Transfer budget

"Are you suggesting Paul Scholes as the second assistant coach?"

Manchester United's CEO, David Gill, looked at Tiger in surprise. He hadn't expected that Tiger, who had just arrived at Carrington this morning, would come to his office and bring up this matter.

Tiger nodded, "Paul has already approached me about this, and I think it's the perfect time for him to join as my assistant coach."

"You have the final say in this matter, after all, you're the manager of the team," Gill agreed. It was the first small request from his new head coach, and of course, he would fulfill it.

Unlike other leagues, English clubs have a different title for their head coach - they are called "manager" instead of "coach." The difference in terminology carries a significant difference in meaning. A coach is simply someone who leads the team in matches, while a manager has actual authority in managing the team. Of course, the level of authority may vary among different teams and coaches. For example, Ferguson at Manchester United or Wenger at Arsenal were exceptional figures who were highly respected by the club's CEO. Even Mourinho at Chelsea did not enjoy the same level of treatment and power.

Gill looked at Tiger in front of him, "How's everything going lately?"

"It's been okay, sorting out data and studying the games, and finalizing the team's next tactical strategy and lineup positions before the players return from their break in mid-July," Tiger replied.

Gill nodded, "How do you view the team's lineup?"

"Looks strong on the surface, but there are hidden dangers lurking underneath. Almost every position in the first team has its own set of problems," calmly stated Tiger.

Gill disagreed with his viewpoint, "Are you being overly cautious, Tiger? After all, we have the core of the English Premier League champions left behind by Sir Alex Ferguson."

Tiger said seriously, "The team is facing a serious problem of aging, and some players have reached their limit in terms of ability. Let's not forget that we were eliminated in the round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League last season. It proves that our team is not yet world-class. We need to build a young and energetic team to ensure that Manchester United regains its sustained dominance in the English Premier League and reclaims its dominance in Europe!"

After hearing Tiger's analysis, Gill took a moment to think and looked at him with admiration. "It seems that your vision is truly unique, Tiger. You are willing to abandon the inherent stability of the past and take risks to make urgent changes, just like Sir did when he was young."

They both sat down, and Gill asked Keane, "What would you like to drink?"

"Just warm water, please," Tiger replied.

The secretary handed him a glass of warm water.

"Let's chat. What are your thoughts on the team's lineup? Where do we need to strengthen and who needs to be replaced?" Gill sat on the couch, shifted to a more comfortable position, and looked at Tiger.

Tiger then repeated what he had told Ferguson to Gill.

After listening, Gill furrowed his brow. "So we need a substitute goalkeeper, two promising central defenders, two backup full-backs, a defensive midfielder, and preferably a speedy striker. That's quite a list of demands, Tiger."

Tiger smiled slightly, "This is the development path of the Red Devils for the next 20 years. The road of change will certainly require a major overhaul."

"But to improve the strength of the lineup, we will need a lot of money. However, the club's financial situation is not very optimistic at the moment," Gill said, putting a spoonful of sugar in his coffee and jokingly adding, "Look at me, even putting sugar in my coffee, I'm doing it cautiously, afraid of spilling it and wasting it."

Tiger stared at Gill closely, "Mr. Gill, then may I ask how much transfer budget the club can provide me this summer?"

Gill held up five fingers, "50 million euros in transfer fees, that's all we have."

"50 million euros in transfer fees?" Tiger frowned slightly. Although 50 million euros in transfer fees is not a small amount, it does seem a bit meager for a powerhouse like Manchester United facing a major overhaul.

From the tone of Tiger, Gill sensed a hidden meaning, "Mr. Manager, this is quite a sum of money."

"It is indeed a significant amount, but for a powerhouse like Manchester United, it is not much," replied Tiger firmly.

Gill chuckled, "Although Sir Ferguson strongly recommended you as his successor, Mr. Grayson still has some doubts about your coaching ability as you have never coached a first-team before. If you can achieve convincing results in the upcoming matches, I believe Mr. Grayson will provide more transfer funds next summer to help you rejuvenate the team."

Tiger now understood that all the talk about the "club's financial situation being unfavorable" was a lie. Grayson just had concerns about his coaching ability, so he didn't want to invest too much money at once. The 50 million euros were just a test.

Thinking of this, Tiger nodded, "Okay, 50 million euros are enough for now. I have some ideas during this period. I'll go back and prepare player information, and select suitable candidates. I'll come to see you at this time tomorrow morning."

"Mr. Manager, there's no need to rush. We have plenty of time," said Gill leisurely, taking a sip of coffee.

But Tiger shook his head, "Some people have to seize the time. If we act too late, someone else might snatch them."

"Okay then, since that's the case, I'll wait for you here tomorrow afternoon," said Gill.

"In that case, I'll go back first. See you tomorrow morning," said Tiger, getting up to leave.

As he left, Gill reminded him from behind, "Mr. Manager, don't forget the minimum goals set in the contract for this season."

Tiger gave a thumbs-up gesture without looking back, and walked out the door.

Watching Tiger's departing figure, Gill chuckled bitterly, "If you fail to achieve the minimum target of being in the top 4 of the Premier League and the top 16 of the Champions League as set in the contract, you will be sent back to the youth team next season."

Meanwhile, all Premier League teams were analyzing personnel composition and transfer targets for next season.

"Jose, since I've invited you back, feel free to speak up about who you want to buy this summer, and I'll get them for you."

"The Blue team's lineup is already strong enough, but there were some issues with tactics before. I just need to reinforce a few positions."

"Mr. Pellegrini, the board has decided to give you one billion first. Spend it as you like, and if it's not enough, we'll add more. Manchester City's goal for this season is to win the Premier League and the Champions League. Money is not a problem for this goal."

"Don't worry, I understand."