Ethan was no kidnapper, nor would he abduct a child. All he did was invite Curtis Davies to stay at his home, nothing more.
Even if Curtis weren't a future England international, Ethan would never have let a boy who had come all the way from London for a trial sleep on the streets.
Perhaps because both of them already felt connected to the new Manchester United, they quickly accepted each other.
Ethan's home was on Faulkner Street in the city center.
"Wow, you live here?" Curtis asked in amazement.
Ethan nodded and led him onto Faulkner Street. When they arrived at one of the supermarkets, they saw renovation workers dismantling the sign. The shop was under refurbishment.
As the long, heavy lightbox sign was taken down, several workers struggled to haul it down safely.
Ethan stood quietly, watching.
"He really was a true fan, mad about football and Manchester United to his core," Ethan sighed inwardly, thinking of the man whose life he had inherited.
Curtis stood beside him, puzzled at first as to why he was staring at the sign. Then he realized—this "Ethan Yu" had been mentioned in the newspapers. Back then, Ethan had led the Red Devil Knights in protest marches outside Old Trafford, declaring he would form a new club.
The British press had seized on the story, digging up details of his wealth and family background. When it was revealed that Ethan had poured all his money into founding the new Manchester United, it had shocked the fanbase.
Some people thought he was a fool, crazy to throw everything away for football. But Curtis didn't see it that way. To him, anyone who truly loved the game and loved Manchester United would never call Ethan foolish.
"So, you're the leader of the Red Rebels," Curtis said with a smile, his voice carrying respect.
In that moment, he silently decided that this man, standing there staring at the old supermarket sign, would be someone he respected deeply, not for his background or wealth, but for the passion burning in his heart.
Ethan had no idea what Curtis was thinking. He chuckled. "Don't make us sound like terrorists. We're not that kind of rebels."
"I know," Curtis answered firmly.
Ethan raised an eyebrow, and Curtis added, "My dad said it's because you loved too much; you chose to betray."
Ethan paused, then pulled Curtis along through the alley beside the supermarket, up to the third floor.
The two lower floors had already been sold along with the supermarket, and even the third floor technically wasn't his anymore. Ethan was only staying here for a few days before moving out.
Sometimes, he really felt that the former Ethan Yu had been a lunatic.
"Sit anywhere," Ethan said once inside, motioning Curtis toward the living room before heading for the kitchen.
If his memory was right, there should still be some Coke in the fridge.
"Wow, how can you live like this? Don't you ever clean?" Curtis exclaimed, staring at the mess.
Magazines were scattered across the floor, empty peanut shells and beer bottles lay everywhere, and piles of unwashed clothes gave off a foul stench. A couple of socks were even draped over bottle tops.
"Haha, sorry about that. I've been so busy I haven't had time to clean. Just make do, alright? You know how it is with single guys. I'll tidy it up now," Ethan said, embarrassed.
He went to the kitchen, opened the fridge, and found several drinks besides Coke.
"Curtis, what do you want to drink?" he shouted.
Curtis, still covering his nose, replied, "Just plain water. I don't drink soda."
Ethan froze, then smiled to himself. This kid was disciplined. He really was serious about becoming a professional.
He put water on to boil. While waiting, he noticed a pack of noodles in the fridge. That would do for tonight. Tomorrow, he would buy some proper groceries or eat out. It wouldn't be fair to serve instant noodles to a future England international every day.
When he came back with two mugs of hot water, Ethan found Curtis had put on an apron and was cleaning.
Oh, come on. Wasn't this kid just trying to shame him?
"Hehe, I didn't know you liked housework," Ethan said awkwardly.
Curtis gave him a look. "I clean my room myself at home."
Ethan sighed, rolled up his trousers, and joined in. Otherwise, he really wanted to find a hole to crawl into.
Ethan's life had always revolved around football. Every magazine was about football. Every newspaper was about football. Whenever the TV was on, it was tuned to football.
"I can't believe you watch football news every day too," Curtis laughed, returning from loading the washing machine and finding Ethan already sitting in front of the TV.
Ethan just nodded. He'd only turned it on to kill time, but of course, it happened to be football news.
"The latest update: Steve Bruce, regarded as one of Manchester United's greatest ever captains, held a press conference in Manchester this afternoon announcing that he will not renew his contract with Birmingham City.
"Although 38 years old, the former United center back has played 72 games over two seasons in League One, scoring twice. He has been the heart of Birmingham's defense and instrumental in their survival. But at the press conference, Bruce said he felt it was time to move on.
"When asked if he would remain in football, the legendary defender said it depended on circumstances. He did not rule out continuing in the game, whether as a player or a coach.
"Birmingham City expressed regret over his departure, but a club spokesman said they respected his decision."
Both Ethan and Curtis listened intently.
"Steve Bruce, he's my idol!" Curtis said with admiration.
Ethan didn't share the same hero worship, but he did remember Bruce's later career.
Bruce had been Manchester United's defensive cornerstone for nearly a decade. After leaving Old Trafford in 1996, he joined Birmingham in League One, where he stayed two years. He later moved to Sheffield United as player-manager, though things went poorly there. After several short stints, he returned to Birmingham in 2001, leading them to promotion to the Premier League. Later, he impressed as manager at Wigan and Sunderland, earning a reputation as one of the best English coaches and a potential successor to Sir Alex Ferguson.
"A future top Premier League manager is unemployed right now. What an opportunity!" Ethan grinned.
Curtis shivered at the look on his face. "Hey, why are you smiling like that?"
"What's it to you? Go take a shower. I'll cook noodles," Ethan said, shooing him away.
As soon as Curtis left, Ethan picked up the phone and called Andy Walsh.
"Andy, I need a favor," Ethan said without hesitation. "I've found the perfect manager for us. He's capable, he loves United, and he has real influence with the fans."
"How can there be such a person?" Walsh asked skeptically.
"There is," Ethan replied.
"You're not talking about Sir Alex Ferguson, are you?" Walsh teased.
"No, no. Of course not Ferguson. I'm talking about Steve Bruce, United's former captain and legendary center back!"
Walsh froze, then his eyes widened. "Steve Bruce?"
"Exactly. I think he didn't renew at Birmingham not only because he feels too old to play, but because he wants to transition into management. This is our chance!" Ethan said excitedly.
"But will he come? We're just an amateur side," Walsh said. He was tempted but cautious.
"How do we know if we don't try? I heard he's back in Manchester now. Help me find his address. I'll go see him personally, the sooner the better!" Ethan urged.
For a brand new club founded by United fans, having a former United legend as manager would be a dream. It would be a huge attraction for supporters, and Ethan knew Bruce's ability. If he could coach Premier League teams in the future, then surely he could handle an amateur side today.
"No need to look for the address. I'll take you there tonight," Walsh said calmly.
Ethan blinked in surprise. "Wait… you know him?"
(To be continued.)