thefictionvixens Chapter 76 Is he really going to Manchester United? His three arrogant conditions.
Chapter 76 Is he really going to Manchester United? His three arrogant conditions.
Ferguson was stunned for a long time. He had lived for sixty or seventy years and this was the first time he had been shocked by the words of an eighteen-year-old boy.
"Is this your reason for not considering Manchester United? Then why did you say you wouldn't consider the Premier League either?" Ferguson asked after his initial shock.
"The most important question is, who can consistently win the Premier League title since you left? Chelsea? With that short-sighted owner there, Chelsea is just a strong team, not the most consistent one. They'll have good times and bad times."
Besides Chelsea, Manchester United collapsed without you. What other strong teams are there? Arsenal? Can a wealthy club be called a wealthy club without money? If it weren't for Wenger holding them up, they wouldn't even be in the top four. Of course, it's not impossible that they'll have a chance to turn things around in the future, but when will that be? Who knows?
That leaves Liverpool. They have money and ambition, but they need to rebuild and need time. Perhaps they would be a good option.
Furthermore, Manchester City is the most likely team to consistently contend for the title in the long run, but alas, let's not dwell on it. That's why I don't really want to go to the Premier League.
Zhang Kuang was quite disappointed. If Manchester City hadn't offered Guardiola, he might have actually gone to Manchester City. The club's management is really good.
They offer high salaries and are very humane, unlike Real Madrid and Barcelona which are so ruthless. However, Guardiola really isn't a good fit for him.
"Zhang, I must say your analysis is bold, but also very reasonable. I have to admit, you are the most unique player I have ever seen. You have an extraordinary understanding of yourself, the league, and football."
But all of this is based on the assumption you made about Manchester United without me. While I have indeed been hesitant about when to retire due to health reasons, I have no plans to retire right now.
Zhang Kuang paused for a moment. Wait a minute, didn't he remember that Ferguson was retiring this summer? Had he misremembered?
"My plan is to retire in 2013, which means I will coach for another three years," Ferguson said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Mike Fran, who was standing next to him, was first shocked, then excited. Although he tried his best to hide his excitement, it was obvious to anyone with eyes to see.
"So, in my next tenure as manager, Manchester United needs players like you," he said, his tone becoming more formal.
"There are some things I can say frankly: since Ronaldo left, our attack has lacked a player who can solve problems on his own. Rooney is very strong, but he's not a finisher."
Berbatov is elegant, but he's not consistent enough. Irving is past his prime. We need a super striker—like you—who can solve problems up front.
Zhang Kuang listened without interrupting.
"I know many clubs are pursuing you," Ferguson continued. "Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Juventus—they all want you. But Manchester United can give you something that other clubs can't."
"What?"
"The Champions League title and the Ballon d'Or—just look at how Ronaldo broke through to win the Ballon d'Or and you'll understand," Ferguson said, his tone as calm as stating a fact. "You might win the league title and the Champions League with other teams, but the Ballon d'Or is very difficult. Come to Manchester United, and I can help you win this damn trophy."
Zhang Kuang remained silent for two seconds.
"I need a stable environment to win championships," Zhang Kuang continued. "It's not because I don't like challenges, but because my career needs a lot of championships to sustain it."
I didn't want to go to a club that might fall into turmoil in the next few years, so my initial plan was to go to Juventus because the competitiveness of other Serie A teams is declining, while Juventus is rebuilding and has the genes and ability to win consecutive titles.
All they lack is the Champions League, so I believe that winning the Champions League won't be a problem after I join Juventus...
"Perhaps your plan makes sense, but Serie A hasn't produced a Ballon d'Or winner for many years, so it's very difficult for you to win the Ballon d'Or if you go to Serie A."
"Believe me, in your three years at Manchester United, you'll help me win the league title and the Champions League, and I'll help you win the Ballon d'Or," Ferguson said.
Zhang Kuang stared into Ferguson's eyes, and in those Scotsman's eyes there was something he had never seen before—not ambition, not desire, but a kind of obsession, a passion that still lingered in a man nearing 70.
Ferguson won two Champions League titles with Manchester United, in 1999 and 2008. He wanted a third. Admittedly, Ferguson's offer really appealed to him; winning the Ballon d'Or in Serie A would indeed be difficult.
Inter Milan won the Champions League this year, and Sneijder was outstanding, wasn't he? He won the Serie A treble, led the Netherlands to the World Cup final, and scored four goals in the three final matches.
He was the frontrunner for the 2010 Ballon d'Or, but the award was stolen by someone else, and Serie A couldn't offer Sneijder any help.
Does Ferguson and the Premier League really have that kind of ability? Their ability in helping Ronaldo win the Ballon d'Or was certainly demonstrated, but since the Messi-Ronaldo era began, has there been a third player capable of winning the Ballon d'Or?
That person is incredibly skilled at stealing the Ballon d'Or; he stole four Ballon d'Or trophies in 2010, 2012, 2019, and 2022 amidst great controversy.
But can he really snatch the Ballon d'Or from Messi and Ronaldo? The two dominated until 2018 when Modric finally took it away. It wasn't until after 2022, when they both retired from the top five leagues, that other players had a chance.
The allure of the Ballon d'Or is hard to resist, even though he knows the chances are slim, it's still much better than going to Serie A. As for Ligue 1, winning the Ballon d'Or is absolutely impossible unless they win the Champions League in 2025, then maybe they'll have a chance.
The Bundesliga? It's even worse than Serie A; they haven't won the Ballon d'Or since 96.
He can't possibly win the Ballon d'Or in La Liga, can he? Which team in La Liga could he win the Ballon d'Or with? Atletico Madrid, the third strongest team? Impossible.
Zhang Kuang thought about many things, and finally he picked up his teacup and took a sip.
"I have three conditions," Zhang Kuang said arrogantly.
Ferguson nodded slightly.
"First, in the first year, my salary was at least the second highest in the team. Starting in the second year, I was paid according to the standards of similar players worldwide."
In my first year, I don't need the highest salary because I know Rooney is Manchester United's icon. If I give him the highest salary in the team, there will be discord in the dressing room, and I don't want to be the one everyone hates. But I can't be much lower than the highest salary.
"Sure," Ferguson said. "You can discuss the specific figures with the club."
"Secondly, the club cannot interfere in my private life."
Ferguson frowned slightly.
"Your private life?" he asked. "You mean those women?"
"Yes." Zhang Kuang did not evade the question. "My private life is my personal matter, and I will not let it affect my training and matches."
Ferguson was silent for a few seconds.
"Do you know that many talented players have been ruined by women?"
"I know," Zhang Kuang said, "but I'm not one of them."
How can you prove it?
"My half-season at Auxerre has proven that," Zhang said arrogantly. "My private life has always been 'exciting,' but my form has always been excellent. More than two goals per game—isn't that enough proof?"
Ferguson stared at him for five seconds, then laughed.
"What's the third condition?"
"Third, the contract must state that if Sir Alex Ferguson leaves during my contract period, I have the right to leave unconditionally by paying a penalty."
Ferguson's expression changed.
It wasn't anger, nor disappointment, but a complex, indescribable expression.
"You don't trust my successor?"
"I don't trust anyone's successor at Manchester United for the next 15 years," the arrogant man said. "I only trust you as you are now."
The living room was quiet for a few seconds.
Ferguson picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then put it down.
"In principle, I agree."
He stretched out his hand.
"Have your agent discuss the specific details with the club."
Zhang Kuang grasped his hand.
Scots have rough hands with a strong grip, like a pair of pliers.
"Welcome to Manchester United," Ferguson said.
Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.