Football: Starting with managing Manchester United

The World Cup in Brazil has already kicked off in June.

In the opening match between Brazil and Croatia, Neymar scored twice, helping Brazil to a 3-1 victory.

"Isn't there been some tragic incidents at this World Cup?"

Zhang Yang remembers it very clearly.

In the semi-final, Germany thrashed the host nation Brazil, bringing countless fans to tears.

I just received a penalty for breach of contract.

If the odds are 250 times, then 100,000 can win 25 million.

However, he cannot buy it himself.

Because the UK gambling industry has strictly enforced anti-money laundering regulations this year, bets exceeding £2 per game or daily totals require real-name verification and fund tracing.

The £50 will be reported directly to the UK Gambling Commission.

The Football Association has also issued a comprehensive ban on betting for those working in the Premier League.

He could have his parents in China buy some, which would be enough to make his family financially independent, and he also wanted to continue coaching.

What about later?

He knew there were so many opportunities to invest in that area that it would be enough.

If it were me a month ago, I might have given up football and chosen business, enjoying life as a time traveler.

But when he stood on the sidelines as head coach and saw the ball go into the opponent's goal...

The deafening cheers, the feeling of my heart racing.

It seems that he was only truly alive at that moment.

Moreover, he was furious about being sacked by Manchester United and having to pay their release clause. He was unwilling to just turn around and leave.

He wants to make a name for himself as a football coach.

He's going to slap Manchester United in the face!

When Van Gaal led the Netherlands to a 5-1 victory over Spain, Manchester United fans forgot their arrogance and cheered that Van Gaal's era was about to begin.

Zhang Yang also took Chris Woods on a job search journey.

Their first stop was Norwich, a club already relegated, whose last hope had been extinguished by Manchester United.

"Zhang, as you know, we were relegated, and our broadcasting fees were reduced by more than half."

"We can't afford your salary at Manchester United level, and we don't even dare to sign an excessive release clause if we fire you in the future. What we need is a homegrown coach who is willing to take a low salary and lead a Championship team to promotion."

Although the Canaries' management admired his record at Manchester United.

However, the conditions offered were not only poor, but also restricted many of his rights.

It has a bit of an opportunistic, exploitative feel to them.

Zhang Yang didn't intend to refuse outright. If all else failed, he would earn money for a few years and then buy a club.

A few days later, Newcastle United chairman Ashley demonstrated what stinginess really meant.

"If you take over, can you promise to avoid relegation using only the existing players and no transfer fees? Also, can the signing fee you mentioned be reduced?"

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace in London, after miraculously avoiding relegation, saw their long-serving manager Tony Pulis suddenly resign.

"Zhang, you played attacking football at Manchester United because you had Rooney and Mata. Crystal Palace only has Glen Murray. We just came up from the Championship and we need a coach like Pulis or Pardew who can defend and get through tough times."

Finding a job has always been a difficult task.

"Hey Chris, stop making that face. We should smile, like this."

Zhang Yang gave Chris Woods a smile that showed no sign of frustration.

Because he was genuinely calm.

After taking Chris Woods to Brazil to watch two Belgian matches.

Zhang Yang received a call from Aston Villa manager Stephen.

"Zhang, I miss the time we used to work together. Now my boss, Randy Lerner, says we need a coach who can change things."

"So, do you have time to come over?"

Zhang Yang went through his memories and found out who Stephen was.

This guy came through Aston Villa's youth academy, but he was such a terrible player that he retired early and became a scout.

Then he was gradually promoted to Operations Director.

Responsible for youth training team management, first team logistics coordination, and assisting with transfer negotiations.

"I heard your boss is thinking of selling the team recently?"

Zhang Yang didn't answer but asked a question instead.

He had previously learned about Vera's current situation.

Randy Lerner is an American and the heir to the MBNA credit card company, a typical rich kid.

I developed a love for football while studying at Cambridge University in the 1980s.

Then in 2006, he prepared to acquire a club. Originally, he was interested in acquiring Arsenal and Fulham, but in the end he chose to buy Aston Villa.

This also made him an American boss who was disliked by British fans.

Therefore, it doesn't have a very good reputation in Britain.

In order to reduce British fans' resentment towards the American owner, he deliberately kept a low profile and minimized his media exposure.

However, Aston Villa's rollercoaster-like decline over the past few years has been alarming.

During Randy Lerner's seven years at the helm of the team, transfer fees and wages accounted for a large portion of the expenses.

The club's net transfer spending over the past five years ranks fourth in the Premier League, behind only Manchester City, Chelsea, and Stoke City.

Despite this blood loss.

Aston Villa's performance remains poor, finishing fifteenth this season.

"Okay, I was planning to tell you when you arrived, but I'll tell you in advance."

"The boss originally wanted to sell the club, but as you know, there's no way anyone would buy it now, and my boss really loves football."

"Do you know?"

"He even got a Villa crest tattooed on his ankle."

"He even broke his family rule of not watching TV to watch Villa's games; he's just losing patience with the team's poor performance."

"It's been seven years. He wanted to build Villa into a strong team that could compete with Manchester United and Arsenal. He spent so much on transfer fees and changed three managers, but the team has only gotten worse."

"He was afraid that he would destroy the team he loved most with his own hands."

"He's been sleeping very little these past two years. He often calls me in the middle of the night to ask about the team's training and the players' condition, even though he knows it's pointless to ask, he still can't help it."

"But every time I invested money, it all went down the drain."

"Until last month, he told me that he watched the Manchester United vs. Everton game and saw how passionately you celebrated."

"So he changed his mind and wanted to stick it out for another season."

"So, are you coming?"

Stephen is a very optimistic person, but Zhang Yang is more familiar with him.

Therefore, a heavy weariness could be heard in his voice.

When he didn't get a response from Zhang Yang, Stephen added, "You know Vera, and you know me. The boss said... as long as you don't let him invest any more money and don't let Vera completely fall apart, he'll give you the right to trust him."

"Of course, this trust can only last for one season. If the results still don't improve, the owner will probably sell the team at a low price. After all, Premier League spots have become more and more expensive in recent years, and he can even make a profit."

Stephen suddenly lowered his voice, "If you don't come, I seriously doubt that bastard Paul Lambert will lead Villa to the relegation zone next season. You don't want to see Villa relegated, do you, Zhang?"