[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-start-with-r9-template":3,"chapter-start-with-r9-template-start-with-r9-template-chapter-368":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},1388612,1840,"Chapter 368 - 368","start-with-r9-template-chapter-368",368,"\u003Cp>The next day. Carrington Training Base, Manchester United players' locker room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Manchester City is ridiculously strong right now. Their tactical and psychological adjustments after conceding a goal so early—even we might not be able to pull that off against Spurs,\" Maguire said with deep concern, lacing his boots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With only a few rounds left in the league this season, Manchester United narrowly trailed Manchester City by two points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The upcoming head-to-head Manchester Derby at the end of April would have a massive, defining impact on the Premier League title race.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Manchester United drew or lost to City, they could essentially kiss the title goodbye and start preparing early for the 2019-20 season.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only by actively defeating Manchester City would there be hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the question was: could they do it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Manchester United players weren't entirely confident after watching City dismantle Spurs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've told you all countless times—don't look too far ahead at the derby. Focusing on the present match is what matters most,\" Ling said, changing into his new boots, standing up, and testing their flexibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Puma had rushed to complete the specific soleplate adjustments and finally delivered his custom-made boots for the run-in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Actually, Ling is completely right. Overthinking the derby won't help; it'll only affect our own mindset for the cup,\" Ashley Young, as a senior player, offered some advice to the younger lads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know you're all feeling the immense pressure. After all, as a Manchester United player, from the exact moment you step out of the locker room, you should understand that the team's only acceptable goal is to win titles,\" Antonio Valencia chimed in quietly from his corner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But that doesn't mean you should strain yourselves just to see the trophy at the end. Instead, you should take every single match seriously along the way!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's head out for training first,\" Ling was the first to lead the team out of the locker room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mourinho was already standing by the training pitch, holding his stopwatch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of hesitation as Ling jogged up, he said, \"Tomorrow's FA Cup semi-final against Watford at Wembley—I plan to have you play only the first half, saving some crucial energy for the league run-in. How are you feeling physically? If there are any slight issues, you can bring them up now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given Manchester United's current grueling situation, it was practically impossible to go all out with the same XI on three fronts, so some key players had to shoulder more pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the absolute attacking core of Manchester United, Ling was best utilized in crucial, tight matches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Watford isn't particularly strong defensively. Let's try to absolutely dominate them from the start tomorrow and aim to break them down within the first thirty minutes,\" Ling's words were blunt, even bordering on arrogant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in reality, this was the result of his rational tactical analysis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Watford was ranked a respectable eighth in the Premier League, they had a critical, fatal flaw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were flat-track bullies who preyed on the weak but structurally faltered against the strong pressing teams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as United applied enough intense pressure from the start, Watford would crumble on their own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tomorrow, even with Manchester United's semi-rotated squad, if Ling started, they were fully capable of overpowering the Hornets early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My thoughts exactly. We must establish an overwhelming advantage from the beginning,\" Mourinho said with a tight smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as they could score early in the match, the rotated players' psychological pressure would be minimal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From there, sticking to the planned defensive tactics would give them at least an eighty percent chance of advancing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The upcoming matches are all crucial cup finals in their own way. Everyone, hang in there a little longer. I'll give you all a few days break in May, and Ling will treat you to an expensive meal,\" Mourinho started making motivational promises to the squad.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Boss, I've been with the first team for over a year and haven't seen you treat us once! Isn't it time you showed some financial appreciation?\" Ling joked, rubbing his fingers together in the universal sign for cash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And those Portuguese egg tarts you brought once were delicious. Let's have some more when we have time!\" Rashford added with a cheeky grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, he deliberately put on a thoughtful expression, then after a long pause, he suddenly realized and said, \"Oh, wait, I remember now! Ling specifically told us not to tell you that we wanted them!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling sighed, facepalming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To maintain the positive relationship between the players and the usually grumpy coach, he had practically poured his heart and soul into PR, only to be playfully backstabbed by his teammates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mourinho awkwardly rubbed his nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This lighthearted way of interacting with players was something he wasn't quite used to from his previous stressful stints.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was quite interesting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maguire shook his big head, his eyes rolling around a few times, and tentatively asked, \"Boss, since you're in a good mood, can you treat us to ice cream today after training?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought Mourinho was feeling generous, so maybe he could make some slightly unreasonable dietary requests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knew Mourinho would instantly straighten his face and coldly said!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The medical examination report shows your body fat percentage is 1% above the absolute limit, Harry, putting extra strain on your ankles and knees... Add two more sets of intensive cardio training today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Maguire stopped shaking his head and looked at Mourinho with desperate, pleading eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People with larger, heavy builds hate cardio training the most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was no exception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's absolutely no room for negotiation on this, Harry. It's not just about taking responsibility for the team's defensive line, but also for your own career,\" Fitness coach Carlos Lalin firmly refused, crossing his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a massive player like Maguire, maintaining lean muscle mass is crucial to avoid severe joint injuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And Ling, your overall weight has dropped a bit too much. We need to adjust your meal plan to add mass,\" Carlos Lalin then turned to Ling with his clipboard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand,\" Ling nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he had recently drastically increased his extra training intensity, it inevitably led to a massive calorie deficit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the team nutritionist had already started revising the heavy menu, and he should be back to his optimal fighting weight in less than two weeks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>April 19th.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The FA Cup semi-final kicked off at a sun-drenched Wembley Stadium, with Manchester United facing Watford.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peter Drury: \"Kante wins it back! He spots the run... LING!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jim Beglin: \"He completely outraced the Watford defender, received Kante's over-the-top long pass beautifully, and unleashed a dipping volley on the run!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peter Drury: \"Beautiful strike! The shot was just too powerful! Even though Ben Foster got a heavy touch to it, it deflected fiercely into the roof of the net!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jim Beglin: \"In just the 7th minute of the match, Manchester United takes the lead at Wembley!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After scoring the early goal, Ling immediately high-fived N'Golo Kante in celebration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This goal was the perfect execution of Mourinho's specific tactics and the players' abilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mourinho's 4-4-2 formation started with the two forwards pushing incredibly high up the pitch to disrupt Watford's deep defensive setup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the midfield held possession to deliberately lure the opponent's block forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, the lethal link between the midfield and the forward line was completed with Kante's deadly, raking over-the-top long pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Kante is widely seen purely as a defensive destroyer, his progressive contributions to the attack are far from insignificant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During his title-winning time at Chelsea, he had developed a highly underrated, solid long-passing ability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"N'Golo, next time you can play the pass a bit further forward into space. Trust that my explosive speed can catch up to anything,\" Ling kindly suggested as they jogged back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, skip,\" Kante humbly accepted with his usual shy smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not far away in the technical area, Watford's head coach Javi Gracia was shouting frantically at his players.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The defensive line can't push up recklessly like that! Maintain your distance from the goalkeeper, or they'll break through with that pace every single time!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Watford players nodded silently, looking shell-shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They also knew they couldn't leave too much space behind them against Ling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the tactical problem was, if they didn't push up to compress the space, they'd be completely handing over the midfield half-spaces, allowing Manchester United's midfielders to take long-range shots at will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just follow the coach's instructions and stay compact!\" Watford captain Craig Cathcart shouted, stopping his defenders from complaining to each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, just three minutes after the restart, they witnessed Ling's long-range shooting ability firsthand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Midfielder Kante made another crucial interception in the center circle and quickly passed to the overlapping Luke Shaw on the left flank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watford had assumed Manchester United would slow down the tempo after scoring, but instead, the Red Devils proactively increased their relentless attacking pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Caught completely off guard, Watford's right defensive zone was breached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luke Shaw delivered a smart, cut-back pass to the edge of the box from the left side of the penalty area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Etienne Capoue could close him down, Ling had already adjusted his feet perfectly for the shot, curling the ball with his right foot toward the absolute top-right corner of Watford's goal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike his usual powerful, driven long-range screamers, this shot was exceptionally precise in its looping placement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster reacted quickly, springing to his left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But despite his desperate, full-stretch dive, the ball remained far out of reach, leaving him to watch helplessly as his team's net bulged once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peter Drury: \"The JL zone! This is the Ling JL zone!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jim Beglin: \"According to Sky Sports statistics, Ling currently has an absurd success rate of 34% when curling shots from the left edge of the penalty area. Such terrifying, clinical efficiency is unmatched across Europe's top five leagues, even by Messi!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peter Drury: \"I'm speechless... utterly amazed!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the pristine green pitch, Ling had finished celebrating with his teammates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he hadn't specifically trained his shooting recently due to the grueling schedule, his attributes had naturally improved through daily match practice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had checked his template not long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shooting: 94.92!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This elite rating was undoubtedly a rare gem among Europe's top five leagues.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the shooting attribute was comprehensive, seamlessly encompassing techniques like delicate placement shots, curling finesse shots, and driven power shots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'I wonder what it will feel like when I finally surpass the template's upper limit of 100?' Ling mused to himself as he jogged back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Based on the current rapid progress, his shooting rating is projected to exceed 95 before the end of this season.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This timing is absolutely perfect for challenging Messi's historic, seemingly unbreakable record of 91 goals in a calendar year next season. Ling had set a massively challenging goal for himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the match resumed, Manchester United maintained their high-intensity pressing, completely dominating Watford.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Hornets' penalty area was in constant, panicked turmoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their strategy was simple: first, solidify their defensive line, then desperately look for rare opportunities to counterattack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Manchester United's backline consisted mostly of substitute players, Watford's players still held a certain, theoretical advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, they vastly overestimated their own attacking abilities under pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the 31st minute of the first half.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Antonio Valencia cut inside aggressively to the center and unleashed a surprise, driven shot with his weaker foot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the shot wasn't of particularly high quality or placement, Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster uncharacteristically fumbled the routine save.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling watched the loose ball drop right in front of him in the six-yard box and, without a second of hesitation, poked it aggressively out of Foster's reach with a single touch!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ball slipped cleanly into the net without any further obstruction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peter Drury: \"HAT-TRICK!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jim Beglin: \"Scoring three goals before the first half is even over... he is Manchester United's sharpest sword!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peter Drury: \"Watford this season has been a team that mostly dominates weaker opponents. So far, they have faced the top six Premier League teams 11 times, losing 10 of those matches. But against weaker sides, they have won 18 out of those games! So the outcome of this FA Cup match was already decided the moment Ling stepped on the pitch!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst the massive, standing ovation from the traveling Manchester United fans at Wembley, Ling was immediately substituted off at halftime, exactly as planned, and replaced by Romelu Lukaku.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brilliant play, son,\" Mourinho gave a warm thumbs-up as Ling sat on the bench.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn't be more satisfied with his captain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as the tactical task was within Ling's physical capabilities, he would fully execute it, and even exceed expectations—truly the perfect player of his managerial dreams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, as long as Ling was on the field, Manchester United never had to worry about team morale dropping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why hasn't Gerard Deulofeu been substituted on for the other side yet?\" Ling asked, taking the sports drink handed to him by Faria.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This specific winger from La Masia had been the talk of the Premier League lately, with 9 goals and 5 assists, currently playing in the prime of his career.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It's said he was once heavily dubbed \"Messi's natural successor\" in Spain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Look, he's about to come on now,\" Faria gestured with his chin toward the neighboring Watford bench, and Ling followed his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes met briefly across the technical areas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fierce fighting spirit in Deulofeu's eyes was unmistakable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in his early days at La Masia, he didn't have it easy, enduring immense, crushing pressure from the Catalan press every single day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he was aggressively labeled as Messi's successor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a result of the hype, he never quite lived up to the impossible expectations and only found his true footing after permanently leaving Barcelona.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Ling had just led his team to defeat Barcelona.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Deulofeu could somehow defeat Manchester United today... He desperately wanted to prove that he didn't have to be anyone's successor to be a top player.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Mourinho's two ruthless substitution adjustments completely shattered Deulofeu's \"proof dream.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ander Herrera replaced McTominay, explicitly marking the tricky Deulofeu man-to-man across the pitch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The result?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't until the 76th minute of the second half that Deulofeu finally found a rare opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After shaking off Herrera with a clever drop of the shoulder and creating an inch of space, he scored a consolation goal with a powerful, low-driven shot past Sergio Romero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Poor Romero lost his clean sheet bonus once again—he was jokingly counting on that extra money to buy premium formula for his newborn child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maguire laughed heartily from the substitute bench. \"See, see, boss? I told you that goal had absolutely nothing to do with me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mourinho shot a cold, piercing glance back at the center-back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maguire immediately stopped laughing and covered his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ling also mourned for his backup keeper for a few seconds—perhaps Romero was simply cursed by the football gods never to receive a clean sheet bonus in the cups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Manchester United comfortably defeated Watford 4-1, advancing easily to the FA Cup final.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They will head back to Wembley on May 19th for a chance at domestic silverware.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before that showpiece final, Manchester United still had many incredibly tough, season-defining battles to fight, such as crucial league matches against Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as a massive, historic Champions League semi-final clash with Liverpool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, Mourinho did not give the team any rest upon returning to Manchester.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After just two days of light recovery, the 35th round of the Premier League arrived, with Manchester United visiting Goodison Park.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everton!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With nearly 200 million euros heavily invested last season, the Toffees had drastically failed to secure a European spot, and the demanding management had long lost patience with the project.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, Everton's recent form under Marco Silva has been relatively solid, trailing the top seven European places by just three points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with only four tense rounds left in the grueling Premier League season, they absolutely must seize every opportunity to earn points, even if their formidable opponent is second-placed Manchester United.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>----\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Can i post the goal keeper fic here so you guys can review it and give me a feedback wether should i continue or not ?\u003C\u002Fp>",2722,"2026-06-05T22:48:23.062Z",1,"novelbin.me","fe16c616b057b353dbe15f8fc0d6011aaa7850024a1a5d7ed44f71b7661be54f","start-with-r9-template-chapter-369","start-with-r9-template-chapter-367",371,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstart-with-r9-template-cover.jpg"]