Fletcher gave Ten Hag the floor for closing remarks and the manager shifted forward in his chair while his intensity increased visibly.
"I won't tell you Liverpool is a bad choice," Ten Hag started, and the acknowledgment of the competition was confident. "Klopp is a great manager. Anfield is a special stadium. They have strong history and they develop players well. I respect them."
The respect was genuine rather than performative.
"But ask yourself this question," Ten Hag continued, and his eyes locked on Demien's face. "Do you want to wait two years to compete for a starting place? Or do you want to compete now? Liverpool builds slowly. That works for some players. But you're nineteen with quality to contribute immediately. Why wait?"
The direct challenge to Liverpool's timeline was the core of United's pitch.
