"There's one final ceremony left—the Manchester United captaincy handover." Mourinho patted Jeremy Ling on the shoulder.
"From today, you're no longer the vice-captain, but the first captain. You'll have to shoulder more responsibility."
Ling looked toward the pitch and saw his teammates already lined up in two rows.
"Let's go." Mourinho gave Ling a firm push forward.
For any team, the captain is a crucial presence, both on and off the field.
Throughout Manchester United's century-long history, there have been many outstanding captains.
Robson, Keane, Neville... They each added unique meaning to the role of Manchester United captain.
Beyond tactical responsibilities, the most important aspect is spirit.
The Manchester United captain must be a spiritual leader because he represents the Red Devils.
Although Ling often wore the captain's armband this season, he was still officially the vice-captain.
Clap, clap, clap...
Walking through the corridor formed by his teammates, listening to their applause, Ling returned once more to the podium.
Old Trafford erupted in cheers again!
For Manchester United fans, they had been longing day and night for a leader with the spirit of the Red Devils to guide the club back to the pinnacle of English football.
And now, that dream was about to become reality. Manchester United was welcoming a new captain—a captain who could do anything.
He could turn the tide when the Red Devils were in crisis, he could elevate the performance of every player around him on the pitch.
How could this not excite Manchester United fans?
Many old Manchester United fans were moved to tears.
They had witnessed the power of Manchester United captains firsthand.
Robson giving his all against Barcelona, Keane holding nothing back in the victory over Juventus, and Bruce delivering that stunning last-minute winner against Sheffield Wednesday...
"You'll do even better than I did." Valencia slipped the captain's armband onto Ling's left arm.
Feeling the touch on his arm, Ling recalled what Ibrahimovic had said to him before leaving.
"If you think being a captain means saving the team at critical moments and being cheerful enough to get along with every player... can a captain like that elevate the team to new heights?"
Ling used to believe that if he did his best, his teammates would naturally give their all too.
He still held that belief. But he had also changed somewhat.
Ling turned to face his teammates.
"Perhaps most people hope Manchester United will have a captain who can rescue the team in times of crisis. But I believe what Manchester United needs is for everyone to develop a sense of collective responsibility, to feel sorrow after a loss or a draw. Because such people are never satisfied with victory."
"In the early stages of the 1995-96 season, during the seven league matches Eric Cantona was suspended, the Neville brothers, Scholes, Beckham, Giggs, and others had to rely on themselves to solve problems. And the fact is Manchester United won five out of seven matches, setting a brand new record. So I hope each and every one of us, every Manchester United player, can take on our own responsibilities."
Ling shared his understanding of what it means to be a captain.
You can't just push all the responsibility onto one "miracle captain" within the team.
In England, there's a famous football comic—"Roy of the Rovers."
Roy Race is a player who always leads the team in launching wave after wave of attacks when they're on the brink, helping the team overcome difficulties.
But is this "culture of dependency" right? I don't think so.
Later in the comic, Roy's teammates shed the shackles of responsibility because they knew Roy would always step up to save them at some point, ultimately leading to the gradual decline of Melchester Rovers.
To put it in one sentence: football is a team sport.
...
No one knew when Sir Alex Ferguson arrived.
He listened quietly to everything from the side, then began clapping as he said, "The Manchester United captain has never been a lone ranger; he doesn't have to lead the team forward all by himself. But he must always think about the team's responsibilities, ensuring he can step up when the situation demands it, and making sure his teammates can do the same alongside him. Right, Gary?"
After speaking, Sir Alex Ferguson looked toward Neville.
Neville nodded. "Back when I was injured sitting on the bench, my teammates still beat Chelsea to win the Champions League—every single one of them stepped up."
"Back then, it didn't matter whether you were there or not. But now, if Manchester United didn't have Ling, they'd be lucky to finish in the top four of the Premier League at best," Rooney muttered under his breath.
"What?!" Neville dug at his ear.
As a senior figure, when educating the younger generation, what right did Rooney have to butt in?
"Nothing," Rooney chuckled awkwardly.
McTominay nodded seriously.
He agreed with Jeremy Ling and Sir Alex Ferguson—the never-say-die spirit of Manchester United doesn't lie in individuals, but in every player of the Red Devils.
"That's right. The captain Manchester United needs is not just a traditional 'Roy Race' in the conventional sense." Mourinho had also read that comic.
Jeremy Ling holds a special tactical position at Manchester United, he should have the freedom to play creatively on the pitch, and too much responsibility could become a hindrance.
And that depends on how Ling himself balances everything.
"Don't worry, they won't develop a dependency mentality. Remember last season's Champions League final?" Ashley Young said loudly, "Do you think Ling was the only one who gave it his all in that victory? No, every one of us stepped up! The Manchester United lads all have that quality!"
Sir Alex Ferguson looked at the united Manchester United players, his eyes growing moist behind his glasses.
He treated Manchester United like his own child.
Sir Alex Ferguson slipped a medal into Jeremy Ling's hand.
"This is the first League Title I won after taking charge of Manchester United. I hope that when you leave Manchester United in the future, you'll pass this medal on to your successor."
Ling was moved, but also a bit puzzled.
'What's going on? Shouldn't it go to the gaffer? What's the meaning of giving it to me?'
Then he figured it out.
Sir Alex Ferguson was trying to tie him down for good.
How difficult is it to remain loyal to one club in modern football? Ling couldn't give Sir Alex Ferguson any guarantees.
He could only say, "I'll do my best."
Recalling the European Super Cup at the start of the season, when he publicly assaulted Felipe.
The final punishment was only a three-match suspension.
Apart from the pressure exerted by the Chinese authorities, it was the old man before him who threatened to withdraw from the UEFA committee.
No matter what, he had to repay this kindness.
...
After the captaincy handover ceremony, Ling brought Maria to the stadium, where the two held the championship trophy and took photos together.
This left Manchester United fans quite emotional.
The daughter of their crosstown rivals' Manchester City boss, attending Manchester United's championship celebration?
If Guardiola saw this... But the two indeed made a perfect match, standing together like a golden couple.
Mahrez, passing by with his child, winked at Ling and said, "Look, Foden is a year younger than you, and his second child is about to be born. Aren't you going to hurry up?"
Ling: "..."
Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night.
...
After the celebrations ended, the Manchester United players gathered at the banquet hotel.
However, compared to the last time, this occasion was more formal and grand.
Many members of Manchester United's management also attended, such as the so-called "Second De" and "Third De," among others.
It wasn't until several hours later that Ling finally found a moment to relax.
Leaning back in his chair, he muttered to himself, "This was more exhausting than playing the match today."
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