Succeeding Sir Alex

Sir Alex Ferguson completed his last game at Old Trafford, and then said goodbye to all Red Devils fans. The audience erupted in thunderous applause, a tribute befitting the legendary manager on his retirement.

Sir Alex Ferguson slowly walked towards the internal passage of the stadium. As he reached the passage, a man with a beard came and stood beside him. Though in his 30s, he still had a youthful appearance. Remarkably, he had the features of an Asian individual.

As Ferguson walked slowly, waving to the fans in appreciation, he approached the tunnel. Just before stepping inside, he suddenly turned back to the young Asian man beside him and said, "Remember this moment—soon, it will all belong to you."

After saying that, Ferguson walked into the aisle of the stadium without looking back. When the young man heard Ferguson's words, he took a short breath, and then he took a deep breath, without stopping, and quickened his pace to follow Ferguson.

Meanwhile, in the Sky TV studio, Morris continued to heap praise on Sir Alex Ferguson, fully aware of the significance of the day. He knew that, above all else, today was about honoring the legendary manager—one who would no longer be on the bench, chewing gum and meticulously devising strategies to dismantle opponents.

"Ferguson's impact on Manchester United has been profound, profound and huge. His great record will be difficult to break for many years to come. Latecomers may feel hopeless for the record he has set."

However, before he could continue his well rehearsed script, he was interrupted by Raman, "Morris, who's beside Sir?"

"Who?"

That young Asian face with a beard in the Manchester United Sport Suit"

Morris looked closely for a few seconds before remembering he was on air and then he hurriedly responded: "I don't know either."

"Aren't you a fan of Manchester United? How come you don't know?"

"This may be a relative of the Jazz, or maybe an official of the club."

Seven days later, on May 19, 2013, in the last round of the Premier League, Manchester United tied West Brom 5: 5. The 2012-13 Premier League Championship trophy returned to Old Trafford after a year of sidelines.

After the match, the FA hosted a grand award ceremony at Old Trafford. FA President Palmer personally presented medals to the Manchester United players. As the cheers grew louder, Captain Ryan Giggs triumphantly lifted the Premier League trophy. 

The stadium erupted! For every Manchester United fan, it felt like a grand festival—shouts of joy filled the air, cheers echoed through the stands, and emotions ran high. Many supporters wept with happiness, singing in unison to celebrate the moment. The Stretford End, the heart of Manchester United's most devoted fans, was a sight to behold. The famous West Stand trembled like a roaring volcano, an unstoppable surge of passion and pride exploding into the night.

On May 20, 2013, just after the season concluded, the Manchester United press conference hall was packed with journalists from around the world. They had gathered for one final press conference—called by none other than Sir Alex Ferguson, marking the end of his legendary managerial career before his retirement.

Many journalists whispered excitedly among themselves, their voices filled with anticipation. They knew that whatever Sir Alex Ferguson said today would be nothing short of sensational.

The loudest person is Wolfe. He is a reporter for the famous British newspaper, The Sun.

"Hey brothers, what do you think? What explosive news will the Gaffer reveal today?"

"Wolf, are you planning to write some gossip again? Too bad—you're in the wrong place for that."

It was Toynbee, a reporter for The Guardian, throwing a playful jab. Many reporters burst into laughter at Toynbee's remark.

Everyone knew that The Sun was notorious for its sensational gossip stories, often filled with carefully crafted narratives by its reporters. And among them, Wolf was one of the most prolific.

Hearing the ridicule, Wolf remained unfazed. With a smirk, he shot back, "We're all just writing stories, and we all get criticized. Can any of you guarantee that everything you write is the absolute truth?"

The Times correspondent, Leslie, was clearly uninterested in the lighthearted banter. Steering the conversation back to the press conference, he said, "Manchester United announced yesterday that they would be making an important announcement today. What do you think it will be?"

"What else can it be apart from Ferguson's retirement?"

Leslie shook his head. "I don't think that's likely. Sir Alex's retirement has already made headlines worldwide—what else is left to announce at this point?"

"Maybe the club sees this as a momentous occasion?"

Wolf from The Sun let his imagination run wild. "I don't think it's that simple. There's definitely going to be major news. For instance, according to reliable sources, Wayne Rooney has expressed his desire to leave Manchester United and join Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich."

Toynbee couldn't resist taking another jab at Wolf. "Reliable sources? Let me guess—straight from The Sun's creative department?"

Hearing Toynbee's remark, everyone burst into laughter at Wolfe's expense again.

At that moment, Leslie turned to a young man nearby and asked, "Hall, you've always had a good relationship with Manchester United. Do you have any inside information? Come on, share it with us!"

All eyes turned to the young man. He appeared to be in his twenties, sporting gold-rimmed glasses and a refined, composed demeanor—exuding a distinct British charm. He was Hall, a reporter for the Manchester Evening News. As a journalist for Manchester's local media, he often had access to exclusive inside information.

"Yeah, if you have any inside info, spill it!" someone urged.

Hall adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses slightly and lowered his voice. "From what I've heard, Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to announce his successor today."

"What?!"

The reporters around him gasped in shock. All the reporters were stunned by Hall's revelation. 

"No way! I heard that Manchester United's board has been in talks with Mourinho, trying to bring him in as the next manager. Has a deal already been struck?" 

"It's possible," another journalist chimed in. "Mourinho has had a disastrous season. His Real Madrid side lost to Barcelona and Atlético Madrid in both the league and the Copa del Rey final. And in the Champions League, they were knocked out by Dortmund in the semifinals. The Real Madrid board is reportedly unhappy with him. This could be the perfect time for England to bring in the 'Special One.'"

"But I heard that Sir Alex Ferguson favors Everton's manager, David Moyes. The Manchester United job is likely to go to him instead," another reporter interjected.

As the discussion grew livelier, Hall remained silent, not getting caught up in the speculation. As a devoted Manchester United fan, he couldn't help but feel anxious about the club's future. His eyes drifted toward the podium, where, in just a few minutes, Sir Alex Ferguson would make his announcement. 

Who would carry the torch for Manchester United? Who would lead the club into the future?

Moments later, Sir Alex Ferguson entered the press conference room and took his seat. He scanned the room, his gaze settling on the many reporters eagerly waiting before him. Then, in his familiar composed manner, he spoke. 

"Today, I have two announcements to make. First, I have now completed my 1,500th game as Manchester United's manager, and I am officially announcing my retirement."

The room fell silent. Even though the news of Ferguson's retirement had been widely known, hearing it directly from his mouth still sent a wave of emotion through the reporters.

Without pausing for questions, Ferguson continued. "Second, I have strongly recommended to the Manchester United board that Mr. Tiger King be my successor, to lead this great club forward and continue its legacy of glory. That's all I have to say. Goodbye, everyone."

With that, he stood up and made his way toward the door. Just before stepping out, he paused, turned slightly, and with a final, heartfelt remark, said:

"Dear friends, it was a splendid journey, but now, no more."

Then, he walked away, leaving behind a room full of stunned, speechless reporters. They watched his back as he exited, fully aware that this was the last time they would see Sir Alex Ferguson in this setting. With his departure, he left behind not just words—but a legacy draped in red.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. No one spoke, no one moved. Though, there was only one question lingering in everyone's mind:

Who is Mr. Tiger King?