Starting with saving Manchester United

Regarding the issue of the starting lineup being leaked in advance, neither Mike Phelan nor Steve Lund could come up with an effective solution.

Let alone now, even in the next few years, from Van Gaal to Mourinho, from Solskjaer to Ten Hag to Amorin, which Manchester United manager hasn't had their starting lineup and tactics leaked in advance?

This is a very difficult problem!

Now, the only solution is for head coach Yang Fan.

The morning coaching meeting was chaired by Yang Fan.

He officially announced the return of Mike Phelan, the retention of Steve Lund and goalkeeping coach Chris Woods, both of whom were part of Moyes' team.

Upon his return, Mike Phelan continued as the head assistant coach, responsible for a range of tasks including tactics development, training planning, and day-to-day management—positions he held during his time with Ferguson.

Most importantly, Mike Phelan is very familiar with all departments, so he can get started immediately upon his return without any adjustment period.

Steve Lund also didn't need an adjustment period; he was fully responsible for executing the training plan, which was his role in Moyes' team, and there were basically no problems.

Chris Woods, needless to say, continues to be in charge of training the three first-team goalkeepers.

De Gea and others highly regard him.

Paul Brand was in charge of data and game analysis, while Gary Walker and Paul Gaudino were responsible for monitoring player fitness and injuries, especially for key players such as Van Persie and Ferdinand.

The data and intelligence they provide serve as the basis for the coaching staff's lineup and training plan.

After the meeting, Mike Phelan and Steve Lund began to arrange the specific division of labor.

Monday's training was still quite relaxed, mainly focused on adjustment.

However, time was tight and Yang Fan needed to change the formation, so he added some individual tactical training items to the training.

Moreover, it is targeted.

For example, there are one-on-one offensive and defensive maneuvers on the flanks, as well as small-area joint defense within a 10-meter square.

Yang Fan and the core coaching staff did not reveal any clues to the outside world, but quietly arranged different players to participate in training sessions.

For example, Ashley Young, Valencia, etc.

They are originally wingers, so it's normal for them to increase their training in this area.

After the meeting, Mike Phelan and Steve Lund led the coaching staff to begin preparations.

Yang Fan did not return to the head coach's office, but instead went back to his cramped little office.

He had barely taken a sip of water and hadn't even settled into his seat when Jackie Kay "invited" Rooney, who had just finished breakfast, over.

……

Self-discipline is truly the enemy of professional athletes!

This was Yang Fan's first reaction when he saw Rooney.

Football talent is not limited to ball control; it also includes physical attributes and many other aspects.

Rooney is undoubtedly a genius.

However, since around 2010, with increasing injuries, advancing age, and a lack of self-discipline, Rooney is now clearly overweight, which has caused him to lose the impact that he was most proud of during his peak.

There are also aerial duels in the attacking third.

It's clear from Ferguson's use of Rooney in the 12/13 season that he's really not suited to playing as a center forward.

Even so, Rooney remains Manchester United's most important ace!

He is also Manchester United's best performing star player this season.

"Wayne, time is running out. I don't want to beat around the bush. Let's get straight to the point."

Yang Fan stood in front of the desk, his buttocks resting on the edge of the desk, staring directly at Rooney sitting on the sofa.

At that moment, three lights lit up above Rooney's head.

Two yellow and one red.

The status indicator light is yellow [critical].

Confidence has also flashed a yellow light [wait and see].

As for the Manchester United team led by Yang Fan, he raised a red flag [distancing himself].

At this moment, Yang Fan really wanted to let out a cry of despair: This is too hard for me!

Where are my most loyal Red Devil defenders?

It's clear that Rooney is very wary of Yang Fan.

Based on information previously revealed by Jackie Kay, it's not hard for Yang Fan to guess that Rooney felt betrayed by Ferguson.

His relationship with Moyes has always been fraught with conflict; they had clashed long before he left Everton.

After joining Manchester United, Rooney published another autobiography, and he and Moyes had many arguments.

Who would have thought that Moyes would become Manchester United's manager last year?

"Before our conversation, I must make it clear to you that both I and those in London have always firmly believed that you are Manchester United's most important core player."

"We all hope you don't have any doubts; your contract is the best proof."

In late February, prior to the first leg match against Olympiacos, Manchester United had just renewed Rooney's contract.

A weekly wage of £30!

This is the highest price ever paid in the Premier League!

As a result, Manchester United suffered a 0-2 defeat away to a Greek team.

Many fans have criticized Rooney, believing he doesn't deserve such a high price tag.

But these are all facts now.

Rooney remained seated in silence, watching Yang Fan intently.

This is a silent protest.

He did not approve of this rookie, who was even younger than him, being the manager of Manchester United.

Yang Fan didn't take it to heart.

Don't forget, Rooney is also British.

Perhaps in his heart, he has a greater appreciation for the group from Class 92.

He even preferred Giggs to be the Manchester United manager.

That's not surprising.

"I called you here today not to ask you to do anything, but to discuss the team's current situation with you."

"I don't know which side you're on, but that's not important!"

"The important thing is that there are many things that cannot be changed now. The only thing we can control is what we do next from this moment on."

Yang Fan paused, but still didn't receive a response from Rooney.

"Mike Phelan told me that for so many years, Manchester United had been operating under a very mature and stable system and had achieved great success, but now that system has been broken."

"No matter how much time and effort we spend, we can't get this system running again, just like in the past few years. Even if Sir Alex Ferguson came back, he couldn't do it."

"This is reality!"

Rooney looked thoughtful, clearly having taken some of the advice to heart.

Yang Fan noticed it too.

This is what he wanted to achieve.

"You're the first player I've met with on the team, Wayne. I want you to know that in my heart, you are the most important and most influential player on this team."

Rooney's expression shifted again when he heard this.

Previously, Moyes had inadvertently mentioned to the media on several occasions that Rooney was Van Persie's deputy.

This enraged Rooney.

Under pressure from Ferguson, he became Ronaldo's assistant, which ultimately led to Ronaldo's success.

Last season, he served as Van Persie's assistant, which helped Van Persie win the Golden Boot.

Rooney himself has never won the Golden Boot.

Yang Fan did not delve further into this topic, fearing it might provoke Rooney's rebellion.

After all, Rooney isn't stupid.

Nobody likes having their emotions manipulated.

"Finally, Wayne, I have a question for you."

Rooney looked up in surprise.

He had mentally prepared himself for Yang Fan to give a long and earnest speech before he arrived.

But now... is this all?

"How do you hope Manchester United fans will view you ten years from now?"

"The spirit of Manchester United is not only about dominance, passion, and tenacity, but more importantly, courage, responsibility, and sacrifice!"

"Are Bobby Charlton and Eric Cantona great, and forever remembered by Manchester United fans, because of their high goal tally?"

Of course not!

Rooney almost blurted out the answer.

Bobby Charlton and Eric Cantona are great because they both led Manchester United out of dire situations.

Therefore, they are Manchester United legends.

That's also the goal Rooney is striving to achieve!