Preconceived notions can be terrifying.
If Ye Chen had just arrived as a trial player and performed like this, everyone might think he was amazing, a true genius striker.
But Ye Chen had been here for two yearsânow in his third year.
In everyone's impression, he was just someone with decent speed, average technique, and terrible shooting skills.
Suddenly performing so well, people thought it must be luck...
Just like what Solskjær once told his daughter.
How to describe the old Ye Chen? He was more like a sparring partner.
The club's reason for signing him was simple, and the manager had even privately explained it to Solskjær: Ye Chen was signed to tap into the Chinese market.
Originally, Dong Fangzhuo's failure had left Manchester United uninterested in Chinese players. But Real Madrid, Juventus, and other teams' tours in Asia had made them sense a potential crisis.
How could they maintain their competitiveness in Asia, especially in a populous country like China?
The simplest way was to buy players from that country. However, work permits were a significant obstacle, so they turned to the youth training system instead.
After all, players need a work permit to play for an English club, but youth trainees were not subject to this restriction.
At least until the age of 21, he could represent Manchester United in matches even if he wasn't officially registered.
Of course, Manchester United did keep Ye Chen partly because he showed some potential. In terms of speed and explosiveness, even European youths might not surpass him.
Another consideration was that even if Ye Chen was no longer needed in the future, selling him back to Chinese clubs would still bring profit.
No matter what, they wouldn't lose.
After all, the owner was Americanâthese calculations were precise and shrewd.
In recent years, Chinese Super League clubs had been gaining influence, especially Guangzhou Evergrande, with owner Xu Jiayin increasing investments significantly!
It wasn't just Evergrandeâother clubs were starting to wave checkbooks around to attract top global players.
Especially in 2017, when Oscar transferred to Shanghai SIPG for â¬60 million and received an annual salary of â¬24 million!
That deal shocked the world and showcased China's economic prowess to other countries.
But now, it was only 2011.
Back at the Carrington training base.
After scoring, Ye Chen raised three fingers and ran toward the corner flag, celebrating closely with Januzaj!
The three goals were the result of Ye Chen and Januzaj's perfect teamwork.
Januzaj got a hat trick of assists, and Ye Chen scored three times, completing his first-ever hat trick!
"You were amazing today! If you keep playing like this, you'll definitely earn an official Manchester United contract!" Januzaj praised, embracing Ye Chen.
Ye Chen smiled. "It's fine. Even if I don't play for Manchester United, other clubs will want me!"
In truth, Ye Chen already had a plan.
Representing a world-class club like Manchester United was tough. Look at the current first teamâthere were already five forwards.
Apart from Rooney, there were Owen, Berbatov, Hernández, and Welbeck. Additionally, the reserves included players like Bébéâat least three more.
As a 17-year-old rookie, Ye Chen would most likely be loaned out, just like De Bruyne in his early years.
And this year, Manchester United would finish as league runners-up due to goal difference. Ferguson's immediate response would be to buy Van Persie from Arsenal.
In such a scenario, could Ye Chen realistically compete with world-class forwards for playing time?
Not likely!
Unless the system suddenly rewarded Ye Chen with a Ronaldo template or something...
So Ye Chen was already prepared to leave.
Moreover, there was another critical reason: Ye Chen felt his physical condition wasn't ready for the Premier League.
Let's not forget, in his previous life, his career had been cut short by injuries, so he couldn't help but worry.
As a transmigrator, Ye Chen believed he should level up in other leagues first and then consider returning to the Premier Leagueâfollowing paths like Pogba or De Bruyne.
After all, the Premier League encouraged physicality, while other leagues, especially La Liga, were more forgiving.
He didn't want to be like a martial arts prodigy who was crushed before they could fully grow.
Returning to the training match.
When the game resumed, Team B's players became even more resolute in defense.
After all, they had never experienced leading Team A by two goals before.
Team A's players, on the other hand, started to grow anxious.
Their next match was against Liverpool. If they didn't perform well now, even making the squad for that game would be in question!
But as time ticked away, Team A couldn't find a breakthrough.
Solskjær kept observing Ye Chen and noticed that his movements off the ball were "intelligent."
Especially his judgment of the ball's trajectoryâit was spot on.
Could it be that this wasn't luck but... enlightenment?
Solskjær furrowed his brows deeply.
Finally, Chris, acting as the temporary referee, blew the whistle to signal the end of the match.
"We won!"
Team B's players celebrated enthusiastically.
Ye Chen immediately found Januzaj, who had assisted him. "Adnan, see? I didn't lie to you this time!"
Januzaj smiled, glancing at Solskjær on the coaching bench. "I wonder if the boss will put you in the squad for the Liverpool game!"
"Huh?"
Only then did Ye Chen realize. In three days, Manchester United U18 would face Liverpool U18 at Old Trafford!
This was a big deal!
Even for U18 games, Manchester United's massive influence meant some of these matches were broadcasted.
Many of them even attracted thousands of ticket-buying fans.
That was the power of the Red Devils.
But Ye Chen didn't dwell on it. He walked over to Byrne instead. "So, you lost the bet, didn't you?"
"Lucky break!" Byrne squinted, gritting his teeth. He was clearly furious.
"Yeah, long-range shots are partly down to luck!" Pearson chimed in to support him.
Ye Chen smirked. "Don't give me excuses. Did you lose the bet or not? Shouldn't you fulfill your promise?"
Byrne leapt up, glaring at Ye Chen. "Don't push me too far!"
"Exactly! Don't be too harsh!"
"Let it go, Ye. We're all teammates!"
Hearing these pleas, Ye Chen's eyes turned icy.
In the past, when he clashed with Byrne, what happened?
Most of these people either mocked him or kicked him while he was down.
And now they wanted him to let Byrne off?
"Shut up, all of you! When Ye lost, none of you acted like this!" Januzaj shouted before Ye Chen could respond.
Januzaj really had his backâhe wasn't afraid to stand up when needed.
Byrne clenched his fists, struggling to hold himself back.
But Ye Chen spoke first, taunting, "So Irishmen are just a bunch of sore losers, huh? You should know, we Chinese honor our words!"
An eye for an eye!
Byrne loved to bully him, so today, Ye Chen returned the favor, letting him know what it felt like to be on the receiving end.
"Say it!"
"What?" Byrne looked at Ye Chen in frustration.
"Say it! Say it three times!"
"Fine! Dad, Dad, Dad!"
He could tolerate being insulted himself, but not his country.
So... he conceded!
Ye Chen's smile grew wider. "Don't glare at me. If you're not satisfied, we can compete again anytime."
This feeling? Absolutely satisfying!