“He’s one of the best young players I’ve ever seen!”
“His long passes are simply out of this world!”
“I’ll stake my 15 years of scouting career on it!”
“How can you be so rash in making judgments?”
“Not even giving him a tryout?”
Manchester United’s head coach office.
The scouting director, Jim Lawlor’s anger.
Even Long Fei, who was waiting outside, could hear it clearly.
Inside the office.
Manchester United head coach Van Gaal stubbornly shook his head.
“Jim, I know the team’s in a very difficult situation right now.”
“But you don’t have to take any desperate measures, do you?”
“A kid from Longguo, who hasn’t even made the national team at 18 years old!”
“You want me to give a tryout to such a player.”
“I even think you’re wasting my time!”
Manchester United still hadn’t escaped from their slump this season.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in the summer of 2013.
Manchester United had fallen from the league champion’s throne.
In the 2014 season, new coach Moyes even created many shameful records.
For the first time, they were double-killed at home by the three Northwest giants, Liverpool, Everton, and Manchester City.
For the first time in the Premier League, they conceded a goal in the first minute.
They locked in the lowest points in Premier League history four rounds ahead of schedule…
After cleaning up Moyes.
The newly appointed head coach Van Gaal’s performance wasn’t any good either.
The league was halfway through, and Manchester United’s league ranking hadn’t even made the top four.
They were only ranked in the middle of the league.
Head coach Van Gaal was originally unhappy with the signings in the winter transfer window.
Now Jim brought a player from Longguo to sign.
In his view, it was just adding to the chaos.
After their communication failed.
Jim could only leave the office in anger.
“Ed gave Van Gaal too much power!”
“He won’t even give the player a tryout! He’s acting according to his own preferences, it’s too much!”
The Ed that Jim was talking about.
Was the CEO of Manchester United, Ed Woodward.
At this time, Jim took Long Fei to Woodward’s office.
“Jim, you’re back from Longguo? Why didn’t you tell me in advance, you’ve worked hard on this Asian trip.”
Seeing Jim come in, Woodward said with a smile.
He then looked at Long Fei and asked in confusion:
“Who is this?”
“This is a talented player I discovered on my trip to the East, I think the team should give him a chance!”
“But Van Gaal is too stubborn, he won’t even agree to a tryout!”
Jim said angrily.
When he heard that Long Fei was from Longguo.
Woodward’s eyes were slightly dim.
He knew the level of Longguo’s football.
He also understood why head coach Van Gaal didn’t bother giving the player a tryout.
He obviously thought this Longguo player.
Definitely wouldn’t meet the team’s requirements.
Asian players have had precedents for success at Manchester United.
For example, Park Ji-sung from Pauchue.
And Shinji Kagawa from Sakura.
But Longguo players, it’s really hard for people to have confidence.
However, Woodward respected Jim very much.
He believed in Jim’s judgment.
That friendly match between Manchester United and Lisbon Sporting Club of Portugal two years ago.
It was Jim who planned it.
It was also this game that 18-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo from Lisbon Sporting Club successfully conquered head coach Ferguson.
It also made Sir Alex Ferguson bring Ronaldo under his command.
Only a few years later, this super rookie won the Ballon d’Or and became the world’s best.
Successfully discovering Ronaldo, also became a brilliant entry on Jim’s resume.
Woodward rarely saw Jim so enthusiastically recommend a young player.
He looked at Long Fei.
This young player, should have his own unique ability.
Woodward said: “Jim, I trust your judgment.”
“But have you thought about it, even if he passes the team’s tryout.”
“As a non-EU player, he needs a work permit to play in the Premier League.”
“But the work permit application… Obviously, Long Fei doesn’t qualify.”
Jim sighed slightly.
The application for a Premier League work permit, the player applying must not only meet the national team appearance requirements.
There are also requirements for the FIFA ranking of the player’s country.
Unfortunately, as a Longguo player, Long Fei.
He doesn’t meet either of these two conditions.
“We can try the ‘exceptional talent’ clause!”
Jim said unwillingly.
“If he passes the ‘exceptional talent’ clause.”
“Then he doesn’t need a work permit, he can play for Manchester United!”
Woodward shook his head:
“Of course, we can apply to the FA for the ‘exceptional talent’ clause.”
“But you know, this application needs to be reviewed and approved by the FA.”
“Moreover, a player from Longguo, with no international A-level match experience.”
“Jim, you should also be able to guess how likely it is to be approved… ”
Woodward’s words made Jim a little silent.
At this time, Jim also realized.
It’s really unrealistic to have Long Fei play for Manchester United now.
There are many insurmountable difficulties!
Jim looked at Long Fei with a sense of apology.
He then said to Woodward:
“I believe Long Fei is a talented player, at least, Manchester United shouldn’t lose him.”
“Ed, don’t forget about Pogba’s incident two years ago.”
Jim said coldly.
When he heard the name Pogba.
Woodward was stunned.
In the summer of 2012, Jim had tried to persuade Woodward.
Don’t let go of this 19-year-old kid from Gaul.
He should immediately sign a formal first-team contract with him.
But Woodward didn’t care.
As a result, Pogba, who joined Juventus in Serie A on a free transfer.
The following year, he won the Golden Boy award of Europe.
Now, three years have passed.
Pogba has grown into a midfield star who is renowned throughout Europe.
Last season, he and Pirlo, Vidal formed a top midfield combination.
They led Juventus all the way to the Champions League final!
Pogba’s transfer market price.
It has soared all the way to €80 million!
Because of this, the club was almost scolded by the fans!
Jim said: “I don’t want Long Fei to become the next Pogba!”
“Because I know he will be even stronger than Pogba in the future!”
Jim has over 20 years of scouting experience.
He has met countless super rookies.
He has never seen any young player.
With the same level of long pass accuracy as Long Fei.
Even 19-year-old Pogba was very outstanding.
But compared to Long Fei.
Their long pass skills are completely incomparable!
What’s more, Long Fei is only 18 years old, younger than Pogba was back then.
Jim also has reason to believe.
Long Fei’s future will be even more limitless!
Jim’s high praise for Long Fei.
Made Woodward take another look at Long Fei.
Then, Woodward nodded.
“Okay, Jim, I trust your judgment.”
“I agree to sign Long Fei!”
“Without a tryout!”
Woodward’s words made Jim very excited.
“Ed! You made a wise decision!”
“You will remember this day.”
“Every day in the future, you will thank yourself for the decision you made today!”
Woodward smiled.
He shook hands with Long Fei and said: “Welcome, young man! Welcome to Manchester United!”
Woodward signed Long Fei without a tryout.
First, he fully trusted the judgment of gold medal scout Jim.
Second, he also wanted to shorten the time it took to sign Long Fei.
After all, Long Fei had just landed in England.
His player identity declaration and registration.
There are many complicated procedures.
If they were to carry out a tryout.
It would be a waste of time.
After all, the transfer window was only a few days away from closing!