Reborn in Football to Build Top Clubs from English League Two

66: The Red Devil’s Arrival and the Oath of the ”Iron-Blooded North”The match day wind, blowing from the North Sea, carried a cold and salty scent as it swept through the streets and alleys of Hartlepool.

Victoria Park Stadium, like the beating heart of the small town, had been redecorated.

Blue and white flags and scarves hung in every corner, and fans expressed their desire for a miracle and their anticipation for this prelude to a dream theatre in the simplest yet most passionate way.

The media buzz surrounding this FA Cup focal match reached its peak on match day.

On television and radio, experts were still analyzing Hartlepool United’s miraculous journey, but it was generally believed that Manchester United was an insurmountable giant for them.

The odds offered by betting companies made Hartlepool United fans smile bitterly, but they still bought every ticket without hesitation.

In Manchester, Sir Alex Ferguson leaned back in his chair, chewing gum at the pre-match press conference, and spoke in his distinctive Scottish accent.

“Hartlepool United have performed exceptionally well this season, and any team that reaches the FA Cup quarter-finals deserves respect.”

He paused, then said to the reporters,

“They have defeated Premier League teams, which shows they have their own characteristics and strength.”

“We will take this match seriously and not give our opponents any chances.”

His words were watertight; although calm, the reporters all understood the subtext: respect was there, but victory would only belong to Manchester United.

In the starting lineup, Cristiano Ronaldo’s name appeared on the substitutes’ bench, which seemed to be a bit of leeway left by Ferguson, and also gave Hartlepool fans a hint of unrealistic fantasy.

In the tactical meeting room of the Phoenix Training Center, Lin Feng stood in front of the tactics board, where the formations of the two teams were laid out with red and blue magnets.

He said, “Manchester United are very strong, strong in their midfield control and wing speed.”

Lin Feng’s finger pointed at the magnet representing Scholes, then moved to the positions of Giggs and Fletcher,

“Therefore, our defense must be like a chain, with three lines tightly connected and moving as a whole. Jordan, Gary,”

He looked at Henderson and Liddle, and their eyes lit up.

“Your task is to become the shadows of Scholes and Carrick, not giving them any space to calmly organize and deliver killer passes.”

“Like chewing gum, stick to them, don’t let them get comfortable.”

“Danny, Matty,” He then looked at Simpson and Robson, the two full-backs’ faces were a little pale, but still firm,

“Giggs and Fletcher will repeatedly attack you; their speed and technique are world-class.”

“Your task is to hold your ground, not giving an inch. Remember, cover! Chris and the captain will support you.”

“The most crucial point,” Lin Feng’s tone rose slightly, his gaze sweeping over Vardy, Snodgrass, and Sigurðsson.

“Once you win the ball, do not get bogged down in any unnecessary midfield struggles! Do not hesitate, do not pause!”

“Move through the midfield as quickly as possible, pass the ball directly to Jamie, Robert, or Gylfi! Use our speed to attack their slow-turning backline!”

“They are world-class defenders, but they are not gods! They also have weaknesses!” Finally, Lin Feng looked around at the young and nervous faces, and his voice was infused with a powerful infectiousness.

“Today, we are not just fighting for a match victory; we are fighting for the glory of the city of Hartlepool!”

“We want Sir Alex Ferguson and his Red Devils to witness what true Northern Storm iron-blood is!”

“No matter the outcome, we will fight until the last moment and make them remember our names!” Old John was infected by Lin Feng’s passion, and he felt that he carried a sacred mission.

He shouted at the players, “The boss said that today we are the lions guarding the North, and we must make the Red Devils tremble on our territory!”

“Show your courage! Give your all!” Being able to compete on the same field with legendary players like Rooney and Scholes, the young players of Hartlepool United were filled with awe, but also burned with a strong desire to “slay the gods.”

Vardy clenched his fists; he wanted to see how big the gap truly was between him and world-class strikers.

Schmeichel took a deep breath, knowing that today he would face the most intense barrage of his career.