.:Manchester United:. Dawn of a New Era~

[Oozora Tsubasa]

If I said that football was a ghastly sport that encouraged segregation, discrimination and oppression; Would you judge me?

That is opinion, but this on the other hand is Fact:
I f*cking love football!

Prologue

While I believe a great degree of priority should be given to the reflection of past actions and events in order not to repeat the same mistakes, it is arguable that this is an artificial method of learning. So I'll give you an authentic experience, with no attention to the history and past credentials of the club. Just the sole will and pursuit of a better present and an even better future. This tale will therefore not begin with the side of 1878, but with the side of 2011, speared on and led by none other than the main protagonist: Michael Chester.


A typical man, from a typical background. Nothing out of the ordinary by the standards of those who spent their time monotonously prancing up and down the streets of London. He was a man known well to those who were close, and a stranger to those who were not, talented yet curtailed and limited by his own lack of ambition. The story in all honesty, may have ended there, had fate not decided to present opportunities to him that forced the man to do its bidding. A 'higher calling' was an understatement in every sense, for his casual hobby of Sunday League Football, Linguistic Flair in his 4 fluent tongues, and admirable skills in planning and organisation saw him turn his attention to Football Management. A partnership made in heaven, as it were. The gravity of the situation and reality of the prospects he would have to face at the summit were innocently hidden in the back of his mind, shelved by ideology and philosophy that saw him spend fortunes on packs of 'A4 sheets of Lined Paper'. It was a whirlwind of luck and a miracle in the very least that he arrived at a stage where he was seated, in his wake the familiar colours of red and yellow, and before him the world of football as he would come to know it.

How he got there is a story large enough to cover a subsequent book. So rather than spend long hours dwelling on his rise from rags to riches it's better to give an accurate portrayal of what happened in more recent events. Like most events in life this one occurred in the early hours of the morning, while Mike still slept soundly in the comfort of his warm bed. Awoken by the irritation of the land-line ringtone, he groggily switched on the lamp and answered the phone, his legs slipping out from under the covers as he typically squinted at the clock to check the time. "Hello is Mr. Chester in?" came the buzz from the hand-piece.


In most circumstances, a phone call in which the caller utilized your title and surname was not one to look forward to for any young man in a similar age range to Mike. Pestering by Advertisements, Insurance services and similar Financial alternatives were a given, and more commonly than it should probably be were the calls for overdue bills. So it is certain alarm that I write that a smile crept onto the man's face. Justified however, when realizing that this was a call he had been waiting nearly a week for and could ultimately be the most important phone call he would receive in decades. The message was brief, and both sides of the line were short and precise in their language: Mike Chester had remarkably been offered a job at Manchester United. He spent as much time rolling and stifling back roars of delight in his bedroom after the phone call as he did after winning first prize in an athletics competition in his primary school days, but Celebration would have to wait.


So once he was sat down in front of the mighty, unnerving eyes of Gill and the Glazer Army, he understood clearly the objective and the task he was being asked to accomplish. It was apparent that the revered, knighted, and most honorable Sir Alex Ferguson had stepped aside following a string of rumors and allegations over his recent health problems. Ferguson denied claims that he was in any real danger, but the media claimed otherwise and ultimately it was the striking words of his missus that tore him from the Old Trafford faithful. Seen by most as a gap too big to fill, many fans had seen this as an opportune chance for Jose Mourinho to take the helm. Who could blame them? The Special One had proven his credentials time and time again and was a prime candidate for the job especially considering the quality of Sir Alex, but as Jose valiantly refused claiming to have 'unfinished business' in Spain, the media turned to names like Ryan Giggs and Guus Hiddink to step up. To say none came would be a lie, but the Glazers found themselves in a bit of a bother as to a new head coach due to an astounding lack of interest and many saw this to be the end of a successful Mancunian era. Chester had been given a 2-year rolling contract, conditions including that he would not be sacked should the club fail to win trophies in his reign, but they expected a constructive end to Ferguson's reign and a re-building of the club that would not taint their global reputation too much... No Pressure​

 

[Oozora Tsubasa]

Chapter One


Repetitive bloopers and ear-ache galore saw him pry open his tired eyes and reach for the bedside alarm clock. 'What kind of fool sets himself up for a 6:00 start to the day?' he groaned, throwing off the covers and making his way like a zombie across the floor boards to carry on his morning routine. First day in the office for Chester, and the first step on a very long road to glory he intended to follow through to the end. There were a number of things firmly on the agenda - He had to sort out the team, pre-season fixtures and staff before taking on the boys across the road for an FA Community Shield clash. Not one to look forward to, but he anticipated that this match in particular would help him get a good feel for where his team can stand themselves against the rest. Carrington Road would have to wait, as he veered his vehicle toward the stadium. He was eager to set things straight with the board, make them aware of his own ambitions and hope that they would comply and make available the resources he needed.​

Gill raised an eyebrow at the youth, calmly replying: "Oh? When you say you have your own ambitions, do you mean to say that trophies are on the cards this season?". Chester tilted the edge of his smile ever so slightly and nodded, "I'll aim for everything this season, it's no use coming to a club like this if I don't have that sort of target in mind. But if possible I'd like to bring in some of my own staff as well - it's a big club and I feel staff picked of my own will allow me to better proceed with my own job." - Confident and clear. Chester would need to be nothing short of it if he wanted to get anything done, and it would prove to David Gill that he was man enough to take up the task of leading the club. After some discussion, he was dismissed from the board meeting and told that everything would be taken into consideration and they let him know his limits as well as his abilities as the manager. Mike thanked them and went about his first plan of action, a 'staff shuffle'.

From what he had seen in the early moments of the staff meeting and the first few hours at Carrington Road, it was a largely impressive set-up. No doubt the world class manager made sure to have world class men at his disposal to help him run the club, and trivial duties from the kit-room and boot cleaning facilities to the assistant manager himself were well catered for. But Chester wasn't part of the old furniture, and things needed shaking up if he was going to make anyone aware of his so called 'aspirations'. So he had a quiet word with Phelan. . .

"Do you think it would be possible for you to take up a general coaching position? Your defensive and tactical work with the reserves and Sir Alex are brilliant if I'm going by what I've seen in recent years," he nudged the balding man.
"Well no, I'm comfortable with my position as Assistant Manager at the club, and I know all the staff here very well, so I don't see how a coaching position would be beneficial to me. ." Phelan replied quite hastily. It was a valid point, but his namesake seemed quite bitter toward Chester.
"I suppose that makes sense, but this is a growing club - it can only get bigger and I feel you are better off specialising and utilising your talents to further help all the players. You'd be sure to recieve a pay-rise as well," the young man further pressed his argument.
"I don't think that is what's best for the club, and to be honest without the gaffer here I don't really think working under you is going to benefit me too much. Don't take it personally - I'd been looking to go into management in the near future anyway," Phelan uttered once more.
"Then a termination of your contract is on the cards. . We can sort this out at a later time," Chester sighed, things were not going well, and he feared that this wasn't an isolated case and there would be tension throughout the backroom at his appointment to head coach.
"Don't mind him too much. He was favourite for the job before you came along," Mike spun on his heels to see Rene (Muelensteen) smiling back re-assuringly. Of course it was nice to have some backing, and Rene confirmed that Phelan had particularly bitter because he had just about put his pen to the contract before the young man waltzed off with it. It made more sense now, but he wondered whether there was anything else being thrown around behind the scenes he didn't know about. Besides that he still hadn't had a proper gatherig with the players. .

His next plan of action would be a phone call to a revered personal trainer in his local area. He felt that help would be needed to assess the players individual strengths and weaknesses and devise training schedules to keep them in the best condition - antd that wasn't something he was an expert at.​

 

[Oozora Tsubasa]

Chapter Two

£34,000 a week to organise some lads to play good footie was hardly the most appropriate statement to sum up his job. Amidst the hounding of the media in claiming that he was far too inexperienced for the job, Chester could argue on several fronts that he was living the highlife. He had gone from a modest middle-class individual to potentially earning £1.7million per year, and that was no small feat. While it was important for him to keep his thoughts grounded and dismiss any prideful thoughts, he also had to sort out this staffing problem quite immediately before matters would get out of hand. He called a backroom meeting, all the staff sitting down patiently to discuss how the club was going to move forward, while Mike made absolutely clear what he needed and how intended to do it. In the next few hours he would conclude a very productive meeting that helped him get a better feel and assessment on players he had only previously seen from behind the Stretford stands.

There was a great tense atmosphere lingering about that Michael was not too pleased with. The weight of expectation, pressure and the history that held itself inside the walls of Old Trafford were stifling his own judgement and he would need to cast that away if he had any chance of making a name for himself. He proceeded with due caution, calling staff into his newly refurbished office room singularly to discuss contract details. For some it was simply a matter of shuffling about their jobs to make room for more coaches and to make sure their talents as individuals were being fully translated onto the players. Others, namely: Eric Steele [GK Coach], Alan Fettis [GK Coach], Tony Strudwick [Fitness Coach], Richard Hawkins [Fitness Coach], Chris Casper [Youth Coach] and co. it was as simple as a discussion of mutual termination of contracts, a quick dismissal. it made him feel like he was in control, in power and authority over what went on in the club, and rather than a negative arrogance - it would serve as a key advantage when he came to deal with the players in a similar fashion.

The initial budget and wage budget came as a bit of a surprise to him. They weren't the biggest and raised his brow on whether or not it was really sufficient to make up for the task they had presented him, which was to mount a title challenge. Of course he could do little about it now, and accepted it on those grounds, slightly annoyed at not being able to have a pool of resources to freely operate in. It looked like some faces would have to exit the grounds before he could bring new ones in. 'You'd think one of the highest valued clubs in the world would run a sustainable enough business to be rich. .' he mused to himself, smartening his tie and making his way back to Phelan's office to gain a copy of the Team Report. 'Must be the debt problem,' he sighed.

The report on the other hand, held no real surprises, with most of the players left from Sir Alex's tenor being some of the best in the league. David de Gea assessed as their most competent goalkeeper, Vidic and Ferdinand aso recieving wothy note. While veterans in Evra, Carrick, Giggs and Scholes proved to be once again the core of the team. Rooney and Vidic were deemed the most valuable stars in the line-up and Nani and Young proved brilliant options for the wings. But Chester knew that it wasn't enough to have a squad of this calibre if they truly wished to challenge for all honours. It was both strength and depth that they needed in order to win over the fans and bring silverware to the already gleaming cabinet. Players like Park Ji-Sung, who although were hard-working, would be the first to hear of this re-shaping. Chester had a good idea of the type of players he wanted to bring in to improve the squad, it was mainly a matter of scouting them well enough over the next few days to see if they would fit the system. A shortlist was in order, and now came the time where he needed to be slightly secretive from the public eye.

Speaking of which; Mike Chester entertained his first press conference since joining the Red Devils. It was relatively straightforward and typical, journalists and news reporters - various elements of media snapping away and holding mikes and arms eagerly in the air to pose questions to the new boss. The gaffer sat with Gill, smiling on quite knowingly that this would serve as his first step into the world of the media. . .​

 

[Seabear]

Looking like a great story mate!

 

[Oozora Tsubasa]

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The Manchester Evening News: "It can't be an enviable task for you to follow in the footsteps of a legend like Alex Ferguson. how do you think you will measure up to your predecessor?"


Chester: "A legend indeed. There is no doubt that what he has done for this club will never be forgotten, but I am here because I believe I can take the club forward - ultimately if I have a long enough reign I should also believe that I can surpass him.


BBC Manchester: "The expectations of a team of Man Utd's stature are enormous. Do you feel that you will be able to continue their tradition of success?


Chester: "Of course when you are at a club like this, there cannot be anything else on you mind. Could you imagine a mid-table Manchester United after the heights of recent times?"

The Guardian: "The facilities at the club are fantastic, are you excited about the opportunity to work in such an environment?"


Chester: "Well as I've already said. Being such a successful club, I would expect no less than some of the best facilities in the league, but it is important to put those same facilities to good use. I'm excited about the potential results that can come out of that hard work."

Goal.com: "Do you already have an idea of which players you like and those that you aren't so happy with?"


Chester: "Already trying to make me fluff my lines are we?"

*Laughs and chuckles emanate around the room*

"Well, I've almost decided. I'll have to see them play first to have any real assumptions."

Eurosport: "How involved do you intend to be in the day-to-day running of the club?"



Chester: "I'm the manager aren't I? Surely it's my job to put as much time as I can into it. Obviously we also have the staffing support we need to truely excel."

Sky Sports News: "While some managers are famous for their hands-on approach, others maintain a more reserved manner with their players. How do you see your management style?"



Chester: "Couldn't a question like that wait till after I've done some managing?"

*Laughs and chuckles emanate around the room*

"To answer the question, I believe players are people first. I'll maintain that philosophy with the job."

World Soccer Magazine: "What can we expect from you in the transfer market? Are you looking to splash the cash or are you more of a bargain hunter?"



Chester: "I'd rather you didn't expect anything in particular from me. Not knowing will make it all a bit more exciting, don't you think?"

The Manchester Evening News: "That would you say is your tactical approach to the game?"


Chester: "Is it a habit of yours to ask all the intelligent questions around here?"

*Laughs and chuckles emanate around the room*

"Nice football is the hallmark of a brilliant team. But a solid defense is the foundation of champions. Efficiency will hopefully be the underbelly of some really good football - and that's what I want the fans to look forward to.


BBC Manchester: "On the off-chance that any agents read your comments today is there a particular area of the squad which you are looking to strengthen in the near future?


Chester: "That would indicate that one part of my squad was considerably weaker than another. . I'm always looking to strengthen the squad, but they're a good bunch of lads."


TEAMtalk.com: "You have taken charde when it is widely expected that Dimitar Berbatov will leave the club. Can you hold onto him? Do you want to?"


Chester: "That's news to me. But I'd be mad if I didn't want one of the best players Bulgaria have ever produced around - we'll see."


BBC Manchester: "Recent reports have linked you with a move for Cruzeiro attacking midfielder Walter Montillo. Are you prepared to go on record with your thoughts on the story?


Chester: "Well, whatever I say will probably be published anyway. What I will say is that Walter Montillo is a brilliant player. Make what you want of it. . "


The People: "You stand here today unveiled as the new Man Utd manager. As a big fan of the club, surely this must be a dream come true?"


Chester: "Shouldn't this have been the first question?"

*Laughs and chuckles emanate around the room*

"It's a special moment for me personally, it really is. But I can't let that cloud my judgement. But yes, I'm thoroughly delighted to be able to live such a dream."​

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[Oozora Tsubasa]

Looking like a great story mate!

Cheers for the reply

 

[Seano]

Wow, good stuff. Something similar to Danny's Story , keep it up!

 

[Oozora Tsubasa]

Wow, good stuff. Something similar to Danny's Story , keep it up!

Thanks! Will do

 

[I7IDanny]

Wow, good stuff. Something similar to Danny's Story , keep it up!

Is my story now used as a yardstick for others, eh?

 

[Seano]

Is my story now used as a yardstick for others, eh?

Yeah... problem?

Haha i couldn't find another story to compare it with, United , Diary Styled *Lightbulb* IT'S DANNY

 

[I7IDanny]

Yeah... problem?

Haha i couldn't find another story to compare it with, United , Diary Styled *Lightbulb* IT'S DANNY

Nope, don't blame you

 

[Oozora Tsubasa]

Chapter Three​

After much thought and consideration, he could only look out onto the squad that battled its way uncompetitively against the reserves as lacking. But now in the very least - he knew what was lacking from his squad. He noticed a distinct lack of real drive and stamina in key midfield areas, and a lack of players who could test a keeper from long range with the exception of Nani and Scholes. They weren't the tallest group, but with the world's 'shortest' squad in Barcelona leading the front for brilliant football as well as success - he couldn't really complain. Another problem seemed to be a lack of genuine phisical strength. Which was almost non-existent apart from in Serbian captain Nemanja Vidic. The match with the reserves was a disappointing one. Morale was low after Ferguson's departure and the team played it like a training match - never really bothering to shift into premier league gear against the smaller opposition. It was a bad day at the office for Chester, and a scrappy one all draw was all his team could muster. Although there was much to be worried about in promising defender Zeki (Ezekiel) Fryers, who left the field on a stretcher after a collision with Valencia and was said by the physios to be out for around 4 months.​

He would need to seriously instill some belief and passion into the squad if he was to compete with the likes of City, Chelsea and Arsenal. Even Tottenham, Liverpool and Newcastle had good squads now, and there was no doubt they would be extremely difficult opposition if the players couldn't get a grip and get their acts together. Chester sorted out some negotiations regarding a few reserve players before calling a team meeting. He set the record straight with the team, making sure everyone was aware of the ambitions of the club and the fact that even with the change in managers their goals and aims should remain permanent. Yet as they were leaving the room quite disgruntled and sullen from the stern words, Chester made sure to shake the hands of every one of them, and thank them for listening. Strange actions from a very strange man..

"Boss, the players are not happy with.. the meeting today. I am not happy. A lot of the players were tired from the break in the game and-" Vidic started, his towering figure almost intimidating Chester as they began to converse, captain and manager - being the last to leave the room. "Look, Nemanja; Vida? Is it? I'm not questioning or upset about the fact that they were tired, but a lot of them looked lifeless on the pitch. They need to know that every single game they play under my watch will be important." Chester closed the door behind them, placing a reassuring hand on the centre-halfs shoulder, "But thank you for telling me. Training's off for today, we've got a game in about four or so days so make sure everyone is ready and fighting fit.". It was brief, but that's all Chester needed to do for now. They needed to come back with form and give the fans something to cheer about and look forward to in pre-season. Luckily the reserve game was played behind closed gates.

More negotiations on staff and training schedules and Chester was starting to feel at home in the job, commanding and organising the club at will, and he was confident that things were going well. As he overlooked the reserves and academy boys training, Rene approached him once more. This time he had a small, frail looking boy by his side, caucasian for sure. He looked european and not necessarily english - dark brown hair and a slightly tanned complexion. But Mike was at a loss at to why he was there, trials had not started for the season and there was no official intake of youth to be concerned with. He looked over to Rene pussled and asked, "Is this your son?" Rene chuckled, replying in a slightly european accent and patting the boy on the back, "No my friend, this boy is a miracle." Chester extended a hand in greeting to the boy, his shake was weak - not the most confident of lads, but if Rene said he was worth having a look at then there was no point Mike refusing. They let him do drills with the academy players, on the physical courses he didn't show a great deal of balance, but he was quick and fairly agile - he even gave Larnell Cole a run for his money on the 50m dash courses and Cole was no slouch. But it was the technical courses that Mike's eyes widened slightly. There was no doubt he was gifted, the ball falling into his control gracefully; His trapping and technique were brilliant for his age, and he returned the ball with more ease than it was sent to him. Best of all: He was left footed.

Mr. Chester took it upon himself to urge a contract to be scribed and inked, he called the smallish boy out of training and sat him sown on the touchline benches, sitting besde him as they continued to watch the academy players train. "I'm glad you've come to try out for us, I'm amazed you could be here anyway - we haven't ordered for any new youth yet, but I can assure you that there is no place better than Manchester United." Chester smiled, while the boy, his hands slightly trembling on his knees nodded slowly. Mike pressed once more, eager to sign the boy up, "What's you name kid? Where are you from?"

"A. . . Alessandro Valentini."​

 

[Oozora Tsubasa]

Nope, don't blame you

You posting in my thread is like an autograph from a celebrity

 

[I7IDanny]

You posting in my thread is like an autograph from a celebrity

Here, have a quote too

Keep up the good work, a well written story is a joy to read.

 

[Oozora Tsubasa]

Chapter Four

"Oh, you don't mind if I call you Tino do you? Alessandro is a bit of a mouthful," Chester rubbed the back of his head, "Rene tells me you're foreign. . How's your English?" he looked to the boy once more who nervously, "Alright. . I watch English movies," which was something of a lie. Alessandro was hiding a background not appropriate for this position and not something to be concealed, but he didn't say all the same. It isn't like he had anything to go back to.. Chester collected the contract from Rene gratefully and urged Tino to sign his life away to Manchester United. "So do you mind moving into the academy school grounds while you're here? It shouldn't be too far from where you live - and it will be better for you and more convienient for training etc. . " Chester felt like he was rushing the kid, but now that everything was pretty much inked - it felt a waste not to use the opportunity. This was a talent they would cherish for years to come - their own answer to Messi and Ronaldo in his opinion.

He looked at his watch and tutted loudly, leaving the boy to his own devices while he made a slightly humorous dash towards the buildings once more - It was very unlikely, but the man was late for an important meeting scheduled with a certain Croatian defensive wing back and captain whom he had had his eye on for a good while. It wasn't enough just to scout them, and though Mike knew that his determined attitude towards his game and work rate would be beneficial in that full back position - he also knew that there would come the task of going through a strenuous task of convincing the agent to give him the deal. He wanted to phone ahead, Warren giving him the mobile as he spoke hurriedly to the agent and asked to be put on to Srna.

The Agent reluctantly complied, although it was probable that in most cases he wouldn't have been able to speak to the player anyway. And so with the simplest english he could, and Darijo's translator nearby on speakerphone, Chester relayed to him very clearly that he would like to make him a part of the squad at Manchester United. He seemed pleased enough, insisting on saying 'Thank you very much' in a broken accent over the phone before it was cut, and Chester was relatively pleased. They would meet at Heathrow airport, Srna flying over instead of the other way round for sake of convienience, although Willain and co. expressed some dismay at his decision to try and engeneer a move away from Ukraine. He had built a good relationship there, and Chester wasn't surprised.

They ironed out the details quickly, Chester was due that evening to fly to Brazil to continue his quest to build a team of stars worthy of Ballon D'Ors and UEFA accolades. So while his talk with Srna was brief, they managed to reach a contractual agreement after a fee was also reached. His transfer wouldn't be certain - as Hotspur from North London had made sure to try and hijack any potential deal and make Srna their own. 'They have Walker already don't they? Why loan out Corluka and sign in Srna when they are looking to develop Walker anyway? Dear Redknapp. . I guess they are looking to Champions League qualification this season afterall."

"Off to Brazil it is. . I've never been to Brazil before. Is the weather even good?"​

 

[Steve*]

Nope, don't blame you

But we all know you didnt start that trend....Plajourism.......

Good start there fella. Only thing I could suggest is not to use italics on all your font. Use it sparingly for effect and it will stand out more. But well written and structured. Keep up the good work

 

[Oozora Tsubasa]

But we all know you didnt start that trend....Plajourism.......

Good start there fella. Only thing I could suggest is not to use italics on all your font. Use it sparingly for effect and it will stand out more. But well written and structured. Keep up the good work

Ah okay, I'll take that into account from now on. Thanks very much for replying!

 

[Oozora Tsubasa]

Chapter Five

*There went the sound of the full-time whistle*


Manchester United had enjoyed an impressive string of results in pre-season, both home and away, scoring goals and conceding little in the build up to this game. The most notable pre-season game was against Tottenham - whereby after going 3-1 down, Chester spurred the team to roar back to 3-3 at full time. This had followed a spiralling series of events prior in which new team member Gregory van der Wiel, from Ajax was adamant that he had been mistreated by the Old Trafford staff. Chester had calmed him and let him know his place - highlighting the fact that first they were professionals, and that if he didn't like the way he was supposed to contribute to the club, it made no sense for him to join them in the first place.


The dutch wing back was not the only player to join the Red Devils. Croatian Darijo sealing a move, as well as brazilian Mario Fernandes who is due to join up with the squad once he finishes a season in Brazil. Pablo Aimar and Ze Roberto also snuck in before the transfer window closed - to mark an interesting first delve into the market for the young Chester. Perhaps the most interesting negotiation was the return of Guiseppe Rossi to the club. For which Haven had to convince the board to take over and engineer on behalf of the club for fear of falling behind teams like City and Arsenal who had made their moves and seemed pretty comfortable. City got their hands on Portuguese trickster Danny, and Arsenal grasped Walter Montillo from United's clutches as well as signing Ghanaian starlet Andre Ayew. Dimitar Berbatov did eventually leave in a shock move to Barcelona where he was 'sure to engage in regular football at the pinnacle of the spanish league.' Though most of the fans could only laugh and ridicule his remarks. There wasn't too much love lost for Richie de Laet's exit either...


But here they stood, jam packed full of fresh faces and talent, and sitting down on the field around Chester in ridiculous fashion, but for good effect as he relayed to them the importance of this first hurdle. Indeed he made much more of it than the italian and his iconic striped scarf, but it was all part of instilling a mentality in the club. So they stood and wrapped their arms around eachothers necks in a huddled circle - Chester in the middle; And they chanted once more before lining up for that all important penalty shoot out vs Mancini's Man City. Joe Hart was a daunting figure in the goal posts, arguable England's finest keeper since David Seaman, and a contender to the form days of James and Robinson. He spread his arms wide and looked straight at Wazza, who took a look to the keeper, took two to the left, charged and smashed the penalty..


Wide. Rooney had already scored one penalty today, to cancel out Tevez calm finish at the other end, but this one cleared the cross bar by a good foot even though he wrongfooted Hart. It wasn't the best of starts but Chester whistled and clapped, urging his team to carry on and enjoy it as much as they would try to set it straight. Ironically, Carlos Tevez - the former Manchester United star stepped up to his mistake and coolly slotted it past De Gea. The second taker would have been young Rossi - had he not been stretchered off injured prior to the second half, and so Javier Hernandez stood up and with all his mexican pride, placed it to Hart's right hand corner. David Silva tried to emulate the north american, opting for the left side, but De Gea was far too good, leaping off his line and spreading his limbs to clear it from the line. Nani and Barry struck home with their efforts to make it 2-2. While Srna and Zabaleta the two right-backs both had their efforts saved by some good goalkeepers. Carrick made no mistake, Nasri added another - and after Ze Roberto and Danny the debutante scored it looked like it would be a very long shootout, when all of a sudden Yaya Toure had no reply to Ashley Young's goal, and David de Gea, the 20million rated spanish keeper, was rendered a Mancunian Hero ; throwing his fist into the air as Chester pumped his own.


Trophy number one for the Red half of Manchester, and with that he threw a smirk at the Italian opponent who could only look on with some disappointment.

Manchester United 1 - 1 Manchester City [ United take the Community Shield on Penalties ]​

​