As a young billionaire, a successful businessman, and a well-known figure in Manchester football, Ethan had been riding a wave of popularity over the past two years. Because of that, even Scarlett, who had invited him for the interview, had not expected him to be like this in front of the camera.
How should she put it?
He had no airs at all. It felt just like chatting with a good friend. He was dressed casually and did not seem to carry himself like a star, yet every movement and gesture carried a unique charm, one that belonged only to Ethan.
Moreover, talking to Ethan was very interesting. When dealing with opponents like Edwards, his words were extremely sharp, even cunning and biting. However, he did not express them in a direct way. Instead, he would circle around the point from another angle. At first, everyone would think there was nothing wrong with what he said, but after thinking it over, they would immediately burst into laughter.
Since Scarlett's programme was an hour long, the recording time had almost passed before they knew it. Instructions about the details of wrapping up kept coming through her earpiece.
Although Scarlett had not received professional training, just as the bald producer had told her, she should host the programme in her own style. The staff's reminders were only there to assist her. How to begin and how to end were entirely up to Scarlett herself.
...
"Many people outside are optimistic that New Manchester United can reach League Two this season. Are you confident about that?" Scarlett asked with a smile.
Although the climax of this episode had been brought forward by Ethan into the opening ten minutes, the interview that followed had not gone flat. This was entirely due to Ethan's quick wit and humour, along with Scarlett's smooth cooperation behind the scenes, which made the episode very satisfying so far.
"Confidence has to be backed up by strength. Right now, New Manchester United are 6 points ahead of our rivals. I have to say, I'm very confident. Otherwise, I would be letting down my team, my head coach, and my players. But there is one thing I must still emphasise. Matches still have to be played one at a time."
"Are you always this calm?" Scarlett asked curiously.
"Of course not!" Ethan laughed heartily, then thought for a moment. "Just like the match against Arsenal a few days ago. I was in the stands and saw Petit make a serious foul on Essien, sliding in and bringing him down. Essien even passed out. I almost lost control at that moment. I even thought about rushing onto the pitch and beating him up. That's why, on the live broadcast, you could see me quickly leaving the stands!"
Just then, the screen behind the studio played that live clip. The footage happened to show Ethan's shock and anger at the time, which matched exactly what he had just said, though it also showed Beckham and his wife.
"I'm very curious. Why did Beckham specifically go to the City Stadium to watch New Manchester United's match at that time?" Scarlett asked another question that many people were eager to hear answered.
In fact, this question had been repeatedly hyped by the media over the past few days, only to be overtaken by Edwards' prostitution scandal in the last two days.
"We're very good friends, but I was also surprised that he came. Perhaps the couple were just accompanying Eva to watch the match in person. You know, I'm also good friends with Eva, and she is now New Manchester United's most loyal fan."
"She's a fan too? Since when?" Scarlett asked, somewhat surprised.
"Since January 1st!" Ethan laughed.
This answer once again caused a burst of laughter in the studio. They realised that interviewing Ethan was truly a relaxed affair. They could even joke around outside of work.
"But recently, some people have said that Beckham came to the City Stadium to put pressure on Manchester United. They say he is demanding a pay rise like Keane!"
"That's very normal," Ethan nodded without hesitation. "Beckham is currently the most marketable star at Manchester United. The role he plays in the team is no less important than Keane's. Besides him, there are also Giggs, Scholes, Gary Neville, and the others. They are all very, very important players, but in reality, Manchester United have always treated them unfairly."
"You mean their wages?"
"Of course. For example, the weekly salary Manchester United are currently offering Keane is £52,000 after tax. Rivaldo's weekly salary at Barça is roughly the same. Of course, that is because the tax rates in England and Spain are different, but if Manchester United want to attract Rivaldo, they must offer him a higher salary than that to tempt him. Do you understand what I mean?"
Scarlett immediately nodded. "If you look at it that way, Beckham and the others are indeed at a disadvantage!"
"Exactly. First, you have to understand that if Rivaldo comes to England, he may not necessarily adapt to the English style. Second, compared with Beckham, Keane, Giggs, and the others, his role in the team would not necessarily be more important. If we only talk about fame and commercial appeal, Beckham wins outright. And don't forget, Beckham is a homegrown English star, a player developed by Manchester United themselves. He has played for Manchester United for so many years, yet he loses out to a Brazilian star who has just arrived?"
"Of course, Rivaldo is a very, very outstanding footballer. He is the newly crowned European Footballer of the Year and also a strong favourite for World Player of the Year. But don't forget, Beckham is also one of the main contenders on both lists. Many people even believe that he deserves to win European Footballer of the Year more than Rivaldo."
"Yet a star like that has not received what he deserves. Why?" Ethan paused and smiled, giving everyone a moment to think, then continued, "Simply because he is a star Manchester United developed themselves. Manchester United naturally believe it is only right for him to accept a lower salary. It's that simple."
"When you put it that way, I understand. It's like robber's logic. I developed you, so you must work cheaply for me," Scarlett reacted quickly.
"Exactly, exactly. That's it!" Ethan gave Scarlett a thumbs up in approval. "Actually, anyone who understands football knows that a player's career is very short, and many players end up struggling after retirement. That is why players want to fight for as much benefit as possible during their careers, so they can secure their lives after retirement. It is the same mentality as ordinary people working at a company and always hoping to earn a little more salary."
"As things stand, Manchester United seem to have plans to raise the salaries of Beckham, Giggs, and the others, but they are preparing to pass that increased wage cost on to ticket prices. Tickets for Old Trafford will go up next season."
"That is another kind of robber's logic, you know?"
Scarlett clearly did not quite understand what Ethan meant.
"Manchester United are a publicly listed company. For the stability and rise of their share price, they must ensure that the club remains profitable. You've seen so many listed football clubs. How many of them have stable share prices? Even Ajax have lost a fortune, let alone other clubs. Why? Because listing a football club is inherently flawed. Investors don't look at your results. They only look at whether you have investment potential. In other words, whether you can make money for them."
"So far, only Manchester United have managed it, but that was in the past. If they raise the salaries of Keane, Beckham, and the others, then bring in famous stars like Rivaldo, Manchester United's operating costs will inevitably rise significantly. At that point, the club might even face losses. What should they do then? The simplest, most direct, and most guaranteed method is to raise ticket prices at Old Trafford!"
"I believe Manchester United's accountants must have calculated very carefully how much the ticket prices for those 67,000 seats need to be raised to ensure Manchester United remain profitable next year. But I want to ask on behalf of the fans. Who wanted to take Manchester United public? Who said Manchester United must be profitable? And who keeps shouting that they are doing everything for the fans, while in reality trying every possible way to drive up Manchester United's share price, only to turn around and sell the Manchester United shares in their hands?"
"I can say one thing very, very responsibly. Murdoch failed, but a second and third Murdoch will soon appear. If Manchester United continue down this path, then within 5 years, Manchester United will be completely acquired by some consortium and become the private plaything of a billionaire. If you don't believe me, just wait and see!"
In Ethan's previous life, Manchester United were acquired by the Glazers in 2005, but before that, they had come close to being acquired several times. Almost every year, rumours would surface about Manchester United being bought. All of this was because, at its core, Manchester United had already fallen completely into a game of capital.
As a club owner, Ethan supported more wealthy individuals like Abramovich and the Abu Dhabi consortium entering the Premier League. That could better promote the development of the Premier League and enhance its appeal, but certainly not capital operators like the Glazers.
Hearing Ethan speak with such confidence, Scarlett really did not know how to continue for a moment. Just then, a reminder came through her earpiece from the staff, telling her that time was almost up and it was time to wrap things up.
"What about New Manchester United? If, as you just said, you want to lead New Manchester United to the Premier League in the future, would you agree if a wealthy tycoon proposed an acquisition?"
Ethan shook his head with a smile. "Just as I said earlier, New Manchester United are like my own son, and they will be for the rest of my life. Have you ever seen anyone heartlessly sell their own son?"
After a pause, Ethan added, "However, I will consider one thing. When the club achieves success in the future, or when I retire, or when I feel that my own ability is no longer enough, I will establish an organisation similar to a foundation to be specifically responsible for managing the club, and I will find a more suitable candidate to take my place. But there is one thing that will never change. New Manchester United will always belong to the fans!"
Scarlett cleverly winked at the bald producer at this moment, and he immediately called a halt to the filming.
Standing up from her seat, Scarlett walked toward Ethan with a bright smile on her face.
"I now have to agree with the producer. You really should consider accepting his training. You could become a different kind of Beckham!"
(To be continued.)