[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-start-with-r9-template":3,"chapter-start-with-r9-template-start-with-r9-template-chapter-247":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Start with R9 Template",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1388962,1840,"Chapter 247 - 247","start-with-r9-template-chapter-247",247,"\u003Cp>The pitch often presents unexpected situations, and there's no time to pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Players must learn to tackle new difficulties while resolving the last one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Man United players quickly regained their composure, waiting for Chelsea to finish celebrating before restarting the game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were no accusations or criticisms among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mourinho shook his arm and glanced sideways at his substitutes' bench.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Hazard was substituted for Pedro, the defensive pressure on Man United's right side dropped sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, after a brief warm-up, Luke Shaw came onto the pitch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What Mourinho did next made Sarri curse out loud in Italian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Man United's attacking play became incredibly straightforward: win the ball back and quickly deliver it into the final third.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There, Ling and Pogba positioned themselves diagonally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pogba excelled in tight-space ball retention, while Ling was unmatched in close-quarters dribbling and explosive pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their coordination was seamless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Occasionally, Ling would drop deeper to organize play, allowing Pogba to push into the box.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their constant interchanging exhausted Chelsea's defenders physically and mentally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chelsea knew exactly what was coming but couldn't find a way to stop it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Less than five minutes after Chelsea's goal, Luke Shaw intercepted Pedro on the flank and charged down the touchline into Chelsea's half.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kanté's defensive coverage remained immense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anticipating Man United's attacking intent, Kanté sprinted over to make a fierce, blindside tackle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, after hearing Herrera's shout of warning, Shaw quickly played a horizontal pass to Pogba, who had dropped centrally to receive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jorginho immediately closed down Pogba.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though not physically dominant like Matić, Jorginho made up for it with exceptional reading of the game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He anticipated Pogba's intention to switch play and moved early to intercept. But Pogba used his long legs to stretch out, poking the ball forward while falling to the grass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ball rolled precisely into the space between Ling and Rüdiger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both rushed toward it simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rüdiger instinctively raised his knee as he sprinted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, he had a strange habit of high-kneeing during acceleration, claiming it made him faster—though whether he meant it as a physical provocation here, only he truly knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A jarring sound of colliding muscles echoed. Rüdiger felt as if he'd been rammed by a rhinoceros. He used all his strength just to maintain his balance and avoid falling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Ling in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'This kid doesn't look particularly massive, so how does he have such a powerful physical force?!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling's years of high-intensity training had continuously increased his muscle density, turning him into an unreasonable football monster!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After stumbling for two steps, Ling regained his balance, collected the ball and looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mahrez and Rashford were making diagonal runs into the penalty area from the wings, drawing the attention of Chelsea's fullbacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gary Cahill, positioned closest to Ling, quickly shifted sideways to block the shooting angle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling possessed considerable long-range shooting ability—allowing him to shoot from the edge of the box was far too dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ling had now switched to playmaker mode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Cahill vacated the space on the right, Ling's raised foot gently came down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A shot fake into a pass!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The convincing feint carried shades of Ibrahimović's famous camera dummy, deceiving most of the Chelsea players—including Marcos Alonso, who was supposed to be marking Mahrez.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alonso thought Ling wouldn't pass up a shooting opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forwards are usually the most selfish players on the pitch, especially young players like Ling chasing the Golden Boot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then Alonso sensed a rush of wind beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Mahrez?!' Alonso instantly realized his mistake and hurriedly accelerated to chase the Algerian winger!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peter Drury: \"Ling shapes to shoot... no, a disguised pass! A roll of the sole, and he slips it through to Mahrez!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jim Beglin: \"Beautiful! That pass has found its way right into Mahrez's heart. So comfortable that minimal adjustment is needed!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kepa slightly lowered his center of gravity, prepared for battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew Mahrez was predominantly left-footed—he only needed to focus on that left foot!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he saw Mahrez shape to shoot, Kepa did not hesitate to dive towards the far corner!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Mahrez had used a simple hesitation move that completely sold the €80 million goalkeeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peter Drury: \"Mahrez cuts inside... Kepa commits... AND HE STROKES IT IN AT THE NEAR POST! The Algerian King strikes! Manchester United re-establish their two-goal cushion, and the blue balloon of hope is popped!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jim Beglin: \"It looks simple, Peter, but that requires excellent rhythm and superb ball control. Mahrez is no less skilled than Ling in those tight areas. That's why he's a former Premier League Season MVP!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>3-1!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mahrez waved to his teammates as they ran toward the touchline.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling, Rashford, Maguire, and Pogba all sat side by side on the electronic advertising boards, their faces filled with happy smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Manchester United fans in the away end enthusiastically took photos with their phones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at this vibrant young generation—the 19-year-old Ling, 21-year-old Rashford, and 25-year-old Maguire—reminded them of the legendary Class of '92.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current Man United players loved playing with adventure and enjoyment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they could maintain this form, what kind of legendary story might they ultimately write?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back on the touchline, Mourinho walked to the substitute bench and sat beside young Scott McTominay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does it feel regrettable not being able to participate out there today?\" Mourinho asked earnestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah,\" McTominay replied, unable to hide the disappointment in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you know why I awarded you the 'Manager's Player of the Year' before?\" Mourinho asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>McTominay's thoughts drifted back to the club's end-of-season awards ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every player had received an award except him, leaving him empty-handed and utterly embarrassed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the final moments of the event, Mourinho had spontaneously created an additional award just for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>McTominay believed it was out of pity, so he didn't know how to respond now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know? It's unacceptable for a midfielder to walk away empty-handed,\" Mourinho said, patting McTominay's shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But at that time, I held another belief: this kid possesses everything I want in a player. Since you've chosen to stay at Man United, you must fight for your place. If someday you feel tired and want to give up—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Mourinho could finish, McTominay interrupted, looking intently into his manager's eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boss, I will never give up. I can't do that at Man United. I've been here since I was five. I understand this club better than anyone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>McTominay clenched his fists. \"I know my performance in some areas has been poor. People say I basically have no potential for growth. Maybe I'll never reach Jeremy's level... but whether on the pitch or the bench, I'll give my absolute all.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The determination in McTominay's tone made Mourinho momentarily pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The comfort in his smile grew deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Actually, many in our team were far less capable than you in their youth—like Mahrez and Ashley Young,\" Mourinho said softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They were rejected and mocked by fans, but eventually earned respect through step-by-step hard work. Not every player has to become Jeremy. Everyone has their own unique role. Low-profile individuals may not become the center of attention, but I believe they still have the chance to become legends.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mourinho ruffled McTominay's hair and stood up. \"Go warm up quickly. Your teammates need you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>McTominay wiped his face, put on his training vest and ran to the warm-up area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He believed Mourinho was right—he didn't need to become Jeremy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He just needed to become the best version of Scott McTominay!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>....\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the match resumed, McTominay replaced Herrera, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka came on for Valencia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Man United's defensive solidity immediately improved significantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>McTominay didn't unleash some hidden superpower; he simply executed Mourinho's instructions meticulously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His play was so ordinary and functional that fans didn't pay him much attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet he found joy in it, standing tall like resilient grass revealed by strong winds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chelsea's midfield configuration was inherently defensive with Jorginho, Kanté, and Barkley, forcing Willian to drift centrally as a false nine to create chances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Willian suddenly found himself man-marked by McTominay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Willian possessed typical Brazilian flair—refined technique, an agile style, and subtle movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>McTominay struggled to contain him skillfully, but he made up for it by remaining tireless in his relentless running.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Willian felt like he was being chased by a mad dog.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He became extremely awkward when handling the ball, and with his stamina severely depleted, he failed to create any further threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the 87th minute, McTominay and Matić combined on defense, aggressively snatching the ball from Kanté's feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a quick one-two with Pogba, McTominay boldly played a low through ball down the left flank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rashford received it, cut inside, and shot, but the ball went slightly over the crossbar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the final moments of stoppage time, Mahrez sent a corner kick to the far post.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maguire out-jumped Azpilicueta to head the ball back across the face of goal and McTominay followed up with a thunderous direct volley!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kepa finally showed his 80-million-euro worth, diving quickly to parry the certain goal away with one strong hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beep—Beep—BEEEEEP!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The final whistle blew at Stamford Bridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chelsea 1 - 3 Manchester United.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The frustration of missing the late chance dissipated from McTominay's face as he ran over to join Ling and his teammates in celebration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He firmly believed he hadn't chosen the wrong path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he persisted and worked hard, he would eventually conquer the Man United fans, making them cheer and applaud his name too!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>McTominay my GOAT!\u003C\u002Fp>",1578,"2026-06-05T22:48:23.062Z",1,"novelbin.me","8d6fed628663121e15b43be48d5ef44e3556a0e63c250361706ab3f0b786016c","start-with-r9-template-chapter-248","start-with-r9-template-chapter-246",371,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstart-with-r9-template-cover.jpg"]