Dream Training : The Champions

The premier academy league matches continued. This Saturday, Manchester United U-18 will face Stoke City U-18. The day before the match took place, Traves Lennon announced the big list of players. Joe Bennet, Ethan McNeill, and Kazuki are back on the big list. But there is a change in the starting line-up. Unlike the previous match, Kazuki and Ethan sat on the bench this time.

Ethan was surprised by Traves Lennon's decision. He glanced at Kazuki and asked, "Do you think the coach is dissatisfied with our performance during the daily training earlier?"

"No, I think the coach just wants to give the others a chance. After all, it is more important for the youth team to train the players than to win trophies," Kazuki replied calmly. Of course, even though Kazuki understood the reason Traves put him on the bench, it didn't mean he liked Traves' actions, after all this would be Kazuki's last match as a member of the Manchester United Under-18 Academy. It's a shame as a player he can only accept Traves' decision.

The match this time is the Home match, so Stoke City which will visit the Trafford Training Centre.

After announcing the big list and starting line-up, Traves dismissed the young players. He firmly told the players to sleep early in order to maintain their health during the game.

Traves didn't know that sleeping early had always been Kazuki's daily life, Especially after getting [Dream Training]. Without sleep, he couldn't enter [Dream Training]. How could Kazuki want to sleep late, if it only harm him.

Then, in [Dream Training] Kazuki resumed his training. To practice his passing ability Kazuki set himself up as a central midfielder in a premier league level match. Of course, the result failed. Even though Kazuki was constantly failing but it couldn't be denied that his passing ability had improved. At least now Kazuki wouldn't make a miss pass since his basic ability had increased.

Meanwhile, training on free kicks and long-range kicks made Kazuki even more familiar with the correct use of foot skills. In the real world, he also did some special training to strengthen his leg muscles.

Bennet was surprised by Kazuki who practiced passes, free kicks, and long-range kicks which have always been the ability of the midfielders. Ethan even asked if Kazuki wanted to replace Bennett as a midfielder. Kazuki could only chuckle at that joke. It was a pity that he would part with Ethan and Bennet who had gotten along well with Kazuki.

The next day, the Match between Manchester United U-18 and Stoke City U-18 started. Stoke City itself is not a strong team, although most of those who play are not the first team of Manchester United U-18 it will still be easy for them to beat Stoke City.

The proof, in the 10th minute Nicholas Ayew who became the starting line-up, managed to score the opening goal with a strong header that the goalkeeper couldn't deny.

Manchester United, who had a one-goal lead, continued to attack Stoke City. Another goal was created in the 17th minute after Teddy Marcello poked the rebound ball into the Stoke City goalpost.

17 minutes and Manchester United are already 2 goals ahead, it's clear this game will be a bloody massacre. The Stoke City coach also realized that he then shouted at his team to step back and pile players in front of the goal so Manchester United wouldn't score again.

This plan worked quite well as the Manchester United players didn't score, but on 31 minutes Bennett scored a long-range shot, Ayew tried to get the ball but he lost the duel with the Stoke City center-back. It's a shame the Stoke City center-back threw the ball on wrong side. After realizing he had made his own goal, the Stoke City center-back looked to be bowing his head disappointed and embarrassed by his actions.

***

On the bench, Kazuki said to Ethan who was beside him, "This will be my last match wearing this uniform."

Ethan who was focusing on the match didn't understand Kazuki's intentions. "Sorry I didn't hear you, what did you say earlier?"

"I'm leaving Manchester United."

"Why—" Ethan didn't continue after realizing Kazuki's reason for saying that. He then fell silent and looked annoyed. After a lot of chatting with Kazuki Ethan who felt there was someone to talk to about his hobby as a person who likes Anime and Manga was annoyed by Kazuki's sudden departure.

But Ethan who is also a footballer understands that breakups like this will happen often. So he could only hope for one thing.

"Are you will going back to Manchester United later?"

Manchester United first team. If Kazuki can shine as a player it is not impossible that Manchester United will be interested in bringing back Kazuki. But if Kazuki shined after his debut in the senior league, he would not choose Manchester United.

The reason is simple. Sir Alex Henderson will retire. Kazuki is not optimistic about the future of Manchester United after Sir Alex Henderson retired.

Kazuki chose to lie to answer Ethan's question, "Well, I may return if the club is interested in signing me. But at that time I wish I could see you in the first team."

Ethan smiled, he was confident that he could enter the Manchester United main squad. Therefore he said confidently, "Of course, I will personally welcome you later. You will be surprised at that time how high my status in the first team is."

***

Meanwhile, the first half between Manchester United U-18 against Stoke City U-18 ended with a 5-0 score, the last two scores were scored by Bennett and Nicholas Ayew.

During the break Traves didn't say much, he only praised the players who did well. Kazuki originally thought he would enter at the start of the second half but it didn't seem like he was. The second half started with no substitutions.

Manchester United started the second half with ease. It seems that the 5-goal advantage makes this red devil young team lazy to attack the Stoke City goalpost. On the other hand, Stoke City also looks to give up on getting a draw, the only thing they want is to keep the goal so Manchester United doesn't score again.

In the 70th minute, Kazuki and Ethan came on for Ayew and Teddy. Traves reminded them to respect Stoke City and not to be too eager to score goals.

Kazuki glanced at Ethan as he walked into the field, "Are you going to do what the coach says? "

With a smile, Ethan replied, "Nope." The two friends laughed together. Traves who heard the laughter could only shake his head.

In the 75th minute, Kazuki scored a goal after receiving Ethan's pass. Not long after, it was Ethan's turn to score, making Manchester United 7 goals ahead. After that Stoke City keep their goal. The players didn't even hesitate to commit fouls to stop Manchester United. But in the 89th minute, Kazuki scored Manchester United's last goal of the match with a long-range shot.

Manchester United U-18 8-0 Stoke City U-18.