Three days after their victory over Crystal Palace, the floodlights at Old Trafford shone even brighter. It was September 17th, and for Tiger King, this was more than just another match—it was a momentous occasion.
His first UEFA Champions League game as Manchester United's manager.
The opponent? Bayer Leverkusen. A formidable German side, known for their disciplined structure and swift counterattacks. But for Tiger King, this match wasn't just about facing Leverkusen—it was about proving himself on the grandest stage of European football.
Back-to-back home games had given his squad a slight advantage in preparation. They were settled, in rhythm, and in high spirits. But the Champions League was a different beast altogether. The lights were brighter, the pressure heavier, and the stakes higher.
As he stepped onto the pitch before kickoff, Tiger King took a deep breath. The Champions League anthem echoed through the stadium, sending a chill down his spine. This was the dream—the nights every manager lived for.
He turned to look at his players warming up. This was their moment too. The likes of Rooney, Van Persie, and Kante—all seasoned professionals—knew what it meant to play on a night like this. For the younger players, this was their initiation into European football's fiercest battleground.
The roar of Old Trafford grew louder. The match was moments away.
Tiger King clenched his fists. This was it—the beginning of their journey in the Champions League.
Tiger approached this match with the utmost seriousness, fully aware of the weight of a Champions League opener. He meticulously assembled his strongest possible squad, sticking to his preferred 4-4-2 formation, blending experience with youthful energy.
Between the posts, David De Gea was a certainty, the ever-reliable shot-stopper ready for the challenge.
In defense, for the first time this season, two battle-hardened veterans, Vidic and Ferdinand, lined up together—a partnership built on years of dominance and leadership. On the left, Alonso provided attacking thrust and defensive stability, while on the right, Rafael returned to the starting XI, eager to prove why he remained the club's primary right-back option.
The midfield was a perfect balance of grit and creativity. Kanté, relentless and combative, would act as the anchor, while alongside him, the legendary Ryan Giggs brought composure, vision, and wisdom. On the flanks, Mahrez and Nani were tasked with injecting pace and flair, their dribbling skills and deliveries crucial to United's attacking movements.
Leading the attack, Rooney and Van Persie formed a deadly strike partnership. One, a relentless warrior capable of scoring from anywhere; the other, a clinical finisher whose movement and technique made him a nightmare for defenders.
On the bench, Tiger had a blend of youthful promise and experienced reinforcements: Alisson (the dependable backup keeper), Van Dijk, Alderweireld and Phil Jones (defensive reinforcements), Valencia (versatile wide player), Kagawa (a playmaker who could change the rhythm of the game), Martial (the exciting young forward, waiting for his European debut)
With this lineup, Tiger had set the stage for a thrilling night at Old Trafford. The message was clear—Manchester United was here to dominate.
Leverkusen, on paper, seemed like a weaker opponent, and most pundits believed that with United's current squad, victory at home was a certainty. But Tiger King did not share their complacency.
As he examined the German side's lineup, his expression hardened. Leverkusen, managed by former Liverpool defender Sami Hyypiä, had opted for an aggressive 4-3-3 formation—and three names immediately caught his attention.
Bayer Leverkusen's Starting XI (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno – a young but talented shot-stopper.
Defenders: Giulio Donati (RB), Ömer Toprak (CB), Emir Spahić (CB), Sebastian Boenisch (LB) – a backline that was physical, though not impenetrable.
Midfield: Lars Bender, Emre Can, and Gonzalo Castro – a trio combining grit, energy, and technical skill.
Forwards: Sidney Sam (RW), Heung-Min Son (LW), and Stefan Kießling (ST).
At the heart of the attack was 30-year-old Kießling, a proven goal scorer who had been in top form for years.
Behind him stood Heung-Min Son, a summer signing whose explosive pace and finishing ability made him a serious threat. And in midfield, Emre Can, a powerful young talent freshly arrived from Bayern, would provide the link between defense and attack.
Tiger King knew these names all too well. In the world he remembered, Son had gone on to dominate the Bundesliga with Leverkusen, terrorizing defenses in both domestic and European competitions. His performances earned him a €25 million transfer to Tottenham in 2015.
And Emre Can? In another timeline, he was destined to join Liverpool in 2014 and become a midfield powerhouse. He possessed the rare combination of defensive resilience and attacking versatility—exactly the kind of player who could disrupt United's rhythm.
Tiger King exhaled, his instincts telling him that this match would be far from easy. Leverkusen may not have had the reputation of Bayern or Dortmund, but they were not a team to be underestimated.
The referee blew the whistle, and the Champions League campaign for Manchester United began!
Under the bright lights of Old Trafford, United's warriors clashed against Leverkusen's challengers. The battle for supremacy had begun!