Two months into the new season, New Manchester United's record had been excellent. After all, they were composed of a group of players from higher leagues. In addition, Steve Bruce's ability to integrate players was very good, turning New Manchester United into a team full of fighting spirit.
A total of 9 league games were played in two months. New Manchester United won all 9, collecting 27 points and ranking first in the North West Division Two, 6 points ahead of second place. In these 9 games, they scored 35 goals and conceded only 5. In both attack and defense, they ranked first in the division.
However, in the next two league matches, New Manchester United suffered two shocking defeats.
First, they lost 0-1 at home to visiting St. Helens Town, then lost 2-3 away to Newcastle Town. Both games were very tough. Every player fought until the last second, but they still could not avoid defeat.
As a Manchester Evening News reporter primarily covering New Manchester United, Scarlett launched a heavy critique after the back-to-back losses. She argued that a squad of only 19 players could not compete on three fronts, with the FA Cup and the North West League Challenger Cup included. This was definitely a miscalculation by the club's leadership.
In her report, she evaluated New Manchester United and claimed the young Ethan was too greedy and aggressive, which affected results. She also argued that as New Manchester United entered the FA Cup knockout stage and the second round of the North West Challenger Cup, the three-front campaign would continue, and their league form in the North West Division Two would suffer.
However, unlike Scarlett's all-out criticism of Ethan, the situation inside New Manchester United was not the same.
"I warned you long ago, Ethan, you cannot offend women, especially journalists!" Walsh opened the Manchester Evening News page where Scarlett criticized Ethan, laid it on the table, and laughed triumphantly.
"I am sorry, Ethan..." Bruce said apologetically.
"Hey, Steve, this is not your fault. This is a personal grudge between me and that woman!" Ethan was angry too.
He was already upset after two straight defeats, and he had not expected to be dragged in by Scarlett. Anyone would be furious.
"In fact, I should have considered sooner that amateur players do not have the physical capacity to fight on three fronts," Bruce said with some regret.
This is also why so many strong teams have never managed the treble. Competing on three fronts tests not only squad depth, but also the spirit, will, and fitness of every member.
Only by squeezing the maximum from every player can a team complete the treble.
For New Manchester United, there was no possibility of winning the FA Cup, but they did have hope in the North West Challenger Cup, and they also had to win promotion from the North West Division Two. The priorities for this season were clear, but Bruce was a little unwilling to accept that.
Bruce's competitive spirit made him want to prove himself on a bigger stage. He looked down on Division Two, so he wanted to go further in the FA Cup. At the same time, he was determined to win both the North West Challenger Cup and the Division Two title. This led to New Manchester United's three-front campaign.
"Steve, you are the head coach. I have given you the greatest authority regarding the team. You can decide and do things your way. No matter what, I support you!" Ethan smiled and comforted him.
"Yes, Steve, we all support you!" Walsh publicly backed him as well.
"Do not worry, I know what to do!" Bruce seemed strong and able to handle the pressure.
But Ethan had his own grudge to deal with.
...
"Hey, honest reporter!" Ethan knocked on Scarlett's door.
"What are you doing here? Your home is downstairs!" Scarlett snapped.
Ethan peered into the room with a grin, like a husband catching someone in the act. After confirming no one else was there, he said, "I am here for revenge, Ms. Reporter."
"I told you, my name is Scarlett Elan!" Scarlett looked furious. "What do you want?"
"I should be asking you what you want, Ms. Reporter!" Ethan deliberately stuck to his way of addressing her.
Scarlett folded her arms across her chest. Her tall, graceful figure was set off by milky white pajamas.
"Fine, I will be honest. It is clear we have a grudge, right?" Ethan shrugged casually.
"That is right!" Scarlett shot back without backing down.
Ethan laughed. "Well, I think it is boring for you to attack me in the paper and for me to mock you with words. How about we raise the stakes?"
"Okay, go on!" Scarlett was still fearless.
"I bet our team will win the North West Division Two title this year."
Scarlett sneered. "Then I will bet Manchester City will not be promoted to the Premier League this year!"
Ethan was momentarily speechless. Manchester City's current form was terrible. Under those circumstances, promotion was out of the question. Even avoiding relegation would be tough.
"Plus a top-four finish in the North West League Challenger Cup!" Ethan felt this woman was too arrogant. If he did not put her in her place, how would he live with it?
"I will add Manchester United finishing top three in the league this year!" Scarlett said sarcastically.
Ethan felt he had misjudged her. She was so eloquent. How had he not noticed before?
"Then I will add the FA Cup final. Satisfied?" Ethan wanted to tear her apart.
Scarlett thought seriously and said, "Okay, tell me, what is the stake?"
"Since I am betting so much, the stakes cannot be small. Whoever loses must promise to do one thing for the winner, anything."
"If you are afraid, forget it!" Ethan shrugged, shook his head, and sighed helplessly.
"Who said I am afraid? Let's bet!" Scarlett gritted her teeth and agreed.
Ethan pointed at her. "You said it. To protect both sides, we need a gentleman's agreement. During the bet, you cannot maliciously attack our players, the head coach, or me in the paper."
"Okay, but that does not include normal reporting. I will still express my opinions truthfully!" Scarlett added.
"Okay!" Ethan smiled. "I think you can get ready to take off your clothes."
Scarlett had never been teased like this. Her face flushed. "If you lose, I will make you run naked in front of the city hall gates!"
Ethan burst out laughing. This woman was creative.
"Good idea. I will consider it after you lose!" With that, Ethan went downstairs.
Scarlett glared at his back, turned, and slammed the door.
...
Since it was just a private bet, Ethan did not tell anyone. Scarlett was clearly a woman of her word. The next day, reports on New Manchester United were measured, clearly pointing out the drawbacks of fighting on three fronts and the limits of amateur teams.
But what surprised her was that in the next away match against their city neighbors Trafford, New Manchester United treated Trafford like Manchester United and showed no mercy.
Jonathan Maten scored another hat-trick, Giggs grabbed a brace, Richie Wellens shone with three assists and then scored, while Darren Lyons on the right maintained his usual level, assisting twice and scoring twice, including a direct free-kick.
By the way, Darren Lyons had contributed 15 assists in 12 league games and scored 5 himself. He was not only New Manchester United's leading creator, but also topped the North West Division Two assist chart.
Jonathan Maten had made 11 league appearances and scored 10 goals. He was New Manchester United's top scorer this season and the leading scorer in the division.
An 8-0 demolition crushed all previous doubts about New Manchester United. It also made it clear that if they were not fighting on three fronts, no team in North West Division Two could threaten them.
In the North West Challenger Cup next week, New Manchester United faced Salford City of North West Division One, a strong side currently third in their group and very likely to win promotion.
However, during the match, Salford still could not stop New Manchester United's progress. With a goal from Giggs, New Manchester United won 1-0 away and advanced.
Back at home, New Manchester United were ruthless again and won 4-1. At the same time, with their rivals dropping points, the gap between first and second in the league widened to 7 points.
Although the league was less than halfway through, New Manchester United's outstanding performances made many believe there was little suspense about the North West Division Two title.
It was precisely because of two straight league wins after two defeats that Ethan was able to go watch the school team matches of Messi and Curtis in a good mood.
(To be continued.)