The Road to the Promised Land: Chapter 47

The Brazilian Ace, Memories of 1999 :Previous «Home Page» Next: Down to the Wire - Part 1
== The Calm Before the Storm ==
When Manchester United defeated Manchester City on Matchday 36 of the Premier League season, it felt almost like a certainty that the former would eventually win the title. However, the late draw by United against a mid-table Everton combined to Arsenal's battering of the relegated Cardiff City on the following week meant that the lead at the top was narrowed down to one single point. After 37 Premier League matches, the situation with the top two looked as followed:
Rank	Club 	Played	Points	Goal Difference
1 	Manchester United	37 	88 	
2 	Arsenal 	37 	87 	
In this half of the current context, a win for Manchester United on the very last Premier League match of the season would secure the title for the red side of Manchester. But anything less than a win for United combined to an Arsenal victory would send the title to North London. However, another story was also unfolding in the race for 7th place, which leads up to a qualification in the Europa League second qualifying round for the following season:
Rank	Club 	Played	Points	Goal Difference
7 	Wolverhampton Wanderers	37 	57 	
8 	Leicester City 	37 	56 	
In that other half of the context, a Wolverhampton (a.k.a. Wolves) win would secure them a place in the Europa League. But any result that sees Leicester City doing better than Wolves would push Leicester City into 7th place. A Leicester City draw combined to a Wolves defeat would also advantage the Foxes because of a better goal difference, which is the primary criteria to separate Premier League teams with the same number of points.
Manchester United had been undefeated in the Premier League since their last domestic defeat against Leicester City on December 17. Nevertheless, Leicester City were the only Premier League team that United had not defeated in any competition thus far on top of being the upcoming visitors at Old Trafford. Meanwhile, Arsenal were set to receive Wolves at the Emirates Stadium for their final match of the season. All 4 teams had something to play for, setting up the stage for an unbelievable climax on the 38th and final match of the Premier League adventure. But before we would get there, all 20 clubs were doing their final preparations for the last Sunday of the long marathon that began in August.
Saturday May 11
AON Training Complex, Carrington, UK
11:45 AM
In the previous 2 days, Andrew Butler drilled his team to be prepared as if they would play against a Manchester City-like possession-based team. After a light training session on Saturday as typical nowadays on the eve of the match, the players were taken to one final video session about their next opponents. Although the coaches were meticulous about details in training, it was the opportunity for the players to see with their own eyes as to how and why the preparation against Leicester was different from the usual. The Foxes are now a different team compared to what they were back in December.
"OK. You are wondering why we are training to play like against Man City ahead of a match against Leicester City. As some of you may have heard, the previous manager was sacked in February. They hired a new manager to turn things around, and… I will not lie to you: they are now playing a lot differently from our last match in December. Leicester are playing very well and are among the top scoring teams in the Premier League since the change of manager." Andrew said to his players.
Then Nana raised her arm up.
"Yes, Mishima?" Andrew asked.
"If I'm correct, they were in 12th place when they changed the manager. Since then, they won 7 out of 10 League matches and scored 20 goals. If the Premier League started since the day the new manager was appointed, they would be in third place." Nana said.
"Correct." Andrew replied.
The players in the room started buzzing, left in shock by the facts that Nana said and were then confirmed by Andrew.
"Now that I have all of your attention, you're ready to watch this video." Andrew said before he turned towards his assistant. "Michael, you have the honour."
"Now pay attention, everyone." Michael said.
Then Michael started showing the video of how Leicester City have been playing in recent matches. At one point, Michael froze the video to show Leicester's typical formation.
"As you can see, Leicester are using a 4-1-4-1 formation with 2 free number 8s (central box-to-box midfielders). The wide players can stretch teams by using the full width of the pitch, but they can also interchange with the free 8s." Michael said. "Now to the following clip."
The next video clip showed how Leicester City like to start attacks from the back, moving the whole team up and changing the formation into a 3-2-4-1.
"When Leicester are on the attack, their shape transitions from a back 4 into a back 3. One of their full-backs will move up to support the advanced midfielders like a winger while the number 8 on the opposite side will drop and support the defensive midfielder. In this case here, the attack goes on the left. So the left central midfielder will move into a number 10, the left winger drifts inside, and the left-back will provide the width on the attack. They use a lot of diagonal passes, and the build-up is quick and deadly." Michael said.
"That reminds me of City of the past few seasons." Kakeru replied.
"You can say that, but we have worked for many years in breaking City. I won't let a copycat beat us so close to the title." Nikolaj added.
"Quiet, lads." Matthias reprimanded.
"Thank you. Now be aware that Kasper Schmeichel is also important in their new possession-based game." Michael said.
Then the following video clip showed the composure of Kasper Schmeichel with the ball at his feet. Needless to say, the range of distribution is great.
"When he has the ball at his feet, be aware of your surroundings at times because he will pick up a teammate with a mid-range pass or a long pass. One good pass from him can break lines." Michael said.
Then the video started showing how Leicester City created chances in the final third of the pitch. Under the guidance of that new manager, the Foxes were showing more diversity on their attacking approach.
"Leicester will look to find an open man to shoot a cross into the box. They will pass the ball into a triangle between full-back, central midfielder, and the winger on the side they will attack. Then they will send the ball behind the defenders so the player on the run will cut the pass back into the box. If they can't find a gap, they will recycle the ball between players until they will find and open man who can whip the cross. But if they have to, they will also take a shot away from distance." Michael said.
"Make no mistake, people. They are an aggressive team on the attack now. The same can also be said when they defend." Andrew replied. "Michael."
"Very well. Let's have a look at this."
Then Michael started playing the next series of video clips that shows how Leicester City are set to defend. Mainly passive under the previous manager, the Foxes were definitely a lot more aggressive.
"As you can see here, they will counter-press hard when they don't have the ball. If they can't get the ball back, they will drop off into some kind of 4-3-2-1 formation. Their midfielder Ndidi can also drop lower to help the centre-backs. But in all cases, the striker and the central midfielders will move to cut passing lanes. They will push opponents back or box to the touchline." Michael said.
'They are really well-organized.' Kakeru thought.
'Leicester somehow remind me of something back in our Enoshima days, but what is it? I can't quite remember what it is.' Nana thought as well.
Then the video ended, leaving Andrew all the time to move on to the next part of his briefing.
"I know that the way Leicester turned things around is quite impressive. But there are a few things that remain the same. Ukyo Sera..." Andrew said.
When Nana heard Ukyo's name, her face displayed an angry glare.
"Sera is the midfielder who will slot himself behind the striker most of the time. At other times, [James] Maddison will tuck in too. So Sera and Maddison are the ones to close down quickly when the ball arrives to one of them. They must not be allowed to dictate the play."
Then Andrew closed the part on midfield before he started talking about Akira Takajo.
"Akira Takajo... as we found out in December or when Japan played against England in November, is a striker who can score from any position. They will try to feed him by all means; short pass, long ball, long clearance, you name it. So he must not be allowed to shoot at all. He is physical, but we can and have to be even more physical against him. There you have it: focus on those 3 guys and make life hard for them. Do that and we will have the best chances of winning tomorrow."
Then Andrew took a short pause before he went on.
"Look... I want you to know this: we beat Manchester City twice because we attacked them. Against Leicester, I want you to do the same thing. We take their game and shove it straight back at them! We have done this before and we can do this again because we have done it all year. But above all of that, the most important is that you go out there and enjoy it tomorrow. Any questions?"
The players remained silent to Andrew's question.
"All right, let's go." Andrew finished.
Then all players got up and left the video room. Kakeru, Nana, and Yusuke went to meet in the hallway outside the video room. The 3 Japanese players wanted to address a few points that stuck out from the video briefing between themselves.
"What do you think about that, guys?" Yusuke asked. "I don't remember the last time that a team changed its style so quickly. It's almost a full 180-degree turn within weeks."
"I have seen that before... only once." Kakeru replied.
"Huh? When?" Yusuke asked.
"Before we played against Sagamigaura in the regional quarterfinals in my first year, Shonan High School came to play a practice match against us at Enoshima. They emulated Sagamigaura's total football so we could learn how to beat their aggressive ball hunting." Kakeru replied.
"I see. That is why I felt there was something familiar in Leicester's transformation from a more defensive team into an aggressive, attacking team." Nana said.
"After Shonan's former coach stepped down, they learned how to play a more aggressive style with ball hunting as a main feature. It's the same thing with Leicester." Kakeru replied.
"Knowing how intelligent Sera and Takajo are, they must be enjoying their time under that new boss." Yusuke said.
"I'm sure they do. Nevertheless, their goal differential is only +5 after 37 Premier League matches. It means that we can score against them even if they are more aggressive. It's all we need: one goal more than they will score tomorrow. Whether that's 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, or 4-3, winning tomorrow is the key." Kakeru said.
"Kakeru is right: we can do this. Last time we faced them, Kakeru was injured and was not as hot as he has been since." Nana added.
"It all comes down to the pitch tomorrow." Yusuke replied. "Speaking of Noriko, did she tell you where she wanted us to join us tonight for dinner? I told her that I'm open to go anywhere."
"She proposed Sapporo Teppanyaki." Nana replied to Yusuke's question.
"Oh! We haven't been there since January. Nothing better than Japanese cuisine before the biggest match we will take part thus far." Yusuke said.
"OK. I will send her a text." Nana repied.
"Sapporo Teppanyaki..." Kakeru said.
"What is it, Kakeru?" Yusuke asked.
"Nothing. I'm in." Kakeru finished.
'You're thinking about something, Kakeru.' Nana thought.
Sapporo Teppanyaki Restaurant, Manchester, UK
6:45 PM BST
After spending a good part of the afternoon doing exercises in the gym, Kakeru, Nana, and Yusuke joined Noriko for dinner in Downtown Manchester. A strange twist of fate decided that Kakeru would have that meal where he saw himself in a dream that he made a number of years ago. Like in that dream, the context was the last evening before the must-win context of the final match in the Premier League season.
"Good evening, young people. What would you like to have tonight?" the chef asked.
"I will have the chicken fillet cooked with the homemade sauce. It will go with the stir fry vegetables, egg fried rice, and sautéed potato. Thank you." Nana replied.
"Salmon with homemade sauce. The rest of the dish will be the same as my friend's here." Yusuke added.
"Make that another salmon for me." Noriko added.
"What about you, Kakeru?" Nana asked.
"Uh? Ah… yes. Another chicken with the sauce." Kakeru replied.
"Two chickens, two salmons with the homemade sauce. Working on them." the chef said.
Realizing that Kakeru looked unsettled by something, Nana enquired about it right away.
"What is it, Kakeru? Is there something bothering you?" Nana asked.
"I noticed it too. What's going on?" Yusuke asked as well.
Feeling that all of his friends had their gazes aimed at him, Kakeru decided to answer.
"It's about a strange feeling of déjà vu." Kakeru said.
"Well, it's not like it's the first time that we are in this restaurant." Noriko replied.
"No. I mean... there are a few things I haven't told you about that dream I had years ago."
"What dream, Kakeru?" Yusuke asked.
"On the night before I received my high school diploma at Enoshima, I dreamt that Nana and I spent a few days as Manchester United players. In that dream, I was in this exact same restaurant with Nana, Mito, my parents, Nana's mother, and Noriko with her family. The strange coincidence is that it also happened on the evening before a big match in the Premier League title race." Kakeru replied.
"Yeah, it was that dream that you told me and then Noriko about." Nana said.
"In that dream, Kakeru and Nana played for Sir Alex Ferguson as they played against Manchester City for the title." Noriko added.
"Wow. Talk about a really strange coincidence indeed." Yusuke replied.
"After I made that dream. I woke up, took part in the graduation ceremony, met Sir Alex Ferguson in Enoshima to discuss about a pre-contract tryout for me and Nana, and then met Noriko the day after that. Since I made that dream, I asked myself a number of times if it was just a dream or..."
"A premonition?" Nana asked.
"Yeah, a premonition. Perhaps what we are and will be going through is something that was always meant to happen." Kakeru replied.
"Well, there are quite some differences between your dream and reality. First, it's just you, Nana, Yusuke, and I here. Second, the opponent is not Manchester City; it's Leicester City." Noriko said.
"I know. But I still keep wondering if that old dream is meant to come into full circle tomorrow."
"Did United win the title at the end of your dream?" Yusuke asked.
"We... We won it, but I woke up before I could touch the trophy." Kakeru replied.
"Kakeru... Even if the dream shares similarities with what is happening right now, there is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path." Noriko said.
"Words from Morpheus in ‘The Matrix'." Nana remarked.
Then Noriko started laughing. Seconds later, Yusuke and Kakeru even joined the laughter.
"Yeah, that's right on cue." Noriko said.
"It means that we know what to do, but we still have to do it." Nana said.
"We will walk the path and make sure your dream comes into full circle. Then we will aim to do even better." Yusuke added.
"That would be perfect." Kakeru replied with a smile.
"We will do it, Knight." Yusuke said.
"I will be counting on you, Fury." Kakeru replied.
"Don't forget about me, the Scarlet Witch." Nana piped in.
"And I, Red Kate, will make Leicester's time as miserable as possible tomorrow." Noriko added.
The 4 friends continued to exchange pleasantries as dinner went on for a little more than an hour into the evening. Then the group walked their way towards the are where they parked their cars. It was time for Noriko to bid good night to her friends as the latter were due to join the rest of the team at the hotel for the night.
"Well, I will let you go now. No matter what happens tomorrow, I will see you after the game. I just hope to share some champagne with you." Noriko said.
"We will open up those bottles of champagne for you." Kakeru replied.
"From the moment the title is ours, we will let you celebrate with us on the pitch." Nana added.
"Really? That would be great."
"Of course! When I heard the part about your father celebrating on the pitch at Villa Park in 1999, I thought that it would be right for his daughter to do exactly the same after a big win." Yusuke said.
"Stepping on the sacred turf at Old Trafford... my dream as a fan." Noriko replied.
"Tomorrow, we do everything to make sure that millions of people will see a dream come true. It's a promise." Kakeru said.
"Absolutely!" Nana added.
"All right! See you tomorrow then."
Then Noriko gave Kakeru and Nana a hug each before Noriko went to give Yusuke a quick kiss. The young Mancunian woman then drove on the way home while Kakeru drove Nana and Yusuke on their way towards the Lowry Hotel Manchester. Most of the Manchester United players had already arrived before the 3 Japanese players did, but every single one of them was fully invested in remaining disciplined ahead of the biggest club match of their lives at that point in time.
"Good evening, all three of you." Andrew greeted his players in the lobby.
"Good evening, Boss." Kakeru replied. "Are we all here?"
"I have 3 players still not here, but they all texted me to say they're on their way."
"We will be ready for tomorrow's match, Boss." Nana said.
"I already can't wait." Yusuke added.
"All right. Now take the keys at the desk, go to your rooms, and make sure to have a good night of sleep tonight... onegaishimasu."
"Thank you, Boss." Kakeru said.
Then Kakeru, Nana, and Yusuke went to pick up the keys at the desk. Carrying their bags, the 3 Japanese players arrived on the designated floor where the rest of the team would spend the night.
"Well, I will see you tomorrow at breakfast and then at the morning jog just outside of the hotel." Yusuke said.
"We will meet you then." Kakeru replied.
"I also look forward to this. See you tomorrow." Nana added.
"Good night." Yusuke finished.
Then Kakeru and Nana parted ways with Yusuke towards their respective rooms. As their routine commanded, sleeping early and as much as possible was key for any player before a very important match. Regardless, it was naturally more difficult for players to fall asleep ahead of a big match.
Sunday May 12
Final day of the Premier League season
Lowry Hotel Manchester, Salford, UK
In the early morning, Kakeru and Nana felt the rays of sunshine hitting on the skin of their faces. Wearing their pajamas and holding to each other, the 2 Japanese lovers woke up almost at the same time.
"Hey." Kakeru said.
"Ohayou, Kakeru." Nana replied.
"How was your sleep?"
"To be honest... I managed to keep it no different from before any other big match I've been involved in. So it was really good. What about you?"
"It took me some time to fall asleep, but then it was fine. I guess it's a good sign."
"I think it is, Kakeru."
"Just waking up with your beautiful smile is front of me is already a good sign regardless." Kakeru said.
Then Kakeru and Nana shared a kiss before both of them got out of bed and followed with a short workout together in their bedroom. That workout included stretches, squats, and crunches."
"That's a good workout." Kakeru said.
"Yep. After a workout, a good shower is always welcome." Nana replied.
"Same sentiment for me, but I have so say 'no' to that kind of activity in the shower before the match is finished." Nana said.
"Well, I have other ways to fly you to the moon. Besides, I'm sure Yusuke doesn't mind a very small delay before breakfast." Kakeru teased.
"Mmm... I have my own ways too." Nana replied, seductively biting her lip.
Meanwhile in West Didsbury, Noriko also woke up in her bed. Since she was alone at her place, Noriko put up a local radio broadcast to listen to local news. As expected though, the main discussion topic on the radio shifted on the possibility of Manchester United winning a first Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.
Radio host: Today, all eyes will be looking at Old Trafford as Manchester United are this close of winning the Premier League title for the first time since 2013. There are various scenarios in which United would remain in front of their London rivals, Arsenal at the end of the day. All United need to do is to defeat Leicester City, and United would be crowned regardless. Graham, what can we expect today?
Graham: United will look forward to use on the momentum they built from their victory over Bayern Munich, Russell. But there is also an other question you have to ask: does United have enough energy to beat a reinvigorated Leicester City after such an emotional rollercoaster against Bayern Munich?
"Of course, they do!" Noriko exclaimed as if she was answering Graham's question.
Russell: That is a indeed a good question. Any athlete will say it's never easy to go back to work when the previous match was so emotional. Speaking of Leicester City, tell our audience here more about them.
Graham: Since they changed their manager in February, Leicester City have the 3rd best record in the Premier League. They play a more aggressive style, and they score their share of goals too. Some people say they have a similar approach to Manchester City. It will be a tough final test for United.
"But we stood tall every time when people thought we were down." Noriko said out loud.
Russell: Yeah, Leicester City also have something to play for today as well. They currently are 8th in the table. What are the different scenarios and the implications involved here?
Graham: Leicester City and Wolves are competing for 7th place, which would carry on into the Europa League for next season. At the same time Leicester City will play at Old Trafford, Wolves will play at Arsenal. If Wolves and Leicester City earn the same number of points at the end of the day, Wolves will clinch their ticket for the Europa League by a single point ahead, meaning United would win the title. But if Leicester City earn more points than Wolves, it would be Leicester in the Europa League and the title to Arsenal. I'm sure fans at Old Trafford and in North London will be checking on their phones a lot for live updates about the other match of interest.
Russell: We will be following those updates very closely as well. Manchester United vs. Leicester City at Old Trafford. It's the final match of the Premier League season, and it will kick off at 3:00 PM.
"And I will be there too... COME ON, UNITED!!!" Noriko shouted.
Following habits that are similar to players' habits on matchdays, Noriko took the following as her own breakfast: a coffee, orange juice, a toast, and a banana. Then Noriko went out for a morning jog in West Didsbury, which was more or less around the same time when Kakeru and his 2 Japanese teammates went jogging as well outside of the hotel in Salford. Ahead of what was announced as the longest day of the season, Kakeru, Nana, Yusuke, and Noriko shook off the leftovers of their last night of sleep with only one thing in mind: winning the match through the best way each of them can contribute on and off the pitch.
The Bishop Blaize, Manchester, UK
1:05 PM BST
As a part of her matchday routine, Noriko joined hundreds of fellow Manchester United supporters at the pub to get warmed up with some singing. As usual, there was a lot of banter in the songs; even a new song against Ukyo Sera made its first appearance in the mix. While her parents and her grandfather were set to meet later in front of Old Trafford to pick up her ticket, Noriko was already joined by Sarah and Taeko at the pub.
"That song is really appropriate for him." Sarah said.
"After the way he cheated to get Nana sent off back in December, that is the bare minimum." Noriko replied.
"I can't wait to see the kind of reaction inside Old Trafford when Sera will be there. I've read stuff on social media, and many people call him Public Enemy Number 1." Taeko said.
"Nah, to hell with him. He's been abused everywhere since he was exposed for what he did." Noriko replied.
"I agree. He's a despicable human being." Sarah added.
Then the crowd inside the Bishop Blaize cheered when the TV screen showed the Manchester United team arriving at Old Trafford. Since Nana was the favored side by far in an anticipated confrontation against Ukyo Sera, the crowd started singing her song as soon as Nana was seen in front of the camera at Old Trafford.
WANT MORE AND MOREPEOPLE JUST WANT MORE AND MOREPASSES, SHOTS, AND GOALS, WHAT SHE'S LOOKING FORWANT MORE AND MOREPEOPLE JUST WANT MORE AND MORETRICKS, FLICKS, AND TURNS, WHAT SHE'S LOOKING FOR
NANA'S ON FIREYOUR DEFENCE IS TERRIFIEDNANA'S ON FIREYOUR DEFENCE IS TERRIFIEDNANA'S ON FIREYOUR DEFENCE IS TERRIFIEDNANA'S ON FIRE
Then the crowd danced to the song as well as they sang it. A few minutes later though, the festive atmosphere turned into an hostile one when Ukyo Sera was seen on TV as the Leicester City team arrived at Old Trafford.
"CHEAT!" Noriko shouted.
"Noriko is in her zone now." Taeko said to Sarah.
"She can be quite scary when she hates someone in particular in a context of a match." Sarah replied.
"What's the scariest you've ever seen of her?"
"Really, Taeko? It was right after Ryoma Oda got tossed in February. She poured about the whole bag of curse words on him." Sarah said.
"Oh." Taeko simply replied.
Old Trafford, Manchester, UK
2:00 PM BST
When the Manchester United players arrived at Old Trafford a little over 1:00 PM, they took their assigned seats in the dressing room. Every single player was in the midst of his or her individual routine to get focused on the match. Then all players went one by one in the physiotherapy room to receive a muscle massage to the legs, making sure those muscles would be warm before the warm-up session. After the session with physios, the players were all dressed as they waited to get on the pitch to get warmed up. However, one of the regular starters for United was ruled out of the match because of a minor injury though.
"I hope you will give that Sera guy a hell of a match." Erik said.
"I will. But I would have liked to have you covering my back." Nana replied.
"Yeah, me too. It's a muscle problem on my thigh, but I should be OK for the FA Cup final next week. Besides, I know that Didi will do well today; he deserves it."
"Yeah." Nana said. "By the way, I didn't say this before. But you now have quite the beard now."
"Ah, it's my playoff beard. It's a tradition from ice hockey; after the season ends, the beard grows. If it's there, it means we think about playoffs. I never did it before this year, but I said to myself 'why not?'. So far, it has been lucky for me." Erik replied.
"One could have mistaken you with Mellberg back in the days."
Erik was indeed sporting a beard that reminded football connoisseurs of a former Swedish defender: Olof Mellberg.
"What's up here?" Kakeru joined the conversation.
"We were talking about Viking's beard here." Nana replied to Kakeru before she turned back to Erik. "Does your wife like it?"
"Honestly? Not really. But she also understands the hockey reference and the tradition; she's also Swedish." Erik said.
"It gives you that true Viking look though." Kakeru replied.
"True. Would you like to try growing your own playoff beard someday, Knight?" Erik asked Kakeru.
"I could try, but it would take ages for me to grow that much. Besides, Nana still prefers my baby face by far."
Nana and Erik chuckled.
"The baby-faced assassin from Japan. That's more than enough for me." Nana said.
Then Andrew Butler entered the dressing room to meet with his players. He wouldn't normally ask the players for a team talk before the warm-up, but it was different this time. The Manchester United manager had a little surprise for his players.
"Before you go out there for the warm-up, I want all of you to meet someone." Andrew said.
Andrew took a glance at Michael behind him. Then the German assistant manager opened the door to let that mysterious guest come in. A familiar 10-year-old girl, dressed in a full Manchester United kit, came in alongside her parents. Kakeru and Nana were the first to recognize the young girl.
"Mei-Ling!" Kakeru and Nana exclaimed.
"Nice to see you again!" Mei-Ling said.
"Some of you have probably already recognized this young girl from your last visit to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital in December. Mei-Ling Chang has recovered since she received a kidney transplant after Christmas, and she has been invited to be our mascot for today." Andrew said.
"Everyone... I want to tell you that I'm really happy to be here with you today. It's the first time I come to see United play." Mei-Ling said
"It is really great to see you again, Mei-Ling. Want to meet everyone?" Nana asked.
"I would really love to." Mei-Ling replied.
Then Mei-Ling and the Manchester United players took a few moments to get acquainted. The young girl shook hands with every single player on the team.
"Mei-Ling also has a few words to share with you before you go out." Andrew said.
Andrew then made way for Mei-Ling to deliver her little speech.
"I... I was a little too young to remember when United won the last title under Sir Alex Ferguson. But my family, who have been big United supporters even before they came to England, have taught me how and why they love this club. Even when I was in hospital, I kept on hoping that we would win the Premier League once again. We're ever so close and I know you can win it today. No matter what, you are my heroes. I hope to see you keep on fighting 'til the end. That... that is what I wanted to say." Mei-Ling said.
"We will fight for you, Mei-Ling. We will fight for you." Kakeru stood up.
"The way you fought to survive and then be healthy again, it's an inspiration. For all of us." Nana added.
"Yeah." Mei-Ling replied.
"That's right!" the players replied altogether.
"We will keep you in our minds and in our hearts when we'll get out there later, Mei-Ling." Matthias said.
"Being here with you guys today, it's a dream come true. Thank you so much. Come on, United!" Mei-Ling finished.
Then the players took a few moments to pose with Mei-Ling as her parents took pictures of everyone together. Minutes after Mei-Ling and her parents left the dressing room, the players walked out towards the pitch for the warm-up session starting at 2:15 PM. The home team was obviously greeted with a very warm applause from the crowd. Moments later and on the other end of the spectrum though, Ukyo Sera was already greeted with loud boos when he set foot on the pitch with the rest of the Leicester City team.
2:15 PM BST
"Well, this is it." Robert said.
"It has been a few years already since we last won the title. I hope this will be the day at last." Harry replied.
Noriko and her family had already arrived at their seats to watch the warm-up.
"Kakeru and his friends look determined today." Sayuri said.
"He and Nana have been wanting this ever since they first came to Manchester for that tryout with Sir Alex. They were here in the stands when United lifted the trophy in 2013." Robert replied.
"It will be tough, but they will fight up to the better end. We missed Kakeru a lot when we played against Leicester in December. So I think his presence will make a difference today." Noriko said.
"Where about Taeko and Sarah today?" Sayuri asked.
"They will play hosts to a young girl and her family in a private box, Mom. That young girl used to be Sarah's patient at the Royal Children's, and she is today's mascot." Noriko replied.
"Oh, that's nice."
"I know, Mom. I hope this will be the day to remember for her and for all of us here." Noriko finished.
Both teams carried on with the warm-up exercises while the stadium was increasingly filled by tens of thousands spectators. The tension was already palpable inside Old Trafford, but the sentiment was also shared at the Emirates Stadium as we moved closer to the simultaneous kickoff time for the very last 10 matches of this long and demanding Premier League campaign, involving all 20 clubs.
2:45 PM BST
Following the warm-up session, both teams went back to their respective dressing rooms. Inside the Manchester United dressing room, the designated starting XI players were putting on their match gear. Just before the manager would come to make one final speech to his players, Matthias gathered all of his teammates in a huddle for a few words.
"OK, here we are now. Last game of the season. When we come back to Manchester in every August, we work hard for months so we can get to this moment. Seeing in your hearts, seeing in your eyes, I know you're focused like never before. I will probably repeat what everyone has said, but we are only 90 minutes away from writing another chapter in this club's history. Only 90 minutes, but it changes everything. Leicester on the other side are not competing for the title, but they also have something to fight for. Make no mistake: they will give it all for a result. Whatever happens, we also have to give everything we've got. We have a better team and a better attitude than they have. Today, we are in control of our destiny. Today, I want all of us to become a great memory to the millions watching us, to their children, to their grandchildren and more. Today, I want to see warriors and leaders out there. Today, we will earn the right to be called champions. Let's go, guys!" Matthias said.
"LET'S GO!!!" the players replied, shouting and cheering as they got pumped up.
After the motivational words from the captain, the players went back to their assigned seats in time for Andrew to deliver his own speech. The Manchester United manager knew this could be his biggest pre-game speech of his coaching career. Hence he wanted to make sure his players remember why and how they got this far.
"OK, listen up... Everyone... We have been thinking about this moment for 10 months. We all worked hard for weeks to get to this moment. It is here, right in front of you. As we have seen many times this season, no one can beat us when we put all of our energy for the team. When you go for the ball, I want to see hunger. Every single ball can matter on the scoreboard. We cannot give them anything. We don't let them off from start to finish. We will go for the win. No matter how to do it, it is the only thing that matters. Together as always, strong, confident, and united, more than ever. This is the part of the season when champions are made. When history gets written. So get out there AND TAKE WHAT'S YOURS!"
"COME ON!!!" the players shouted altogether.
"COME ON, GUYS!" Andrew added to the shouts.
Then the Manchester United players walked out of the dressing room, ready to play this match. The home team walked their way until their assigned position in the tunnel that leads up to the pitch. Each of the players gave Mei-Ling a high-five. Kakeru and Nana, who stood towards the end of the queue, took a moment to have a little friendly chat with the young fan.
"Hi again, Nana." Mei-Ling greeted.
"Hi again, Mei-Ling." Nana greeted back.
"You ready for this?"
"I am! Are you?"
"More than anything." Nana said before she playfully poked Mei-Ling in the stomach.
"Until the very last whistle, we will go for it. Don't worry." Kakeru said to Mei-Ling.
"I know you will." Mei-Ling replied.
Then the Leicester City players made their way to stand side by side with the home team. The Manchester United players and Mei-Ling remained silent when they saw their opponents walking by. However, a twist of fate saw Ukyo Sera standing next to Nana in the line. Gazes were exchanged, but Nana's eyes acted like a flamethrower. She was still resenting Ukyo for the unfair red card she was given, preventing her team from mustering one last effort to prevent defeat in December.
"You're the one who got Nana sent off in December, aren't you?" Mei-Ling asked ukyo.
"Mmm?" Ukyo hummed, feigning ignorance.
"You're a disgraceful cheat." Mei-Ling bluntly said.
Some of the Manchester United players, especially the 3 Japanese players in red, fought to not burst in laughter. Ukyo did not reply though, trying to remain as professional as possible.
"I think it's time you go with Matthias, OK? I will see you after the game no matter the result." Nana said.
"Okay. Make sure you win." Mei-Ling replied before she walked ahead to stand next to Matthias as United's mascot for the day.
"Be aware, Sera. They say the truth comes out of the children's mouths." Kakeru quipped.
"Really funny." Ukyo dryly replied.
"As far as it goes, you're the laughing stock of the entire league by getting booed everywhere for what you did." Nana said.
"I will remember that when I see your face while we secure qualification in the Europa League."
"We'll see when that final whistle blows, Sera."
"You were lucky that I wasn't playing back then. Try anything against Nana and you will deal with me." Kakeru added to the psychological warfare against Ukyo.
"You will see a different team today, Aizawa." Ukyo replied.
"Hey, Sera. Keep quiet and focus." Akira Takajo ordered.
"See you on the pitch." Kakeru finished the conversation.
Meanwhile inside the stadium, the Manchester United supporters were already making their voices heard loud and proud. Over the sound from the crowd, the entrance song was played in full blast as well. Entered "This Is the One" by the Stone Roses.
A girl consumed by fireWe all know her desireFrom the plans that she has madeI had her on a promiseImmerse me in your splendourAll the plans that I have made
Then PA announcer Alan Keegan announced the teams' arrival.
Alan Keegan: Old Trafford, this is the Theatre of Dreams. Will you please welcome Leicester City and MANCHESTER UNITED!!!
The vast majority in the crowd cheered as United came on the pitch. However, there were also a good chunk of audible boos from the South Stand and the Stretford End when Ukyo Sera was seen among the Leicester City players. However, the boos did not last for long.
This is the oneThis is the oneThis is the oneThis is the oneThis is the oneShe's waited for
This is the oneThis is the oneThis is the oneOh this is the oneThis is the oneShe's waited for
I'd like to leave the countryFor a month of SundaysBurn the town where I was born...
As both teams lined up in front of the South Stand, both teams shook hands without any incident. Ukyo Sera shook hands with all 3 Japanese-born players in red, but Kakeru and his friends all had the same icy glare against Ukyo as they did so.
For this final day of the season, Rob Hawthorne and Alan Smith provide the live commentary for the Arsenal vs. Wolves match at the Emirates Stadium. Meanwhile at Old Trafford, your commentators are Martin Tyler and Gary Neville.
Martin Tyler: Well, no controversy in the handshakes here compared to 2 weeks ago. In the last meeting between these 2 teams, Nana Mishima was sent off for allegedly head-butting Ukyo Sera. The FA cleared Mishima while Ukyo Sera was given a retrospective ban. Not the friendliest of handshakes today, but we can now focus on the bigger picture of this astonishing title race.
On television, the graphic showed the starting XI for the Red Devils: Jan Farkas (goalkeeper), Diogo Blanco (right-back), Didier Kamara (centre-back), Matthias Köhler (centre-back and captain), Andrew Shaw (left-back), Nana Mishima (central midfielder), Yusuke Saeki (central midfielder), Nikolaj Kristiansen (central midfielder), Kevin Flynn (right forward), Marius van Leeuwen (striker), and Kakeru Aizawa (left forward). Out of the starting XI today, only 5 of them started against Bayern Munich. Nevertheless, squad rotation was necessary in a number of positions.
Martin Tyler: Manchester United made 6 changes to the team that started against Bayern Munich on Tuesday. Diogo Blanco and Andrew Shaw start at full-backs. Erik Johansson has been ruled out with a slight muscle problem; Didier Kamara gets the nod instead. Nana Mishima returns to the Premier League after an inspired performance to lead United to the Champions League final. Kevin Flynn will start at the right of attack in support to Van Leeuwen and Aizawa.
Meanwhile, Alan Keegan was announcing the starting lineup for Leicester City. People watching on television were waiting for the crowd's response when Ukyo Sera's name would be called.
Alan Keegan: Number 26... Ukyo Sera.
Without any hesitation, the crowd rained down the boos upon the Japanese midfielder in blue. The amount of hostility from the Old Trafford faithful was about on par with the reaction towards Ricardo Bernardi just 2 weeks ago; both players are regarded as pantomime villains by the red half of Manchester.
The TV broadcast showcased the following starting 4-1-4-1/4-3-3 lineup for Leicester City: Kasper Schmeichel (goalkeeper), Ricardo Pereira (right-back), Jonny Evans (centre-back), Wes Morgan (centre-back and captain), Ben Chilwell (left-back), Wilfred Ndidi (central defensive midfielder), Demarai Gray (right midfielder), Youri Tielemans (central midfielder), Ukyo Sera (central midfielder), James Maddison (left midfielder), and Akira Takajo (striker). Since the change of manager, Akira has become the go-to striker for Leicester. Nevertheless, Jamie Vardy was also ready to make some damage should he be called on.
Martin Tyler: Leicester City are going with the team that has been at the heart of this comeback in the race for a place in the Europa League. Kasper Schmeichel in goal. Former Manchester United defender Jonny Evans starts at the heart of the defence alongside Wes Morgan. In midfield, Ukyo Sera, Youri Tielemans, and Wilfred Ndidi are the midfield engine behind this revival. Up front, Akira Takajo resumes his position as the front man.
The 2 captains joined the referee for the coin toss. After the throw of the coin, Leicester were awarded the right to kick the match off while United chose to set their camp in the western half of the pitch, looking towards the East Stand for the first half.
Martin Tyler: As a great manager once said: the title race has gone to the wire. Both Manchester and North London will have their eyes on Old Trafford. Will Manchester United win their first Premier League title since the 2012-13 season while on the verge of sporting greatness? Or will it be Arsenal's first Premier League title since the 2003-04 Invincibles? There are many possibilities for the final outcome, but remember: a win will make United champions regardless. The Premier League season is about to reach an extraordinary climax on the very last day 10 months after it started, and it's LIVE!!!
After both teams took their positions inside their respective halves, the referee looked as his watch. In all of the 10 matches on the final day of the Premier League campaign, all 10 referees waited until the clock indicated 3:00 PM in order to launch a simultaneous kickoff signal.
"Here we go." Kakeru said to himself.
"Let's do this." Nana said to herself.
"Bring it on." Yusuke did the same.
At long last, the clock struck 3:00 PM for all of England.
PEEEP!
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