasm, filling Butcher's Knife Stadium and creating an intimidating atmosphere for any visiting team.
In the days leading up to the FA Cup match, the media attention grew. Reporters from various outlets sought interviews and insights, eager to capture the spirit and story of New Manchester United. Levi, always strategic, used this attention to boost the team's morale and visibility. He knew that a strong performance in the FA Cup could open doors and solidify the club's reputation.
On match day, the stadium was buzzing with energy. The stands were packed with fans, their voices merging into a powerful chorus of support. The players, clad in their red and white kits, walked onto the pitch with a mix of nerves and excitement. They knew the importance of this game, not just for the cup but for their journey as a team.
From the first whistle, New Manchester United played with intensity and skill. Their opponents were tough, but Levi's team was well-prepared. They pressed high, defended tenaciously, and created several scoring opportunities. The crowd roared with each near miss and applauded every defensive stand.
In the end, New Manchester United emerged victorious with a hard-fought 2-1 win. The stadium erupted in celebration as the final whistle blew. Players embraced, fans cheered, and Levi stood on the sidelines with a proud smile. It was a significant victory, a testament to the team's hard work and resilience.
The win propelled New Manchester United into the next round of the FA Cup and garnered even more attention from the football community. The team's journey from an unknown club to a competitive force was inspiring. Levi knew that this was just the beginning. There were still many challenges ahead, but the foundation was solid, and the future looked bright.
As the team celebrated in the locker room, Levi took a moment to reflect. The journey had been demanding, filled with ups and downs, but moments like this made it all worthwhile. He looked at his players, their faces beaming with joy and pride, and knew that together, they could achieve great things.
The story of New Manchester United continued to unfold, a tale of passion, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond between a team and its fans. With each game, they wrote a new chapter, driven by a shared dream and the unwavering support of the Red Devils faithful.