Chapter 69 of 100

Chapter 69

16 min read3,920 words

August 18, 1995.

After noon, the former world factory, Manchester, became bustling with traffic in the western part of the city, with crowds of people on the streets. If viewed from the air, one could see the direction where the crowds were heading—a modern stadium.

The Theater of Dreams: Old Trafford!

A bus with a blue lion emblem slowly drove towards Old Trafford. Without a doubt, it was the bus that the Millwall team had taken after arriving in Manchester.

Since the start of the new season, Audrey had signed a contract with a car rental company. For away matches in the UK outside of London, the bus used by Audrey's team must bear the Millwall emblem, boldly announcing to everyone: Millwall is here!

Unremitting publicity is a must for the club to enhance its reputation, and the car rental company was happy to provide such services. As long as the match was within the Greater Manchester area, they would serve a major client like Millwall. Moreover, this would help them connect with fan groups and boost their brand.

After more than twenty days of summer training, Audrey's team was ready for the new season. The players gradually transitioned from their holiday state to match readiness. Before the season started, Millwall played five friendly matches, all against English teams. Three of these were teams that had been relegated from the Premier League last year, plus two teams that had failed to gain promotion from the First Division. All matches were away games, and Millwall's record in the friendlies was poor, with four draws and one loss. In the media analysis and predictions before the Premier League season, Millwall's poor performance in the pre-season friendlies suggested a bleak outlook for their survival.

If they couldn't adapt to the Premier League quickly, they might be left far behind by their relegation rivals by the time they found their footing.

Audrey had no specific requirements for the friendlies. The purpose was to help the players adjust their physical condition, not to force a win.

In the five friendlies, he rotated the entire team in each half, so the poor results were understandable.

When the bus approached the perimeter of Old Trafford, Audrey, like everyone else on the bus, involuntarily turned his gaze to the window, staring at the magnificent modern stadium not far away.

Outside the stadium, the crowd was immense, with fans in Manchester United's red jerseys everywhere. They took photos, chatted, ate, and played, completely indifferent to who their opponents were. The casual and relaxed atmosphere reflected the deep pride and fearlessness of Manchester United fans.

Players like Nedved and Southgate, when they saw the grand stadium not far away, also couldn't help but show a look of longing.

Is this Old Trafford?

The legendary home of generations of Manchester United, the Theater of Dreams!

Audrey retracted his gaze. It would be self-deception to say he wasn't envious. There were countless teams around the world that envied Manchester United, and there was no need to pretend that their humble home was better than Manchester United's golden nest.

It's okay, everything will come.

This was also the driving force for the team and himself.

Under the reception of Manchester United club officials, the entire Millwall team disembarked and headed to the dressing room.

There was still some time before the match, so the players would first change into their kits and go out to warm up. Audrey, on the other hand, casually toured the club.

After the warm-up, the team returned to the dressing room. Even before the door closed, they could hear the thunderous cheers of the Old Trafford fans, which were even louder than the club anthem being played inside the stadium.

When everything was quiet, Audrey stood in front of the empty tactics board. He never used the board before the match, only during halftime adjustments.

The starting eleven had already changed into their kits, and the substitutes, wearing their coats, sat obediently in the dressing room, waiting for Audrey's final pre-match instructions.

"Where are we?"

Audrey raised his chin slightly and asked absent-mindedly.

The players looked at each other, and Larsson shrugged. "Old Trafford."

"Right, we are at Old Trafford. Today, we will challenge the most watched team in all of Britain: Manchester United. They may not have as many trophies as Liverpool, but in England, Manchester United is like a pampered child, from the royal family to the fans, they receive the most attention. When you step out onto the pitch, observe the expressions of the Manchester United players. They are proud, confident, and exude an overwhelming aura, especially at Old Trafford, where they are even more invincible. Today is my first Premier League match as a manager, and it is also your first Premier League match. Tell me, loudly, when we come to Old Trafford, when we come to the Theater of Dreams, when our opponents are Manchester United, are we just here for a tour? Are we just the backdrop? Will Manchester United forget us tomorrow and look down on us?"

Audrey's face was somewhat fierce, but he wasn't hysterical. His words, however, carried a deep and intense anger.

"No!"

The entire team shouted in unison.

Audrey nodded and said solemnly, "Remember, our opponents are Manchester United. Remember, this is our Theater of Dreams. Remember, today will be the moment we make our mark on the world! Tell the arrogant Manchester United that we love Old Trafford! Because we will take the victory from here! This is a big day for you, for me! Go out there, crush them, and show no mercy! Lions of Millwall, run!"

With a wave of his hand, the entire Millwall team, full of spirit and determination, opened the dressing room door and walked out.

After the players had all left, the coaching staff smiled at each other. They were already used to Audrey's passionate and inspiring speeches, but each time, they felt a deep sense of awe. If they could play, they would forget everything and fight with all their might!

Old Trafford has undergone several renovations over its nearly century-long history, and the Ferguson era left a significant mark on the special stadium.

One of the biggest changes was the relocation of the players' tunnel to the corner flag end of the pitch. This change maximized the home advantage, as both home and away players and referees would pass through this area during the match, halftime, and after the match. Even the away team's manager had to walk several meters from the sideline to enter the tunnel, allowing the Manchester United fans to collectively pressure the players, coaches, and even the referee.

The substitutes and first-team coaches had already gone out, and Audrey walked last. The starting players lined up, waiting to enter the pitch. They were indeed observing the Manchester United starting lineup, just as Audrey had said. The Manchester United players were proud and confident, exuding a sense of certainty that set them apart from other opponents.

This was a kind of aura, cultivated over time by playing for Manchester United, not innate but lasting a lifetime.

Ferguson's appearance was also delayed, and the two managers met in the tunnel. They walked past the players and met outside the tunnel.

"Millwall's boys seem very determined today."

"Can't help it. For a relegation team, if they lose both in strength and spirit, they'll be back in the First Division next year."

Audrey smiled in response.

The fans on the sideline cheered for Ferguson, but he turned to Audrey and smiled. "I think Millwall will finish in the top ten this season. Relegation shouldn't be a problem."

"Let's hope so, ha ha."

"Want a drink after the match?"

"Then Manchester United will have to go easy on us. If we lose badly, my drinking is terrible."

"Ha ha ha, Audrey, has anyone ever called you a little fox?"

Audrey raised an eyebrow with a smile but didn't say anything more.

Ferguson patted his shoulder, clapped his hands, and walked to the home team's bench.

The home team's bench at Old Trafford was unique, not set up on the sideline but integrated into the stands.

Audrey didn't go to the away team's bench. He stood on the sideline, hands in his pockets, watching the pitch, waiting for the match to start.

The stands to the south, west, and north were enveloped in a sea of red, while the away fans were placed in the east stand, forming an east-west opposition for safety reasons, keeping the rival fans as far apart as possible.

The Lion Roar fan group had come to Old Trafford, and over a thousand away fans in the east stand used Millwall's traditional dark blue jerseys to create a small but significant image: a blue lion with its mouth open, the emblem of Millwall!

Near the pitch in the east stand, two beautiful young women sat there. Melanie held a pair of binoculars and looked towards Audrey's position. Seeing him standing calmly with his hands in his pockets, she pouted. "Hmph, showing off!"

Victoria looked around aimlessly, appearing bored. She could only chat with Melanie about her relationship with Audrey.

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