Benfica's counterattack, in Claire's eyes, had clearly been premeditated. Both Rooney and Ronaldo were visibly running out of steam, and aside from Nani posing some threat in midfield, Benfica's forwards faced little resistance.
When the opposing striker took his shot, Old Trafford erupted in a chorus of boos.
Denis Irwin, commentating from the MUTV studio, barely had time to react before his co-host, Taro, angrily jabbed a finger toward Sir Alex Ferguson on the sidelines and roared into the camera: "Ferguson's arrogance is going to cost us this match!"
Denis could only watch with a sinking feeling as Edwin van der Sar misjudged the trajectory—the ball skimming the crossbar before nestling into the back of the net.
Patrice Evra collapsed dramatically in the penalty area, clutching his knee. Rooney, ever the opportunist, quickly rallied a few teammates to swarm the referee, protesting some imagined injustice.
Claire, though, wasn't fooled. The way Evra's beady eyes darted around the pitch gave away the act—this was pure gamesmanship. Still, he couldn't help but smirk at the theatrics. Not that he underestimated Evra; the man had been Monaco's star defender before his £5.5 million move to United last winter.
"Claire, you know why Ferguson benched you today, right? Rooney signed off on it."
Gabriel Heinze's voice slithered into his ear. Claire ignored him, shifting seats—only for Park Ji-sung to abruptly halt his warm-up and step between them, eyes narrowed.
"Don't think cozying up to the board makes you untouchable. Claire's not playing because Ronaldo requested it. Rooney just agreed."
"I don't waste breath on faithless trash," Claire shot back.
Heinze remained eerily calm. "Next match—away at Newcastle. I'll be captain. Let's see that sharp tongue then."
Park stiffened, but Claire just scoffed. "You're a placeholder. If I bring more value, you're nothing. Know your place, idiot."
Their spat went unnoticed. Ferguson, usually a master of stoicism, was visibly agitated on the touchline. The Champions League might not be the priority, but United's pride was at stake—top of the group or bust.
"Rooney! Nani! Conserve energy—we need this win!"
Claire muttered under his breath, "Sánchez is out here studying The Art of War, and you bench me over a missed meeting? Petty old man."
But Ferguson's mind was made up. Park began warming up in earnest, and Heinze—fresh from his taunts—got the nod.
Benfica's manager, the shrewd Mexican tactician, had played his cards perfectly. His substitutes absorbed United's first-half pressure, then unleashed their starters to dismantle a fatigued defense. Even United's usually lethal crosses were neutralized.
In the commentary booth, Denis Irwin sighed. "The lads look exhausted. Ferguson must rethink underestimating Portuguese sides. Let's hope Heinze shows something at Newcastle."
His co-host grumbled, "55% possession, but zero bite. Did Ronaldo drag them all to the Thames last night? They're playing like their legs are jelly."
Denis chuckled awkwardly. "Maybe a wake-up call's overdue."
As the final whistle loomed, Claire's frustration gave way to cold analysis. Benfica's veteran playmaker, Rui Costa, was schooling United—dribbling past Rooney, weaving through Nani and Ronaldo like they were training cones.
"Angry about not playing today?"
The voice behind him made Claire jump. Carlos Queiroz, Ferguson's right-hand man, had materialized like a specter.
Claire spun, then flashed a diplomatic smile. "Not at all! Sir Alex is protecting me. After the Arsenal match, the spotlight was too much—plus my new wages draw enough envy. I'll train harder to earn my place."
Queiroz's approving pat on the shoulder confirmed the answer was textbook. "Rest up for Newcastle. Your uncle explained the Warner deal—Ferguson won't block it. But when you do play, he expects impact. Understood?"
The message was clear: You're benched for Newcastle, but Copenhagen at home? That's your stage.
Claire's gaze flicked to Ferguson—and found the gaffer already staring back. He bowed slightly, the unspoken truce sealed.
United lost, dropping three points. But with home-and-away fixtures in both Premier League and Champions League, Claire knew redemption was inevitable.
And when his moment came, he'd make sure his next contract negotiation would be very interesting.
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