The next day, at Manchester United's Carrington training base.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wore a stern expression as he addressed the players in front of him.
"Now, I'm going to announce the starting lineup and substitutes for tomorrow's FA Youth Cup match. Step forward when you hear your name!"
"Goalkeeper: Liam!"
Hearing this name, Jonathan's face changed slightly. He couldn't help but recall the scene from yesterday when Ye Chen scored past him...
"Left back: Taylor. Center backs: McGinty and Wilkinson. Right back: Massaci!"
"Yes!" Wilkinson clenched his fists and shouted in excitement.
Just yesterday, he was still a B-team player, but today he had successfully displaced Luke. Both fullbacks had been changed.
"In midfield: Left winger Jack Barmby, central midfielders Daehli and Jack Rudge, right winger Januzaj!"
Daehli was the strongest player on the youth team, so his starting spot was unquestionable. However, the central midfielders from the last match, Rothwell and Tom, had both lost their places, as had Liam on the right wing.
Januzaj, on the other hand, smiled broadly. His hat-trick of assists yesterday had earned him this valuable starting opportunity.
As he stepped out from the lineup, Januzaj winked playfully at Ye Chen, a smirk on his face as if to say, "I'm waiting for you."
To be honest, Ye Chen was feeling quite nervous. His hat-trick yesterday had been hard-earned, and if it didn't earn him a starting spot, there was nothing he could do. After all, lineup decisions were solely the coach's call.
Solskjaer glanced at Ye Chen. "Next, the two forwards!"
"Left forward: Pearson. Right forward: Byrne!"
"Huh?"
Many people gasped in surprise.
Despite Ye Chen's stellar performance, he wasn't starting?
Eyes turned toward him, curious to see if he would get angry.
Byrne smirked, seizing the chance to mock him as he passed. "Now you know who the coach trusts more, don't you, little rookie?"
But Ye Chen's calm demeanor disappointed them all.
The truth was, Ye Chen wasn't expecting a starting spot yet. He was just hoping to make the squad.
He firmly believed in the saying: A golden carp cannot be confined to a pond; when it meets the right storm, it transforms into a dragon!
With the starting lineup settled, it was time for the substitutes.
Solskjaer remained composed. "There are only five spots for substitutes. Step forward when you hear your name!"
"Substitute goalkeeper: Jonathan!"
Jonathan stepped out, clearly displeased. "Damn it, Ye Chen's fault!"
"Luke!"
"Ciliano!"
"Tom!"
Four names were called in quick succession, leaving just one spot.
Yet there were at least 25 players in Manchester United's U18 squad.
Ye Chen's breathing quickened. This was crucial to another task he had. Had his hat-trick not impressed Solskjaer?
If that was the case, it might be time to consider leaving Manchester United. As the saying goes, If one place won't take me, another will.
Just as his thoughts spiraled, Solskjaer's voice rang out again:
"The fifth player... Ye Chen!"
Ye Chen clenched his fists tightly.
Finally, his career at Manchester United was truly beginning...
"Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the task. You've successfully made the squad. Task completion rating: A. Reward: One Bronze Chest!"
Once the starting eleven and five substitutes had stepped forward, Solskjaer addressed the remaining players.
"Although you didn't make the squad, you're all welcome to watch the match at Old Trafford! I hope observing the game will help you improve and earn your place in the lineup soon."
Disappointment was evident on many faces.
Of course, there were still plenty of games ahead in the youth league, so there would be other opportunities.
However, this was against Liverpool, their bitter rivals, and everyone wanted the chance to represent Manchester United.
After all, not every youth game was played at Old Trafford!
Matches at Old Trafford came with two perks: passionate live fans and television broadcasts.
Even for the youth team, not every game was televised!
"Alright, let's start with the tactical session and then rehearse our strategy for the next game..."
Preparations were officially underway. As a substitute, Ye Chen had the opportunity to sit in on the first team's tactical discussions.
Solskjaer's system was heavily influenced by Ferguson: a classic 4-4-2 formation with an emphasis on wing play and long-range shots from advancing midfielders.
He also outlined specific instructions, such as having Jack Rudge closely mark Sterling throughout the game.
The day flew by.
That night, Ye Chen dreamed he was wearing Manchester United's jersey, scoring a stunning volley at Old Trafford to win the game.
But the moment his alarm went off, he realized it had all been a dream.
The match was scheduled for 11 a.m.
Sky Sports had even invited commentators Carragher and Scholes for the broadcast.
Scholes, a Manchester United legend, had recently retired and was a newcomer to punditry. Carragher, on the other hand, was a seasoned veteran and a Liverpool legend.
Even before the game started, the two were already bantering.
"Hey, Paul," Carragher grinned. "Did you know that while Manchester United's first team is great, our Liverpool U18s are the best in the league?"
Scholes nodded. "Of course. You're top of the table, right? Thanks to that kid Sterling?"
"Looks like you've done your homework!" Carragher beamed. "But remember, even though this is Old Trafford, we're here to take the win!"
The crowd booed loudly before Scholes could reply.
This was Old Trafford, not a place for Liverpool to boast.
Carragher smiled smugly. "I know the fans aren't happy. How about a little wager, Paul?"
"What do you have in mind?" Scholes raised an eyebrow.
"Let's bet on the outcome of this match. The loser has to wear the opponent's jersey on air during the next live broadcast! Do you dare?"
Both men were legends, and their teams were fierce rivals. Wearing the opponent's jersey on live TV would be a huge blow to their pride.
Carragher, however, was confident. Liverpool's U18 team was first in Group 8, while Manchester United was second, trailing by four points. Sterling was a shining star, and Carragher's ace in the hole.
"Do it, Paul!"
"Don't back down, Scholes!"
"Beat Liverpool!"
The fans roared their encouragement.
Scholes gritted his teeth. "Deal. This is the Theatre of Dreams. You won't be strutting around here!"
"Let me show you the 'English Messi' in action!" Carragher retorted confidently.
"What about a draw?"
"A draw doesn't count, obviously... I'm not that dumb!" Carragher laughed wickedly.
Scholes, known for his brilliance on the pitch, wasn't exactly a sharp thinker off it. Carragher clearly had the upper hand.
All Scholes could do now was hope the young Red Devils would rise to the occasion!