Jonathan moved faster than Zhang Kuang expected.
On the morning of October 25, the Manchester United official website and the club's official Twitter released an announcement almost simultaneously. The strong wording made the United Kingdom media collectively stunned for three seconds.
"In response to the recent false reports made by some media on the Manchester United locker room, the club firmly denies it. The Manchester United locker room is united and all players are committed to fighting for honors for the team.
The so-called 'contradictions' and 'hostility' are purely rumors spread by competitors to disrupt Manchester United's preparations for war. Some Manchester United players and fans must recognize their opponents' vicious methods and not be confused or exploited by their opponents.
The club reserves the right to take legal action against those who maliciously spread rumors."
The signature is Manchester United CEO David·Gill.
Immediately afterwards, Ferguson was surrounded by reporters at the pre-match press conference that afternoon.
"Sir, is there really no conflict between Zhang Kuang and Nani?"
Ferguson was chewing gum and looked like he was watching a group of kindergarten children arguing about who stole whose candy.
"You feel uncomfortable every day if you don't make up some stories, right?" He said slowly, "I've been coaching Manchester United for more than 20 years. When has there ever been a little friction in the locker room? Tell me, which club's locker room is full of love and family?"
The reporters looked at each other.
Ferguson continued, "Zhang Kuang and Nani do not cooperate much on the court. This is not a secret, and I have no intention of hiding it.
But this is not called 'hostility' or 'conflict'. It is just a secret rivalry between two young people. This is a healthy competition. They have never brought this secret rivalry between them to the field, so it is benign and can coexist. I am the head coach and I care more about the unity among the players than you do, so please don't spread rumors."
He paused, glanced at the whole place, and then left.
Then, some short essays began to circulate wildly on the Internet, and some even began to expose the real contradictions in football. Some netizens wrote like this:
"You call this a contradiction? Then let me tell you what the real contradiction is...Chelsea's 'native gang' and 'French gang' are the two real factions.
Manchester City Adebayor and Kompany directly exchanged words on the court, that is a real contradiction. Real Madrid Casillas and Cristiano Ronaldo are in opposing camps, that is a real contradiction. As for Zhang Kuang and Nani?
They are just two colleagues with different personalities. You do your thing and I do mine without interfering with each other. If this was considered a conflict, then companies all over the world would have to close down.
Moreover, the two of them have never caused any trouble in the locker room, have not formed cliques, have not undermined each other, and have not deliberately caused the team to lose.
If you insist on forcing me to say, 'the two of them are life and death friends', then I can only say, believe it or not, I don't believe it anyway."
This text was forwarded by many netizens. For a time, Manchester United's opponents created rumors and "conspiracy theories" to break the unity within the Manchester United team. The first ones to bear the brunt were Martin and Rob, the two commentators of Sky Sports.
Because the two of them started the conversation during the explanation, and then the "contradictory theory between Zhang Kuang and Nani" was formed in public opinion.
Social media exploded.
"Sky Sports is dismantling Manchester United's dressing room? They are using their commentators to sow discord within the Manchester team? Don't you say football is fair play? How come they are also playing tricks?"
"Chelsea native gang vs French gang: Lampard, Terry vs Drogba, Essien, this is indeed an open secret."
"Real Madrid's side is even more exciting. Casillas's girlfriend publicly criticized Cristiano Ronaldo on TV, and Cristiano Ronaldo directly unblocked all Spain teammates."
"Do you still remember the conflict between Adebayor and Kompany? Mancini couldn't hold him back on the sidelines."
"So Zhang Kuang and Nani are not called conflicts, but called 'office apathy'?"
"Ferguson means: They just don't like each other, but they're not causing trouble, so don't worry about it."
"Wait a minute, when Ferguson says this, doesn't it mean that Zhang Kuang and Nani are indeed at odds?"
"The difference between this and discord is: they don't affect the team. That's the core argument of Ferguson."
"..."
At the same time, Rooney, Berbatov and Vidić were also asked this question on different occasions.
Rooney's answer was very direct, "Zhang and Nani? They are training normally on the training ground. There is nothing special. I cooperate well with Zhang, and I also cooperate well with Nani. Are you too busy to do anything?"
Berbatov is more artistic. "Some people are born to be in tune, and some people need time. Zhang and Nani just need more time. But on the court, they both play for Manchester United, and that's enough."
Vidić, as the captain, gave the most official answer, "I am the captain, everything in the locker room is normal. If there are any problems, I will know it as soon as possible and will deal with it as soon as possible. There is no problem now."
The reporter asked, "What do you personally think of Zhang Kuang?"
Vidić showed a rare smile, "He? He is a monster. I want to avoid him every time I train, because he always wants to challenge me, and..." He shrugged, "He can often beat me, and he is also very good at scoring goals on the court. Usually, he is an easy-going and funny person, and often invites his teammates to eat Chinese food. Unfortunately, we don't dare to eat too much, and the teammates all like him."
After this interview was broadcast, the style of the comment area of Manchester United fans suddenly changed:
"It can be seen from Vidić's words that Zhang Kuang is good at getting along with his teammates. There is nothing wrong with him. His disagreement with Nani is just like what Sir Ferguson said. Young people secretly compete with each other. This is healthy competition. What's wrong with it?"
"Ah, Nani has a healthy competition with Zhang Kuang? Can Nani compete with it? Nani has already scored a few goals and assisted a few? How can he compete with Zhang Kuang? He is such a bad guy, but he still secretly competes with others all day long? Don't you laugh to death?"
"Why is Nani so good? If he was good, would Manchester United buy him? He is a teammate with Cristiano Ronaldo."
"Come on, don't do it for Nani. If his skills are really bad, Manchester United won't buy Zhang Kuang."
"That's right, what level is Nani? Don't some people have some ideas?"
"..."
The direction of public opinion began to change.
The narrative that the media originally wanted to create that "Zhang Kuang is a cancer in the locker room" seems untenable in the face of Manchester United's official announcement and the speeches of Ferguson and captain Vidić.
Moreover, Jonathan also used his 'netizen status' to release a "data comparison": Since Zhang Kuang joined Manchester United, Nani's average shots per game increased from 2.7 to 3.1, while the number of goals scored dropped from 0.37 to 0.21.
"What does this mean? It means that Zhang Kuang attracted more defensive attention and created more space for Nani. But Nani failed to grasp it. This is not Zhang Kuang's problem, this is Nani's own problem."
These words are harsh enough, but the information is there and no one can refute it.
Therefore, the entire trend of public opinion has changed to 'If Zhang Kuang really conflicts with Nani, should we stand with Zhang Kuang or Nani?'
In fact, more fans and netizens are on Zhang Kuang, and only a few Nani fans are on Nani.
If you are a human being, don't act like a monster.
On October 26, in the fourth round of League Cup, Manchester United challenged Wolverhampton Wanderers away from home.
Ferguson has arranged a half-main and half-substitute lineup: goalkeeper Kuszczak; defenders: Fabio, Smalling, Evans, O'Shea; Midfield: Gibson, Carrick, Fletcher; Frontcourt: Nani, Owen, Park Ji-sung.
Zhang Kuang was not included in the squad and will take a rest.
Nani first release.
In the 17th minute after the game started, Nani broke through on the right and made a pass. Owen grabbed the spot in the middle of the penalty area and shot the goal, 1-0.
In the 38th minute, Nani took another corner kick from the left, and Owen nodded and hit the goal, 2-0.
"Nani played well this time," Martin·Tyler said, "Two assists, very neat."
Rob: "Now public opinion says that the two of us are fomenting conflicts between Zhang Kuang and Nani. What do you think of this?"
Martin: "If I stand and watch, how else can I watch? Is it true that the two of them are at odds?"
Rob:"It's true."
Martin: "If it's the truth, then that's the end of it. We are just telling the facts that have already happened, and we are not deliberately fabricating rumors when there are no facts. Why, are you not even allowed to tell the facts?"
Rob: "Hey, don't do this, you will offend Manchester United fans."
Martin: "No, all rational Manchester United fans know that I am right, but I am just telling the truth."
"..."
In the stoppage time of the first half, Wolverhampton Wanderers used a corner kick to get a goal back, 2-1.
In the 67th minute of the second half, Park Ji-sung received a through ball from Gibson and scored with a single shot, 3-1.
In the 82nd minute, Wolverhampton Wanderers scored another goal, 3-2.
The final score was 3-2, and Manchester United advanced to the quarterfinals of League Cup.
Nani was named the best player in the game after the game.
When he was interviewed in the mixed zone, the expression on his face was calm and somewhat deliberate. "I played well, and the most important thing is that the team won."
The reporter asked, "You are at odds with Zhang Kuang. Are you really not getting along with Zhang Kuang?"
"We don't have any conflicts. We don't pass the ball to each other. It's just that we don't have the right opportunities." After Nani said that, he turned around and left.
This interview was interpreted as "Nani is trying to find a reason, and the relationship between the two is indeed tense."
But some Manchester United fans said on the forum, "Nani performed well with two assists today. But did you notice? Both of his assists were completed without Zhang Kuang. What does this mean?"
"It shows that Nani needs the ball and space. When Zhang Kuang is on the court, the opponent's defensive focus is on Zhang Kuang. Nani actually has more space, but he just doesn't know how to use it."
"To put it bluntly, Nani is a 'downwind ball king'. He can play in a flashy way when no one is guarding him. Once the opponent focuses on marking him, he will not play anymore."
"And Zhang Kuang is the 'king of headwinds'. The more he is targeted, the more energetic he gets."
"Isn't this the difference between ordinary players and top players?"
On October 30, in the 10th round of Old Trafford Stadium. Premier League, Manchester United faced Tottenham Hotspur at home.
Before the game, the roster was announced.
Zhang Kuang first release.
Berbatov first release.
Rooney first release.
Among the forwards, Valencia and Owen are substitutes.
Nani is not in the big list.
"Nani didn't even make it to the bench?" During the warm-up before the game, Manchester United fans in the stands were talking a lot.
"Let's rotate. After all, we just played League Cup in the middle of the week."
"But Nani had two assists in the last game and was in perfect condition. Why wasn't he on the list?"
"Ferguson must have his considerations."
In the locker room, Ferguson stood in front of the tactical board and circled three names with Mark pen: Zhang Kuang, Rooney, Berbatov.
"Our tactics have been practiced many times. Needless to say, Tottenham Hotspur is a strong team. There are some powerful players in their team, such as Modrić, Ber, and Van der Vaart. They are all very capable players.
Therefore, our defense must keep an eye on them and not let them get the ball easily in the midfield."
He looked at Zhang Kuang: "Zhang, your task is to tear apart their right defense. Tottenham Hotspur's right back Hutton is not fast, so you go directly to him."
Zhang Kuang nodded.
"Rooney, you are responsible for suppressing their central defender. Dawson and Gallas are partnering as central defenders today. Dawson is positioned forward and Gallas is older and slow to turn around. You hit them behind."
Rooney gritted his teeth and nodded. League Cup didn't even make the bench in the last game, but this time he started the game and was holding back his energy.
"Berba, you move between them and connect. Use your ball control to attract their defense and create space for both sides."
Berbatov leaned lazily on the chair and interpreted the word "lazy" to the extreme. "Understood, boss."
Ferguson glanced at the substitute Valencia again. The Ecuadorian was sitting there quietly, tying his shoelaces.
"Antonio," Ferguson said, "Adjust the state to the best."
Valencia looked up, nodded, and smiled honestly, "Okay, boss."
At 7:45 pm, the game started.
Tottenham Hotspur's starting lineup is quite threatening: goalkeeper Gómez; defenders: Hutton, Dawson, Gallas, Ekotto; Midfielder: Lennon, Huddlestone, Modrić, Ber; Forward: Van der Vaart, Crouch.
"Tottenham Hotspur has a very strong lineup today," Martin·Tyler said, "Ber and Lennon The wings are flying together, Modrić is organizing in the midfield, Van der Vaart and Crouch are high and fast. Manchester United's defense is under a lot of pressure today."
"But Manchester United's attack line is stronger," Rob Hawthorn said, "Zhang Kuang+Rooney+Berbatov, this may be the most threatening trident of Premier League at present. The key is to see if the three of them can produce a chemical reaction."
He Wei: "China Central Television, China Central Television, viewers, this station is broadcasting for you the 10th round of Premier League, Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur Team..."
In the 3rd minute of the game, Zhang Kuang took the ball on the left and faced Hutton.
Hutton came up, Zhang Kuang moved his left foot, trying to cut inside. Hutton's center of gravity was deceived, and it moved an inch to the inside.
Zhang Kuang's left foot suddenly changed direction, dunking the ball to the outside, and his whole body protruded from the outside of Hutton.
Speed, explosive power, and the rhythm of changing directions are perfectly combined at the same moment.
Hutton didn't even have a chance to pull him, Zhang Kuang had already passed by him.
"Zhang Kuang broke through Hutton! Left!" Martin·Tyler shouted, "He made the pass!"
The ball drew an arc in the air and flew to the back of the penalty area.
Berbatov caught the ball on the right side of the penalty area, stopped with his chest, and then knocked across the middle.
Rooney rushed over and hit the ball with a violent volley!
The ball blasted toward the goal like a cannonball. Gómez pounced and the ball bounced off the post.
But the ball bounced straight to the left.
Zhang Kuang hasn't stopped yet.
After he broke through Hutton, he did not stop in place to admire his passing, but continued to rush into the penalty area. At the moment Rooney shot, he had already run to the left side of the small penalty area.
The ball popped out and landed right in front of him.
Zhang Kuang didn't even need to adjust. He pushed with his left foot and the ball went into the empty goal.
1-0!
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!! Zhang Kuang!!! The 4th minute of the opening!!!" Martin·Tyler's voice exploded, "Manchester United 1-0 lead! Another follow-up shot! Another miss in front of the goal!"
"No, the ball was not missed," Rob Hawthorn said, "Look at the replay, at the moment Rooney shot, Zhang Kuang had already started running in that direction. He knew where the ball would bounce. This is fucking prediction."
"But how could anyone predict the direction in which the goalpost would bounce?"
"So his name is Zhang Kuang."
Old Trafford is boiling.
Zhang Kuang ran to the corner flag area, jumped up high, turned around, and waved his hands downward: a signature celebration.
Rooney rushed over, hugged him, and yelled, "Farke, how on earth did you do it? Can you judge the ball that bounces off the goalpost accurately?"
"Hey, this is a talent," Zhang Kuang patted his back, "It's a pity that the goalpost won't help you, otherwise I wouldn't have the chance to show off this talent."
"Shet, you pervert."
Berbatov also ran over slowly, stretched out a hand, and gave Zhang Kuang a high-five. "Is cooperation okay?"
"Perfect." Zhang Kuang smiled.
In the stands, Manchester United fans sang:
"SupersupersuperZhang! SupersupersuperZhang!"
"Wayne·Rooney! Wayne·Rooney! He is our Hero!"
"Dashing Brother! Dashing Brother!"
Three forwards, all three were sung.
In the commentary box, Martin·Tyler said, "Have you noticed? Manchester United The three forwards move in perfect harmony. Zhang Kuang broke through on the left, Berbatov moved to the right to respond, and Rooney advanced in the middle. The three people formed a flowing triangle. This has been practiced repeatedly in training."
"Ferguson spent nearly half a season polishing this combination," Rob Hawthorn said, "Now it seems that the effect is very significant."
The game continues.
Tottenham Hotspur was caught off guard, but in the 12th minute, they organized a threatening attack.
Modrić got the ball in the midfield and found Van der Vaart who was running forward with a straight kick. Netherlands turned around after receiving the ball, shook Fletcher away, and shot low.
Van der Sar caught it steadily.
"Van der Sar is still stable," Martin·Tyler said, "At 40 years old, he is still a world-class goalkeeper."
In the 19th minute, Manchester United launched another attack.
This time, Rooney got the ball in the middle. He withstood Dawson's pressing with his back, and then made a diagonal pass to find Rafael who was on the right.
Rafael made a pass from the bottom and the ball flew to the center of the penalty area.
Berbatov stopped the ball with his chest on the penalty area line. Then, instead of shooting, he knocked with his heel. The ball passed between Gallas's legs and rolled to the left side of the penalty area.
Zhang Kuang ran there without knowing when.
He met the ball with a push. The ball stuck to the ground and went towards the far corner of the goal at great speed.
Gómez jumped out and touched the ball with his fingers, but the ball still changed direction and rolled into the net while grazing the inside of the goal post.
2-0!
"Zhang Kuang!!! Scored twice!!!" Martin·He Wei shouted, "In the 19th minute, he has already scored two!"
"Berbatov must be praised for this ball," Xu Yang said, "That backheel pass is simply a work of art. He attracted two defenders and then passed the ball from an impossible angle."
"Zhang Kuang's running position is also very smart," He Wei said, "He has been cruising behind Gallas, and suddenly started to move the moment Berbatov got the ball, Gallas couldn't keep up at all."
"Gallas's turning speed... to be honest, it would be a nightmare for him to meet a striker of this type like Zhang Kuang."
Zhang Kuang ran to the corner flag area to celebrate for the second time. This time Rooney and Berbatov rushed over together. The three of them hugged each other in the corner flag area.
"These three people had so much fun playing today," Martin·Tyler said, "Did you see their expressions? They looked like three children playing football on the playground."
"And Nani is not on the court," Rob Hawthorn said, "I don't know if this is a coincidence? But the coordination between Zhang Kuang, Rooney and Berbatov is obviously much smoother than when Zhang Kuang and Nani are on the court at the same time."
"You mean..."
"What I mean is that the existence of Nani may have indeed affected the performance of Zhang Kuang. It's not that Nani is not good, but that their playing styles are incompatible. Nani needs the ball, and Zhang Kuang also needs the ball. And Rooney and Berbatov can create space for Zhang Kuang without the ball."
"Ferguson obviously saw this too."
In the 36th minute of the first half, Tottenham Hotspur almost pulled a goal back.
Ber broke through Rafael on the left and made a pass. Crouch jumped high in the center of the penalty area and headed the ball towards the goal.
The ball hit the crossbar and bounced out.
"Manchester United was saved by the beam!" Martin·Tyler shouted, "Tottenham Hotspur's luck is so bad!"
"Crouch's header... when he jumped up, Vidić was like a child next to him."
"There is nothing I can do. With a height of two meters and one, no one can stop me."
Zhang Kuang watched this attack in the frontcourt and silently made a note in his mind: Crouch has a strong ability to compete for the top, so in the second half, he should pay attention to defending against set kicks.
In the stoppage time of the first half, Zhang Kuang almost completed a hat trick.
He broke through Hutton again on the left, cut inside and then curled the ball into the far corner.
The ball drew a beautiful arc and passed Gómez's fingertips. Then, with a "bang", it hit the outside of the far post and bounced out of the baseline.
"Oh!!!" Old Trafford sounded a cry of regret.
Zhang Kuang stood there with his hands on his hips and shook his head.
"Almost," he told himself, "Just a little bit."
"You've already scored two," Rooney ran over and patted his head, "Save some for the second half."
"Okay."
At the end of the first half, Manchester United leads 2-0. The current Manchester United is so strong that it is almost one level ahead of other Premier League teams. Only Chelsea can barely keep up with Manchester United.