"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!! Macheda!!! He scored UEFA Champions League's first goal!!!" Martin·Tyler shouted, "The assist was from Zhang Kuang! How many assists has he received this season? I can't count them!"
"This ball was so selfless," Rob Hawthorn said, "Zhang Kuang could have chosen to shoot it himself. He broke through the defense and cut inside from a good angle, but he chose to pass it to Macheda who was in a better position."
"This is the difference between stars and superstars. Stars score goals themselves, while superstars let their teammates score goals too."
After Macheda scored, he went crazy. He was stunned for a moment, then rushed towards Zhang Kuang, half-kneeling in front of him without any explanation, and went to lift Zhang Kuang's feet.
"What are you doing!" Zhang Kuang looked confused.
"I'll clean your shoes!" Macheda pulled Zhang Kuang's feet and really started to wipe Zhang Kuang's sneakers with his hands.
"... Are you okay?"
"I do!" Macheda stood up after wiping and pulled Zhang Kuang up, "Zhang, you passed the ball so beautifully! I will ask my dad to open that bottle of wine that has been treasured for twenty years when I get back!"
"Then give me a drink."
"No problem!"
Nani stood in the distance, watching this scene, the expression on his face was indescribable.
He just ran out of the gap, but the ball was not passed, Zhang Kuang chose Macheda.
Maybe he needs to change his environment? He needs to go to an environment where he can prove himself. Maybe Manchester United is not suitable for him? He stayed at Manchester United for several years, but he has never been able to satisfy everyone, including himself.
Nani took a deep breath, turned around and walked back to the center line. He felt a little cold. It was a cold Manchester night in October.
In the 65th minute, Bursaspor launched a counterattack.
Insua turned around and shot from the left side of the penalty area, but Kuszczak held it firmly.
In the 69th minute, Manchester United launched another attack.
This time it was Nani who made a pass from the right. He got rid of the defense on the wing, looked up at the penalty area, and then crossed the ball. The ball drew an arc and landed near the small penalty area.
Macheda grabbed the spot. He stopped the ball with his chest and adjusted two steps. Everyone thought he was going to shoot, but he didn't.
He saw the red figure on the left, Zhang Kuang, inserting into the penalty area at high speed from the outside.
Macheda Knock with your heel.
As if by magic, the ball passed between the defensive player's legs and rolled accurately to the left side of the penalty area.
Zhang Kuang rushed over.
He didn't hesitate at all when facing the ball, he raised his foot and fired with a blast.
The ball blasted into the near corner of the goal like a cannonball.
Ivankov didn't even make a save because the ball was too fast.
4:0.
"Hat trick!! Zhang Kuang hat trick!!" Martin·Tyler's voice echoed in the broadcast room, "UEFA Champions League's eighth goal! Eight goals! He is already leading the UEFA Champions League scorer list by a cliff!"
"This assist is so smart," Rob Hawthorn said, "Macheda could have shot it himself, and his position was also very good. But he chose to pass it to Zhang Kuang, reciprocating the goal."
"These two young people had a chemical reaction on the court today, and Manchester United has a bright future!"
Old Trafford's deafening singing sounded from the stands, "SupersupersuperZhang! SupersupersuperZhang!"
Zhang Kuang ran to the corner flag area, jumped up high, turned around, and waved his hands down, a signature celebration.
Macheda rushed over and jumped on his back from behind.
"Macheda, you scored and assisted today. You performed very well. UEFA Champions League had a perfect debut."
"Thank you, you have more than half of the credit for this."
"No..."
Nani stood on the court, looking at this scene, his face was ashen.
His cross was received by Macheda and then passed to Zhang Kuang.
The cross was passed by Nani, the assist data was credited to Macheda, and the goal was credited to Zhang Kuang.
Where is his Nani? Nothing.
Portugal stood there, feeling the October evening wind blowing on his neck, making it feel chilly.
In the 71st minute, Ferguson replaced Zhang Kuang with Obertan. When Zhang Kuang came off the field, all Manchester United fans stood up and applauded, and the applause lasted for a long time.
He raised his hands to signal to the stands, then walked to the bench, sat down, and breathed a long sigh of relief.
"Good game." Owen handed him a bottle of water.
"It's okay." Zhang Kuang unscrewed the bottle cap, "It's just that Macheda guy was so crazy that he almost threw my back."
"You passed him such a good ball, it's normal for him to go crazy."
Zhang Kuang smiled and said nothing.
The rest of the game was uneventful. In the 77th minute, Anderson was replaced by Park Ji-sung. Bursaspor tried several long shots, but did not pose a real threat.
The final whistle sounded. Manchester United 4-0 defeated Bursaspor. Bursaspor UEFA Champions League lost three games in a row. They were basically eliminated, with only the theoretical possibility of qualifying remaining.
After the game, Zhang Kuang's name appeared on the headlines of all sports media Europe.
"Tuttosport": "Zhang Kuang has a hat trick, UEFA Champions League leads the eight-ball lead, is there any suspense for Golden Boy Award?"
"Marca": "The performance of Zhang Kuang in UEFA Champions League has exceeded that of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the same period."
"Bild": "Germany teams should be careful in UEFA Champions League, this China man may become the most terrifying killer in Europe football in the next ten years."
"The Guardian": "Manchester United won 4-0, Zhang Kuang once again proved that he is the most correct signing for Ferguson."
"..."
On China's social media:
"Zhang Kuang hat trick! Awesome!"
"UEFA Champions League has already scored eight goals. This is the time to really win the UEFA Champions League Golden Boot!"
"Golden Boy Award is already stable. If this is not given to Golden Boy Award, then "Tuttosport" can be closed down directly."
"Next game Stoke City, Zhang Kuang come on!"
"Nani is acting like an airhead again today. I suspect he has a grudge against Zhang Kuang."
"Nani passed the ball, Macheda assisted, and Zhang Kuang scored the goal. Only one of the three people is unhappy. I won't say who it is."
"Nani: Who am I? Where am I? Why did my assist become someone else's assist?"
"Hahahahaha Nani emoticons can be made into emoticons."
"..."
As far away as Madrid and Barcelona, two super giants are also paying attention to this game.
Cristiano Ronaldo was in the locker room of the Real Madrid training base, watching Zhang Kuang's hat trick highlights on his mobile phone, and was silent for a long time.
Then he turned off his phone, stood up, and straightened his hair in the mirror.
He didn't say a word, and then walked out of the locker room. He was going to practice extra. He saw that China player Zhang's pick-up level was surprisingly high. Why could he always catch the ball saved by the goalkeeper and the ball bounced out of the goal post?
Messi also watched the game at Barcelona's home. After watching it, he had no intention of saying anything, but his friend Di María happened to call and scolded Zhang Kuang, as if he was helping Messi belittle Zhang Kuang. In fact, Messi felt complicated.
I'm not worried about Zhang Kuang's UEFA Champions League goals, but I'm a little jealous of Zhang Kuang's physical fitness and keen catching ability.
He closed his phone and looked out the window. Barcelona The night sky was filled with stars. He had to work harder than usual for tomorrow's training.
October 23, Carrington Training Ground.
After the afternoon training, Zhang Kuang saw Ferguson chatting with Phelan on the sidelines, and suddenly Ferguson waved to him.
"Boss?" Zhang Kuang walked over.
"Zhang, the next schedule includes four games in eight days. Although one of the games is League Cup, it is the quarter-finals, and half of the main players have to play.
I see that you often train with the reserve team, so in your opinion, are there any other young players that can be rotated?"
"Yes, one of them is very suitable, Pogba." Zhang Kuang said, "I have trained with him several times, and his vision and passing ability are very strong, especially in large-scale transfers. In the next game against Stoke City, if you give him a chance, there should be surprises."
Ferguson nodded thoughtfully. "I know him, the France boy who stood out in the youth training camp. Do you think he can Premier League make his debut?"
"His passing is very smart. I think if he plays well, there should be surprises." Zhang Kuang smiled.
Ferguson also laughed, "Okay, I understand. What do you think of Nani?"
"You know about Nani even if I don't tell you." Zhang Kuang considered his words, "His breakthrough ability is very strong, but unfortunately it is not compatible with me. I can connect with other frontcourt players, but it is difficult to connect with Nani. Maybe he can connect with others."
Ferguson nodded. "Do you have any other suggestions?"
Zhang Kuang shook his head. "No."
"Then go back and rest."
Zhang Kuang turned around and was about to leave, when Ferguson's voice came from behind. "Zhang."
"Huh?"
"Manchester United Although this year has a good start, if we want to maintain this advantage until the end of the season, we need to ensure that there are no problems in all aspects. I don't want problems in the locker room."
Zhang Kuang was very surprised. "I know, boss. I get along very well with my teammates in the locker room. There is no problem."
"Well, that's good."
After Zhang Kuang left, Ferguson took off his reading glasses and rubbed his eyebrows.
Nani, he has been given enough opportunities and has been carefully trained for several years, but he cannot grow up. If he cannot be transformed into real combat power and threat, such a player is unqualified in the Manchester United team that needs to win the championship.
It's okay to go to teams that don't have the need to win the championship. If you assist a few times a year and score three or five goals, you're still qualified.
But this is not possible in Manchester United.
He had to find a way to solve this problem, but he couldn't find the right person for the time being.
Winter transfer window? It's only October, too early.
He sighed, picked up his reading glasses and put them on again.
October 24, Stoke City, Britannia Stadium.
Before the game, Zhang Kuang was stunned for a moment when he heard the announcement of the starting lineup in the locker room.
Paul·Pogba, starting midfielder.
He knew he was named to the squad, but starting?
There was an accident.
He turned his head and glanced at the boy France who couldn't hide his joy at the other end of the locker room. He was 17 years old, his hair was shaved short, and he had complex tattoos on his shoulders. His expression was tense, and he was obviously a little excited and nervous.
He nodded gratefully to Zhang Kuang, because he knew he could make the roster, and even had Zhang Kuang recommended in front of Ferguson in the starting lineup.
Manchester United's starting lineup:
Goalkeeper Van der Sar; Defenders: Gary·Neville, Vidić, Smalling, Evra; Midfielder: Carrick, Fletcher, Pogba; Frontcourt: Nani, Berbatov, Zhang Kuang.
He Wei: "Manchester United's schedule has been a bit intensive recently. This is the time to test the thickness of the bench, so there are some rotations.
UEFA Champions League played in the group stage and Ferguson changed several players, including a young player from the reserve team. Today we see that there is another young player from the youth training in the starting list.
According to the data, he is only 17 years old. I have to say that Sir Ferguson really gives opportunities to young players. The 19-year-old player Macheda is on the court. The 17-year-old player Pogba is playing this game. There is also a 19-year-old absolute main player Zhang Kuang on the field.
From these, we can see that Ferguson is really unrestricted in employing people. No matter what age you are, as long as you have the opportunity, you can go."
Xu Yang: "Yes, Rooney was 18 years old when he transferred to Manchester United, and Cristiano Ronaldo was also 18 years old when he transferred to Manchester United. After Ferguson bought it, he kept giving opportunities, and finally praised Cristiano Ronaldo as the winner of Ballon d'Or.
The same goes for the later Nani, including Zhang Kuang, etc. We can see that the talent that Ferguson likes has a hurdle at the age of 18. If you have talent, you have talent, and then he will desperately give opportunities."
He Wei:"Some of our domestic coaches can learn from this."
Xu Yang: "This is a bit difficult. For some domestic teams, the decision-making power of starting and substitutions does not necessarily lie with the head coach."
He Wei:"This... continue watching the football."
At 7:45 pm, the game officially started.
Zhang Kuang stood on the right and glanced towards the center circle. Pogba stood on the left side of the midfield and took a deep breath.
"Don't be nervous." Zhang Kuang mouthed to him.
Pogba nodded, but his lips were still trembling.
Five minutes after the game started, Pogba ushered in the first test of his Premier League debut.
Stoke City's Tuncay got the ball in the midfield, and Pogba rushed to press for it. His movements were a little impatient, and he tackled the ball and flew out, showing his spikes, tripping Tuncay to the ground.
The referee Marriner whistle sounded.
Yellow card.
Pogba got up from the ground and looked at the referee with an innocent face. "I touched the ball!"
The referee shook his head and said he didn't touch the ball.
Zhang Kuang ran over from the right and pulled Pogba's arm. "Stop arguing, it's just a yellow card. Don't let anyone punish you."
Pogba took a deep breath and nodded.
The Stoke City fans in the stands let out loud boos.
"Pogba is still too young, this tackle was too reckless," Martin·Tyler said, "If the referee hadn't been merciful, this ball would have been a red card."
"It is understandable that the young man is nervous in his first Premier League game. This may also be the reason for the referee's light penalty." Rob·Hawthorn said, "We will see if he can adjust next."
Pogba has indeed adjusted.
He no longer blindly attacks, but pays more attention to positioning and assisting defense.
In the 16th minute, he ushered in the first highlight moment of his Premier League career.
Smalling steals the ball in the backcourt and passes the ball short to Pogba.
France boy caught the ball and faced Stoke City midfielder's pressing. His body swayed and his opponent was half out of the way.
Then he glanced up to the right.
Zhang Kuang is there.
Two Stoke City defensive players were pestering him, but they were not close enough because they were too far apart.
Pogba did not hesitate.
He raised his left foot and moved the ball in a wide range, drawing an arc and flying to the right.
The ball landed accurately in front of Zhang Kuang.
Zhang Kuang started.
His explosive power was fully demonstrated at this moment, leaving two defensive players behind in the blink of an eye.
As the ball fell in the air, he lightly padded it with his chest and the ball stopped firmly in front of him. Then, before the ball hit the ground, he lifted his foot and fired a volley!
The ball was like a blasted cannonball, drawing an arc, heading towards the upper left corner of the goal, grazing the lower edge of the crossbar and crashing into the net.
1:0.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!! Zhang Kuang!!!" Martin·Tyler's voice exploded, "World Wave!! Volley!! This ball is so beautiful!"
"Wait, who assisted?" Rob Hawthorn asked, "Is it Pogba? That long pass was passed by Pogba!"
"Paul·Pogba!! 17-year-old France!! In his first game Premier League sent a long pass assist like Beckham!!"
Martin: "Wow, the most beautiful thing about this goal is not Zhang Kuang's shot, it should be this pass. Look at the replay again, this pass is so beautiful, the distance is more than 40 meters, this is too amazing, Manchester United's youth training has produced talents again."
In the stands, Manchester United fans were excited.
Zhang Kuang ran to the corner flag area and made his iconic celebration move.
Then he looked back: Pogba was running over, his expression seemed to be in a dream, surprised and happy.
Pogba ran to the corner flag area and hugged Zhang Kuang.
"I... I assisted?" he asked, his voice trembling.
"Yes, you assisted! It's a good pass, keep doing it!"
A big smile broke out on Pogba's face, "Okay, I will continue."
Nani stood in the middle circle, looking at the two people hugging each other and celebrating with complicated expressions. Why do these young people get along so well with Zhang Kuang? They all want to assist Zhang Kuang? Can't you give him an assist to Nani?
My heart is cold, my heart is flying, Nani My heart is as solid as ice at this moment!
Ferguson applauded from the sidelines. He turned to Phelan and said, "Did you see that? That long pass."
"I saw it, boss."
"Pogba This kid has a future."
"Zhang Kuang recommended it well."
"Keep watching."
In the middle of the first half, Stoke City started a crazy counterattack. Delap threw two "grenade"-style throw-ins from the sideline. This guy's throw-ins could be thrown dozens of meters away, which was more accurate than many people's crosses.
Huth headed the ball towards the goal. Van der Sar held it up and the ball missed the goal post.
In the corner kick attack, Jones headed the ball towards the goal, but was saved by Van der Sar.
"Stoke City's set kick is too threatening," Martin·Tyler said, "Delap's foul kick is simply another form of corner kick."
Zhang Kuang watched his teammates defend hard on the right, and he was silently waiting for an opportunity in the frontcourt.
In the 38th minute, controversy arose on the court.
Manchester United, the veteran defender Gary·Neville, who had not played for a long time, tackled Etherington on the sideline. The move was so big that the referee showed him a yellow card.
But two minutes later, Gary·Neville shoveled again, this time even bigger than the last time. The Stoke City player fell to the ground, and the fans stood up and booed loudly.
The referee Marriner ran over, looked at the players lying on the ground, then looked at Gary·Neville, and then waved his hand to indicate that the game should continue.
There was no second yellow card.
"Is this... is this a bit too much?" Martin·Tyler said, "Gary·Neville, for this action, it is absolutely fine to give another yellow card. The referee must be merciful."
"Home whistle?" Rob Hawthorn said, "But this is Stoke City's home court."
"Maybe... the referee doesn't want to decide the direction of the game too early?"
Britannia Stadium's boos continued for a full two minutes until the referee stopped the game and signaled Stoke City's team doctor to enter the field.
In the 43rd minute, Stoke City scored.
Gary·Neville took the ball in the backcourt and made a careless cross. The ball was directly intercepted by Wilson. Wilson split the ball and passed it to Tuncay on the right. E, Turkey cut in, shook Evra away, moved his left foot, and the ball drew a perfect arc, passed Van der Sar's fingertips, and hit the upper corner of the goal.
1:1.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!! Tuncay!!" Martin·Tyler shouted, "Stoke City equalized the score!! Gary·Neville made a bad pass!"
"Neville's state today is worrying," Rob Hawthorn said, "I escaped red cards for two tackles, but made a big mistake in passing the ball."
Martin: "At the age of 36, he really can't kick sometimes, and his movements and strength are a little out of his depth."
Rob: "Yes, midfielder Ferguson should make some adjustments to give some opportunities to young people like Pogba. It is better for young people to make mistakes than for veterans to make mistakes."
"..."
Gary·Neville knelt on the ground, holding his head in his hands. He knew how serious the consequences of this mistake were.
The old captain got up from the ground, lowered his head, and walked towards the backcourt.