The Red Devils' revival starts with retaining Mourinho

The outside world is still making noise about the "Greenwood incident", especially the feminist organization called "Women's Power". The middle-aged white female leader, now known as Phyllis Steinem, has described Manchester United as "a human devil's den that devours women crazily" and described the club chairman Rowley as Satan who sets up a devil's den, calling on feminist fighters to protest and rally at Manchester United's Carrington training base every day.

But within Manchester United, except for a few female football players, most players and staff members support Rowley's "protective" behavior, especially the young players in the first team and the reserve team. After all, young people are well understood. What if they are impulsive? It's not a bad thing to have such a chairman who will protect them.

On January 4, Manchester United's official website updated a transfer information:

The club is pleased to reach an agreement with Reading Club on the transfer of French player Michael Oliseh for a transfer fee of 8 million pounds. The player will continue to play for Reading Club as a loan player until June 15, 2019.

But because he is a young player and is on loan, it did not cause much commotion except for the local fans of Reading and the die-hard fans of Manchester United.

In the next few days, the players of Manchester United's first team returned to the Carrington training base after their vacation. The first to return was the Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani. The 31-year-old player is currently the top scorer in Manchester United and one of Manchester United's best players this season.

That afternoon, several young players Erling Haaland, Jamal Musiala, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Bellingham, Theo Fernandez, Ferland Mendy, and Gvardiol also returned to the Carrington training base the day before the stipulated time to participate in the evening training.

On January 6, in the chairman's office on the top floor of the main building of Manchester United's Carrington training base, club chairman Rowe was having a crucial discussion with Kepler Laveran Lima Ferreira (nickname: Pepe) who was about to join and his agent Jorge Mendes.

Pepe, the iron-blooded defender who has been in the football world for many years, is wearing simple yet fashionable sportswear, with some doubts and feelings at this moment.

"Mr. Chairman, to be honest, I was planning to return to the Portuguese Super League to retire." Pepe's voice was low and sincere, "I was really surprised that Manchester United would be interested in me and offer such generous conditions."

Rolie smiled slightly, his eyes revealing firmness and wisdom, "Pepe, your strength and experience are what we value. Although you are no longer young, your fighting spirit and defensive skills are still top-notch in the football world."

Pepe frowned slightly, "But I am 36 years old after all, and time is not forgiving. I am not sure how long I can maintain my peak state."

Rolie leaned forward and crossed his hands on the table, "Pepe, age is just a number. Look at Giggs, he has played for Manchester United for many years and has always maintained an excellent competitive state. We all see your self-discipline and love for football. We believe that you can bring stable defense to the team."

Pepe was silent for a moment, as if thinking about what Rolie said.

Mendes said: "Mr. Chairman, Pepe has always been a very professional player, and his passion for football has never diminished. But Manchester United's invitation really surprised us."

Rolie nodded, "Mr. Mendes, Manchester United has always been committed to building a strong team. Pepe's experience and leadership can help young players grow."

Pepe raised his head, and a hint of determination flashed in his eyes, "Mr. Chairman, I am very grateful for your trust in me. But I still want to know why you are so determined to choose me?"

Rolie took a deep breath and said slowly: "Pepe, you are a legendary defender. Your defensive awareness, sense of position and decisiveness at critical moments are irreplaceable. If Today's Manchester United needs a stabilizing force like you. Our young defenders need to learn from your experience and skills, and you can be their role model. "

Pepe showed a gratified smile on his face, "Mr. Chairman, I am honored by your words. But I am also worried that I will fail your expectations."

Luo Lie stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the green grass field outside, "Pepe, football is a sport full of challenges and uncertainties. But I believe that as long as we unite as one, there will be no difficulties that cannot be overcome. You joined Manchester United not only for the game, but also to inherit and develop Manchester United's football spirit.

In addition, I want to tell you a secret, I am a fan of you and Cristiano, I knowI know you are very important to Cristiano. I hope you can maintain your form in the high-level league. I sincerely hope that you can realize your dream in the European Cup in two years and the World Cup in four years. "

Pepe also stood up and walked to Rowley, "Mr. Chairman, I think you have convinced me. I am willing to go all out for Manchester United and live up to your trust."

Rollie patted Pepe on the shoulder, "Very good, Pepe. I believe you will create new glory at Manchester United. "

Afterwards, with the witness of two cameras of Manchester United TV, Manchester United Club held a grand signing ceremony for Pepe; after the signing ceremony, Pepe, led by the staff, went to the medical center for a comprehensive physical examination. In the physical examination room, all kinds of advanced medical equipment are available. The doctors rigorously and meticulously conducted various examinations for Pepe, from the measurement of height and weight, to the test of cardiopulmonary function, to the assessment of muscle strength and flexibility. Pepe quietly cooperated with every instruction of the doctor. He knew that this was an important part to ensure that he could play for Manchester United in the best condition.

Soon, the doctor walked into the room with the physical examination report, with a smile on his face, and said to the camera lens: "Congratulations, Pepe, your physical condition is very good and fully meets the requirements of Manchester United. "

After leaving the medical center, Pepe was taken to the first-team dressing room. The entire Manchester United team, led by head coach Mourinho, assistant coach Van Nistelrooy and Scholes, had been waiting here. Witnessed by the coach and teammates, Pepe activated his personal exclusive locker and officially joined Manchester United.

At the same time, Manchester United's official website and official social media jointly released:

The club is pleased to announce that we have reached an agreement with the great Portuguese central defender Mr. Kepler Lavelan Lima Ferreira. From now on, Kepler Lavelan Lima Ferreira will be Mr. Ma Ferreira reached an agreement to join the Manchester United family. The two parties signed a two-year contract and retained the priority to renew the contract.

According to Role's idea, the contract was directly announced for six years, but Pepe did not want to cause too much controversy, so at Pepe's insistence, only the first phase of the contract was announced.

But despite this, the transfer news was still like a bombshell, instantly triggering heated discussions among fans and the media.

Some fans were excited, and they firmly believed that Pepe's arrival would inject strong power into the team's defense. "Pepe's strength is unquestionable! His experience on the field is an invaluable asset." A senior fan wrote excitedly on Manchester United's official social media. In his opinion, Pepe has been fighting in the top league for many years and has faced the impact of various strikers. Whether it is defensive skills or the ability to read the game, he is first-class. And as a free agent, there is no burden of transfer fees, which is simply a great deal for the club.

"Every tackle and every clearance he makes shows the style of a top defender. Now that he has come to our team, I believe our defense will be as solid as a rock. "Another fan's speech on his personal social media received many likes and support.

However, the voice of opposition is equally strong. "Pepe is 36 years old. He is too old. Can he keep up with the fast-paced games in the Premier League, the world's top league?" someone questioned.

In the eyes of these fans, age is an insurmountable obstacle for Pepe. Football is a sport full of vitality and high-intensity confrontation. The age of 36 means a decline in physical function and a slow reaction speed. They are worried that Pepe will become a loophole in the team's defense and will not be able to cope with the impact of young and extremely fast forwards.

The media is also divided into two factions. Some media highly praised Pepe's joining. "Pepe's arrival is a shrewd operation of Manchester United Club in the transfer market. His championship experience and leadership will have a profound impact on the team. "A well-known sports newspaper wrote this on the front page headline. The article analyzed Pepe's past game data and honors in detail, and believed that his strength is still enough to gain a foothold in the top league.

But some media are cautious. "Although Pepe was once brilliant, time is not forgiving. Manchester United Club also took a huge risk when introducing him." A sports magazine pointed out in a comment. They interviewed a number of football experts, and the experts all expressed concerns about Pepe's age and physical condition, and believed that Manchester United Club should focus more on young and potential players.

On the team's training ground, Pepe silently endured all this pressure. He knew that only performance could shut up the doubters. In every training, he went all out, and his jersey was soaked with sweat. He actively communicated with young teammates, shared his experience, and also tried to adapt to the newtactical system.

Head coach Mourinho has full confidence in Pepe. "Pepe is a real fighter, his professionalism and desire for victory will inspire the whole team." In an interview, Mourinho stood firmly on Pepe's side. He believes that Pepe can play an important role in the team and become an important player of the team.

In this somewhat noisy environment, the Premier League has reignited the war. Manchester United will play at home at Old Trafford Stadium in their first game of 2019. The opponent is Aston Villa Football Club from Birmingham. Aston Villa has been unlucky this season. The main lineup of last season was injured one after another, so that after 13 rounds of the league, they only scored 9 points and firmly occupied the position of the second-in-command of the Premier League.

The day before the game, Manchester United announced the 18-man squad for the match against Aston Villa:

De Gea (captain), Romero, Theo Fernandez, Varane, Ashraf, Dalot, Ferland Mendy, Gvardiol, Pepe, Verratti, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Bellingham, Cody Gakpo, Cavani, Rashford, Erling Haaland, Jamal Musiala.

For the match list announced by Manchester United, careful media people still found some anomalies:

First, the recent focus of public opinion is Mason Greenwood. His suspension was expected by the media, but it still caused many feminist organizations to celebrate.

Secondly, the team's eight-year veteran center back Chris Smalling was also absent from the roster. However, the media was not particularly surprised by Chris Smalling, because his contract has entered the last year and there has been no news of renewal with Manchester United. The media have judged that Manchester United will sell him in this transfer window.

What the media did not expect most was that the team's core midfielder, Frenchman Paul Pogba, was absent. According to reporters who were squatting at the Carrington training base, Paul Pogba did not report back to the Carrington training base after the New Year holiday. In response to questions from the media and fans, the official explanation given by Manchester United on its official social media was: During the New Year holiday, Paul Pogba accidentally scalded his right foot with hot water at his home in Paris and asked for leave to recuperate. But obviously most media disagreed with Manchester United's official explanation. For a while, the Carrington training base was surrounded by reporters, intending to interview head coach Mourinho and two assistant coaches, Van Nistelrooy and Scholes.

At this time, Mourinho was in the office, furious. After receiving Paul Pogba's request for leave, Mourinho hoped that he could return to Manchester, so that he could receive professional treatment from the club's team doctor and reduce unnecessary speculation from the public. He also proposed to send a team of doctors to Paris to pick him up, but Pogba decisively refused.