The path to becoming a football legend began with being ousted from Carrington by Manchester United.

Head coach Mancini and team president Mubarak stared at the reporter asking the question, wishing they could learn Sakuragi Hanamichi's special technique and kill the reporter with their eyes.

You're telling me this is a backroom deal, arranged by our wealthy boss.

Is this bastard trying to ruin our livelihood?

The two exchanged a glance, and Mancini responded first: "Absolutely not. Lin's level is enough to be a starter for any Premier League club. Don't be fooled by his age. Lin is definitely a first-class striker. He will be an important piece of our puzzle in our pursuit of the league title in the new season."

Mubarak added, "As for the work permit issue, please rest assured that we intend to invoke the Special Talent Clause. The hearing will be held the day after tomorrow, and if all goes well, it will not delay Lin Yi's participation in the Community Shield."

"Manchester United's academy director, Paul McGuinness, stated very clearly in an interview with this newspaper that Lin Yi has several shortcomings in terms of physique and technique. Based on his many years of experience in football, he judged that Lin Yi cannot become a qualified professional player."

The disruptive reporter finally revealed his hand, and it seems he was in cahoots with McGuinness.

"Players rejected by Manchester United's youth academy are now being touted by Mr. Mancini as key pieces for winning the title this season. Could I interpret this to mean that despite Manchester City's financial strength, their talent selection system may have flaws, and this could be the real reason why they haven't won the title despite spending heavily over the past two years?"

Such hurtful and damaging remarks have jeopardized President Mubarak's livelihood. Out of absolute loyalty to His Highness Sheikh Mansur, he must stand up and support Lin Yi.

"Manchester City's talent selection and youth training system is flawless, and Mika Richards is the best proof of that. We are a century-old club that has stood the test of time, and the final ranking this season will prove everything."

Mancini, who has a clearer and more direct understanding of Lin Yi's abilities, also chimed in: "I've said it before, Lin Yi's ability can definitely help him establish himself in the Premier League. He's the best young man I've ever seen. Is it possible that Mr. McGuinness has misjudged him?"

It's clear this is a journalist close to Manchester United, as he responded with an indescribable pride: "With a similarly century-long history, Manchester United, as the defending champions last season, has won the Champions League three times, the top-flight league title 19 times, and the FA Cup 12 times. In comparison, Manchester City's history is rather lackluster."

"Especially in youth training, Manchester United's Class of '92 is world-renowned, producing top-tier superstars. Last season they just won the FA Youth Cup, and players like Pogba and Lingard foreshadow the rise of a new generation of Red Devils."

"I believe most people, like me, would never think that Manchester City has a better eye for talent than Manchester United."

"Is Manchester United awesome?" Lin Yi suddenly asked. "How awesome?"

The reporter, Michael, proudly recounted again: "As I just said, Manchester United have won the Champions League three times, and 19 times in total..."

"What you're saying is all in the past. From today onwards, Manchester United will not win any more trophies." Realizing his statement wasn't entirely accurate, Lin Yi added, "Until I retire."

Michael never dreamed that Lin Yi, who had never played a single official match, would dare to make such arrogant and boastful remarks. His surprise was no less than that of Song Laohu when he first met Qiang Ge, to the point that he almost blurted out his Baoding accent.

"Young people shouldn't be so hot-blooded!"

"What kind of young person wouldn't be full of vigor!"

"Lin, I hope you'll still be this arrogant after the Community Shield tournament ends."

Lin Yi pointed outside: "The sky is always blue. Those who say the sky in Manchester is red are probably blind."

"When I left Manchester United, I said I would squeeze the shit out of Manchester United. Please go back and tell them not to get sick these days, or they'll get diarrhea, which is disgusting."

The group of new Manchester City signings sitting next to him all cast admiring glances their way, thinking to themselves, "How can someone be so arrogant! He's got guts, I love it!"

Only Aguero felt a bit frustrated. As the top bidder this summer, he was originally the main character of this unveiling ceremony, but now almost all the attention has been stolen by Lin Yi.

The media reports the following day confirmed this, with his transfer to Manchester City being almost glossed over.

Media outlets large and small, including The Times, the Daily Mail, and The Sun, all gave extensive coverage to Lin's provocation of Manchester United.

Several Manchester United legends have publicly criticized Lin Yi for his arrogance and lack of self-awareness.

Bobby Charlton: "Manchester United's greatness is beyond question!"

Eric Cantona: "Lin was born in a good era. If he were playing against me, I would break his legs."

Gary Neville: "Lin Yi is a clown who's never seen the world!"

Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United's legendary manager, has been in charge of the club for 25 years since 1986.

In an interview, Jazz said, "The Red Devils will never lack talented young people. I'm getting old and I don't usually pay attention to youth training. If a real prodigy emerges, they will report directly to me, but I've never heard of Lin Yi."

Serbian center-back Nemanja Vidic, who succeeded retired Gary Neville as the new captain of Manchester United this season, said: "Please make sure Lin Yi wears protective gear during the game. I will show him the strength of Manchester United if he has the opportunity to play."

The Carrington training ground has been packed with people these past few days, with reporters everywhere looking for news.

Mancini had to temporarily suspend the team's daily training to ensure the players were not disturbed.

He repeatedly emphasized that no one should give interviews without permission, especially Lin Yi.

Of course, Lin Yi didn't have time to deal with the reporters these past few days. Besides training, he also had to cooperate with the club to complete the hearing of the joint review panel of the FA and the League Committee.

Lacking experience in major leagues, Manchester City focused on Lin Yi's age advantage and authoritative third-party recommendations.

Manchester City, with its deep pockets, commissioned four football legends to write letters of recommendation for Lin Yi, including:

Sun Jihai, a former Manchester City legend and China's most successful overseas player,

Colin Bale, the former Manchester City legend known as "The King," was named one of the 100 greatest football legends in England in 1998.

Patrick Vieira, the legendary French midfielder who recently retired from Manchester City and was the key captain of Arsenal's unbeaten season,

And the most important and influential one, Joe Mercer.

Joe Mercer is Manchester City’s most successful manager, leading the team to four major trophies between 1965 and 1971, one of the few highlights in the city’s history.

After retiring, he served as a technical advisor to the Football Association for a long time. He was not only a godfather figure in English football, but more importantly, he was an "insider" of the Football Association.

As expected, Lin Yi successfully obtained a work permit through the Special Talents Clause.

He was allowed to participate in the Community Shield Cup match on August 8.

This was Lin Yi's first official match for Manchester City, and the opponent happened to be his former club.

Manchester United.