Football Philosopher
The Theatre of Dreams

After James' takeover of Manchester United was completed, a press conference was announced to formalise the arrival of the club's new owners. The press conference will take place in the Old Trafford Stadium press room the following day at 4pm. James arrived at the Old Trafford stadium at around 2 p.m.

This stadium has a very long history, the stadium owned by Manchester United was built about 32 years after the Manchester United club stood. At first the Manchester United player only played on a small field on North Road near Piccadily railway station, then moved to Bank Street field, where he was, only after 32 years or precisely after getting the first trophy, they just wear this proud stadium. The first Manchester United match played at this stadium was against Liverpool on February 19, 1910 despite losing 3-4.

The stadium was designed by Scottish architect Archibald Leitch with a capacity of up to 80,000 spectators. The stadium has a large stands on each side, all connected around the pitch, this makes it unique in England, as at that time all other English stadiums had separate and open stands.

During World War I, the stadium was heavily destroyed with some parts remaining, the rest of the stadium was rebuilt in the same form as the original design. In 1965 architect Ernest Atherden added a second level in the North Stand. This was the first time the stadium contained several balconies. Innovative aspects and the fact that the North Stand contained a roof, resulted in the stadium becoming one of the selected stadiums during the 1966 World Cup. Shortly after, the new design of the stadium for greater expansion.

Over the years, the stadium was also the destination of many Manchester United fans. Legendary Sir Matt Dusby, the impressive coach of Manchester United of the 50s and 60s, was also in the stadium. His statue can be found in front of the main entrance. On February 6, 1958, seven Manchester United players were killed in a plane crash in Munich, Germany. On the outer walls of the stadium, one can find a clock that stands as a monument to those who lost their lives in the accident.

The west side of Old Trafford is known to many as The Legendary Stretford End. As the stadium had no seats, the west side was always packed with nearly 20,000 fans standing in United's favour and they were known for their loudest sound in Britain. Even the sound of the audience in the Stretford End exceeded that of the Jet aircraft.

“The Theatre of Dreams”, as Sir Bobby Charlton calls this stadium. Manchester United's proud stadium is indeed like a dream stage of the players who have presented thousands and even millions of Manchester United action in navigating the tight world of football. Counted how many hundred stars appeared here.

The stadium which was named as the largest stadium in England is one of the historic stadiums in the world. This stadium was a magnificent and very large stadium in its time. This makes it the leading stadium in England as a stadium that holds important matches, especially when the English national stadium Wembley has not been built. This stadium then became the dream of every footballer to be able to perform there.

This stadium always presents great drama in almost every game. Football dreams are soaring and raging in this arena. For Manchester United, Old Trafford is a dream stage. Bobby Charlton called it "The Theatre of Dreams".

Even so, Old Trafford is also a symbol of the pain of Manchester, as well as the people of England. During World War II, the stadium was targeted by German bombs. Exactly March 11, 1941.

The stadium was a mess and could not be used. Manchester United's headquarters moved, hitchhiking to Manchester City, on Maine Road. Worse, the war was also followed by inflation, to the difficulty of rebuilding his great stadium. It took 9 years to revive Old Trafford. Practically, in 8 seasons English Premier League Absent at Old Trafford. Thanks to the spirit of the Edwards family (club owners), the stadium was rebuilt.

Since then, updates have continued. The capacity of the stadium goes up and down. After the tragedy at Hillsborough Stadium in 1989, the capastias were reduced to 45,000, even then 43,000. The smallest capacity in Old Trafford history.

However, it turned out that the stadium could not accommodate the enthusiasm and public interest of Manchester, as well as other spectators. The game at Old Trafford has been part of the tour. So, the addition of capacity continues to be done.

'This is very good, this is where football players want to play, but I will build this stadium more magnificent and the best in the whole world, James thought as he looked at the 61,000-capacity stadium.

James went to the chairman's office earlier. After entering the room, the first thing he saw was the Manchester United cupboard. There were all sorts of trophies, and his gaze was on the 1999 "treble winner" trophy, and he said in his heart, 'I'll get it one day, too, even a Sextuple(6 trophies) or a Septuple (7 trophies) in one season will not be impossible'.

He then realized that legendary Manchester United club manager Alex Ferguson was already present. He was not used to being in a position of authority and people were waiting for him, but he still walked confidently towards them.

"Mr Packer, I'm Alex Ferguson. I didn't think you'd be this young." Ferguson said to James kindly but firmly.

"You're too friendly, hehe. Hello Mr. Ferguson, I'm James Packer, the new club chairman and this is David, my lawyer." James introduced himself and David as he sat in the chair. It was a comfortable seat and James just wanted to sit in that chair but because he has an image to maintain now as club chairman, he decided otherwise.

"Okay, let's talk about the club we have a rather urgent problem" James said seriously.

Seeing everyone sitting down and paying attention, James continued, "The team's performance is not at its best and we were already eliminated in the Champions League last month, he said, there is also no hope of catching Chelsea (Roman Abramovich) at the top of the table."

James saw the serious face of Ferguson who was still silent in his mind, James continued, "We are in 3rd position in the league, the target for the future is to stay in a safe position to enter the Champions League. The only thing we can achieve is the FA Cup trophy."

Seeing that James was finally done, Ferguson replied, "Yes, we have enough quality in our squad, but with the recent turmoil at the club, the players cannot focus on the pitch. But take it easy, leave it all to me" Ferguson said confidently.

"That's a legitimate concern, I don't doubt your quality Mr. Ferguson. And I have decided to give the team a bonus of 1 million if they win the FA Cup this season and will give a big bonus of 10 million if next season we win a treble. I thought you could do it."

"Next I will discuss your contract for next season. I remember you renewed your 1-year contract with the club. But I am concerned about your health, Mr. Ferguson, and I advise you to retire. For now we are focused for next season, I would recommend the player and also invest any money for the sake of this club. If the whole season goes well and we can win all competitions it will be spectacular to announce your retirement." James suggested Ferguson.

"There will be changes in the following seasons, although this year there won't be much change in management's alignment." James thought as he fiddled with the pen lying on the table.

"Yes, I understand your concern Mr. Packer. I will consider it" Ferguson said before leaving.