Many people don't understand: Why would Ferguson and Manchester United allow Zhang Kuang to create controversial public opinions in front of the media? Shouldn't this be controlled?
Could it be that Zhang Kuang is the biological son of Ferguson? Or the biological son of the boss behind Manchester United? Are you so indulgent of him?
While public opinion was still debating whether Zhang Kuang's "wild words" were appropriate, the sixth round of UEFA Champions League's group stage arrived as scheduled.
December 7, Old Trafford Stadium.
In the sixth round of the UEFA Champions League group stage, Manchester United faced Valencia at home.
Since Manchester United had secured first place in the group in advance, Ferguson made a significant rotation in this game. The goalkeeper position was assigned to Ben Amos, which was the UEFA Champions League debut of the 22-year-old England goalkeeper.
More than 70,000 fans of Old Trafford applauded Amos. This was the first time for "his own child" to stand on the UEFA Champions League field.
The remaining positions have also been adjusted: Rafael right back, Ferdinand and Vidić partner as central defender, Fabio left back.
The midfield trio is Carrick, Anderson, and Park Ji-sung. The front trident continues to attack with the main force: Zhang Kuang, Berbatov, and Rooney.
Before the game, the commentator on UEFA's official website said, "Manchester United has secured the first place in the group, and Valencia ranks second in the group with 8 points. They can ensure qualifying as long as they do not lose more than three goals.
But Manchester United's offensive firepower is so terrifying. In the five rounds of the group stage, he scored... 18 goals. Among them, Zhang Kuang scored 11 goals and had 7 assists."
(As for how many goals UEFA Champions League scored in the game, I checked the table records I made. It is indeed 11 goals scored in the first 5 rounds. Some book friends said it was 10 goals. That may be because I missed it or wrote it incorrectly. The book does have some confusion in the information occasionally. I I am also trying my best to correct it, but sometimes it is not enough for me to just count the numbers in the table. Sometimes when I am writing, something is suddenly written in the chapter, which is not recorded in the table, or something is missed. Everyone, I am very sorry, I will try my best to ensure the accuracy of the information.)
When the starting lineups of both sides were shown on the big screen, Manchester United fans shouted the names of each player in unison. When Zhang Kuang's name appeared on the screen, the shouts reached their peak - "Zhang Kuang!!!"
Old Trafford On the east stand, a huge banner unfurled. "SuperZhang--Record Harvester."
The game starts on time at 7:45 pm.
Valencia is obviously well prepared.
They are well aware of the power of the Manchester United frontcourt trident, and adopted a strategy of intensive defense + quick counterattack from the beginning. The central defender combination Dealbert and Miguel are almost inseparable. The ground defenders Zhang Kuang and Rooney, and the full backs Mathieu and Bruno also always pay attention to cutting off Zhang Kuang's receiving line.
After the game started, although Manchester United had the advantage in ball possession, there were not many truly threatening offenses.
Valencia's midfielders Banega and Albelda firmly blocked the passing line in the middle, making it difficult for Carrick and Anderson to pass the ball directly to the front three.
In the 8th minute, Zhang Kuang received the ball on the left and was double-teamed by Mathieu and Banega. He passed the ball back to Carrick, and then ran laterally to try to open up the space.
But Valencia's defensive rotation is very fast. Wherever Zhang Kuang goes, Dealbert sticks to it.
"Valencia defended Zhang Kuang very tightly today," said Sky Sports commentator Martin·Tyler. "They clearly know where Manchester United's most threatening point is."
"Yes," partner Rob Hawthorn answered, "But the question is, how long can you keep up with Zhang Kuang? His running without the ball is the best in Europe, and the defensive players' physical fitness will be quickly consumed."
Rob is right.
In the 15th minute, Rafael stole the ball in the backcourt and sent a long pass, accurately finding Rooney near the center circle.
Rooney took the ball with his back, withstood Albelda's pressing, and then passed the ball to Anderson with a kick against the wall.
Anderson dribbled the ball to the top of the penalty area, and Valencia two central defenders immediately pressed forward.
At this moment, Anderson made a fake shot and passed the ball. He raised his right foot high, and Dealbert and Miguel jumped up to block it at the same time.
But Anderson did not shoot when his foot landed. Instead, he pushed the ball diagonally into the left side of the penalty area.
Zhang Kuang didn't know when he got rid of Mathieu's guard and appeared in that position.
He didn't stop the ball, directly met the ball and volleyed with one kick.
The ball went straight to the near corner of the goal with a whistling sound like a shell. Valencia goalkeeper Guaita rushed out, but the ball was too fast and he did not touch the ball at all.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!! Zhang Kuang!!!" Martin·Tyler's voice exploded, "In the 15th minute, Manchester United led 1-0! A perfect teamwork!"
Rob Hawthorn shouted, "The most exciting thing about this goal is Zhang Kuang's running without the ball! Look at the replay, at the moment Rafael passed the ball, Zhang Kuang was still being stared at by Mathieu on the left.
But the moment Rooney got the ball, he suddenly changed direction and accelerated to cut into the penalty area, and Mathieu couldn't keep up. Then Anderson's fake shot really gave Zhang Kuang a perfect kicking opportunity. The whole process only took three seconds."
"This is the ability of a top player to read the game," Ma President Ding concluded, "He knows when to move and when to be quiet. This sense of timing is innate."
Old Trafford is boiling.
Zhang Kuang ran to the corner flag area, jumped up high, turned around, and waved his hands down, a signature celebration.
Rooney and Berbatov ran over one after another, and the three of them briefly high-fived in celebration at the corner flag area.
In the stands, Manchester United fans sang. "SuperSuperSuperZhang!"
He Wei: "Soaring up like a frightened falcon, he shot the flying ball through the door, shocking everyone in an instant, and the sound of greenery filled the universe. The moment Zhang Kuang stretched his body, he released all the power he had accumulated in the audience. This volley is the unique romance and edge of Zhang Kuang."
He Wei poetry flourishes, passionate praise.
Xu Yang: "Yes, Zhang Kuang's volley and long-range shots have become his standard shooting method. His shots are very beautiful and always give people a sense of beauty of muscles, strength and speed. This is an art."
"..."
"It's numb, it's numb, He Wei and Xu Yang have no bottom line when they brag about Zhang Kuang. This is the exclusive praise of Zhang Kuang. You two, you are the commentators of CCTV. Can you be a little more neutral? Don't be so one-sided."
"Why, you are bragging about your own family and you still have to be neutral? Are you a fan? Do you know what a fan is? That is mindless bragging for your favorite star."
"Boy upstairs, watching football is not just for chasing stars, but also for watching formations, transitions between offense and defense, teamwork, tactical restraint and breakthroughs, and the regrets caused by sudden accidents... Do you understand football, are you a real fan? Do you think you are a fan just because you chase a star?"
"Ah? The man upstairs looks like he has been a fan for at least thirty years. He is very professional."
"That's, I think back then..."
The game continued, Manchester United was full of momentum, but Manchester United's lead only lasted 3 minutes.
In the 18th minute, Valencia launched a quick counterattack.
Domínguez took the ball on the left, faced the defense of Carrick, easily got rid of it with an inside cut, and then took a long shot.
The ball drew an arc and went straight to the far corner of the goal.
Amos reacted very quickly, fell to the ground quickly, and held the ball firmly.
"Amos made a solid save," Rob Hawthorn said, "This is his UEFA Champions League debut and he looks very calm."
But in the 32nd minute, Valencia's attack finally bore fruit.
Carrick took the ball in the backcourt and tried to pass it crosswise to Anderson beside him, but the passing route was predicted by Domínguez.
Domínguez suddenly grabbed the ball, stole the ball, and then quickly moved forward.
Vidić immediately came forward and tried to block Domínguez's advancement route.
But Domínguez didn't force the ball. After attracting Vidić's attention, he passed the ball across the ball to Pablo·Hernández who was on the right.
Hernández dribbled the ball into the penalty area, faced Amos's attack, and shot low.
The ball passed through the wicket of Amos and rolled into the net.
1-1.
"Pablo·Hernández!" Martin·Tyler shouted, "Valencia equalized the score! Carrick made a careless pass in the backcourt and was intercepted by Domínguez. This kind of mistake will be paid for on the UEFA Champions League field."
Rob·Hawthorn added, "Amos has actually done a good job, but the angle of Hernández's low shot is too tricky, specifically hitting his wicket."
There was a sigh from Old Trafford. Then applause broke out, and the fans encouraged the young Amos with applause.
He Wei: "I have to say that the ground coordination skills of the La Liga team are quite outstanding. We cannot underestimate any team that can enter the UEFA Champions League team."
Xu Yang: "Yes, Valencia is La Liga's fourth after all."
Zhang Kuang put his hands on his hips and shook his head in the frontcourt, his face calm.
It's only 1-1, the game is still going on.
In the 36th minute, Manchester United almost took the lead again.
Park Ji-sung took the ball from the left and passed it crosswise to Rooney.
Rooney picked up the ball 30 yards away from the goal. He looked up and glanced at the position of Valencia goalkeeper Guaita, who was standing a little forward.
Rooney suddenly took a shot.
The ball drew a high parabola in the air, passed over Guaita's head, and plummeted towards the goal.
All Manchester United fans stood up. The ball flew in the air for about two seconds, and then...
"Bang!"
The ball hit the crossbar and bounced back into the field.
"Ah!!!" Old Trafford sighed neatly.
Rooney stood there covering his mouth with an expression of "I won't even get into this".
The ball's rebound direction happened to be on the right side of the penalty area. Park Ji-sung, who was closest to the ball, quickly followed up and wanted to make a follow-up shot.
But the rebound angle of the ball was not very good, and his follow-up shot missed the far post.
"Rooney almost got through the hanging door," Martin·Tyler said, "It was only one centimeter away from the world wave."
Rob Hawthorn said with a smile, "If this kind of goal is scored, it will be a candidate for the best goal of the season. It's a pity that the crossbar doesn't help."
Valencia quickly returned the favor.
In the 41st minute, Banega sent a precise long pass in the midfield and found Hernández on the right.
After receiving the ball, Hernández shook off Fabio's defense, broke into the penalty area, and shot a powerful shot from a small angle.
The ball missed the far post and flew out of the baseline.
"Hernández's shot was just a miss," Martin·Tyler said, "Valencia's attack on the right was very threatening today, and Hernández's speed put a lot of pressure on Fabio."
Fabio gasped and gave a thumbs up to Ferdinand, indicating that he was fine.
In the stoppage time of the first half, Manchester United's "pretend to tie shoelaces" tactic worked again.
Carrick picked up the ball in the midfield and saw Zhang Kuang standing at the top of the arc on the left side of the penalty area, seemingly bending down to tie his shoelaces. Valencia's defensive player thought he was adjusting his equipment and did not pay close attention to him.
But, suddenly, Zhang Kuang "bounced" up. He started instantly like a spring and inserted into the penalty area from the side of the defensive player.
Carrick's through ball was sent at the same time, accurately passing through Valencia's defense and landing in the path of Zhang Kuang's running.
Zhang Kuang did not stop the ball, but directly rubbed the outside of his left foot and swept the ball towards the center of the penalty area.
Berbatov, who was on the edge of the offside line, understood this clearly. He inserted himself from the side of Miguel and just missed the ball when he caught the ball.
Facing the attacking Guaita, Berbatov did not panic.
He flicked the ball, and the ball drew a small arc, passed over Guaita's head, and then fell into the empty goal.
2-1!
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!! Berbatov!!!" Martin·Tyler shouted, "Manchester United took the lead again in first half stoppage time!
Another assist from Zhang Kuang! Valencia's defensive player was deceived by Zhang Kuang's 'pretending to tie his shoelaces' routine, and then Zhang Kuang quickly completed an assist!"
Rob·Hawthorn laughed loudly, "Zhang Kuang's fake move of 'tying his shoes' is really interesting. When he bent down, the defensive players thought he was slacking off, but when he bounced up, it was like a bolt of lightning. Carrick's through ball was also accurate, and Berba's lob was also very calm."
"This is the tacit understanding of the top teams," Martin said, "Carrick released the ball the moment he saw Zhang Kuang start, Zhang Kuang didn't stop the ball and directly hit it horizontally, and Berba moved in place. The cooperation between the three people was completed in a flash."
Berbatov ran to the corner flag area and made a signature "open hands" celebration gesture. Zhang Kuang and Rooney ran over one after another, and the three of them hugged each other again.
"This frontcourt trident of Manchester United has such a tacit understanding," Rob Hawthorn said with emotion, "Look at the way they work together, Zhang Kuang is responsible for breakthroughs and passing, Rooney is responsible for pulling space, Berba is responsible for running and finishing. Everyone is doing what they are best at, and they completely trust each other."
At the end of the first half, Manchester United leads 2-1.
In the locker room, Ferguson didn't say much, he just patted Zhang Kuang on the shoulder. "That guy did a good job of tying his shoes."
Zhang Kuang smiled, "Carrick passed it well."
Ferguson turned to Berbatov: "That shot was very calm."
Berbatov nodded lazily. "It takes a little effort."
At the end of the intermission, the two sides changed sides and fought again.
In the 54th minute, Manchester United almost expanded the score.
Rafael made a pass from the bottom after breaking through from the right. The ball drew an arc and landed accurately near the small penalty area. Berbatov jumped before the defensive player and hit the goal with a powerful header.
The ball went straight to the lower left corner of the goal. Guaita rushed out, his fingers touched the ball, and the ball changed direction.
"Going in?" He Wei's explanation was filled with confusion.
Berbatov was about to celebrate, but the linesman raised his flag.
"Offside!" the referee whistled, "The goal is invalid!"
Berbatov stood there with his hands on his hips and shook his head helplessly.
"Berbatov is offside," Martin·Tyler said, "Although it is only half a body, it is indeed offside. Valencia's defense line collectively pressed forward at this moment, putting Berba into an offside trap."
Rob·Hawthorn added, "The timing of the offside call was very precise, and Dealbert and Miguel cooperated very well."
The Old Trafford fans booed and then turned to applause, encouraging the players to continue attacking.
In the 58th minute, Park Ji-sung intercepted the ball in the midfield and passed a cross pass to Rooney on the left.
Rooney caught the ball and cut inside, deflected the defender's pressure, and then shot a low shot into the far corner. The ball rolled quickly against the ground and went straight to the lower right corner of the goal.
Guaita flew to save the ball and touched the ball with one palm. The ball changed direction and rolled out of the baseline while grazing the outside of the post.
"Rooney's shot was just a miss!" Martin·Tyler shouted, "Guaita was in good shape today and made several key saves well."
Rooney held his head with a look of regret on his face.
"Rooney wanted to score goals too much today," Rob Hawthorn said. "He scored two goals against the Villa and two against Blackburn. He was in good condition. He also wanted a goal today."
In the 62nd minute, Manchester United continued to attack.
Rafael ran up the right wing at high speed without the ball. After receiving the ball from Carrick, he made a cross pass and sent the ball to the center of the penalty area.
Zhang Kuang caught the ball in the penalty area, faced the double-team defense of Dealbert and Miguel, and started to prepare to shoot.
But Dealbert blocked his shooting path.
Zhang Kuang did not force the shot, but lightly rubbed it with the instep of his outside foot and accidentally passed the ball to the right side of the penalty area.
Rooney happened to appear in that position. He had been running without the ball, looking for an opening. The moment Zhang Kuang's pass was in place, Rooney rushed over and met the ball with a blast.
The ball blasted toward the goal like a cannonball. Guaita jumped out and touched the ball with one palm, but the speed of the ball was too fast and the force was too great. The ball rolled into the net after being released.
3-1!
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!! Rooney!!!" Martin·Tyler shouted, "Manchester United leads 3-1! Zhang Kuang's unexpected pass led to Rooney's goal!"
Rob Hawthorn said with a smile, "Zhang Kuang's pass was very clever. He originally wanted to shoot, but found that the shooting route was blocked, so he rubbed the instep of his outside foot and turned it into a pass. This way of handling is very smart, which shows that his judgment in the penalty area is very calm."
After Rooney scored, he rushed towards Zhang Kuang and jumped on his back. "You passed the ball too badly!"
"I originally wanted to cum," Zhang Kuang smiled, "But when I saw you over there, I just rubbed it."
"That's good, it makes me feel so good, I feel so good that I can take off!" Rooney patted his back hard.
"Bah, if you are so disgusting again, be careful what I tell your family Coleen."
"What are you two doing?"
Berbatov also ran over slowly, and the three of them met again in the corner flag area.
"..."
In the stands, the singing of Manchester United fans overwhelmed the shouts of the away team fans, "Wayne·Rooney! Wayne·Rooney! He is our Hero!"
"Manchester United's trident has all received information tonight," Martin·Tyler said, "Zhang Kuang shot and passed twice, Rooney shot once, and Berba shot once. The three of them teamed up to dominate the game."
In the 65th minute, Valencia almost pulled a goal back.
Isco sent a through ball in the middle, penetrated Manchester United's defense, and found Aduriz in the penalty area. Aduriz faced Amos's attack and pushed the ball.
But Amos struck out in time, blocked the shooting angle from close range, and firmly confiscated the ball.
"Amos!!!!" Old Trafford fans shouted his name in unison.
The young goalkeeper's UEFA Champions League debut performance was qualified.
Although his performance was not perfect in the first goal conceded, his subsequent saves were quite solid.
In the 70th minute, Ferguson made substitution adjustments: Giggs replaced Anderson.
When veteran Giggs stepped onto the turf, Old Trafford burst into applause. Wales, who is about to turn 37, is still running for Manchester United.
Giggs sent a threatening pass shortly after coming on the field.
He cut in from the left wing and pushed across to Rooney outside the penalty area. Rooney met the ball with a heavy long-range shot.
The ball went straight to the upper right corner of the goal. Guaita flew to save it and blocked the ball from the baseline with his fists.
"Rooney's long shot was very violent," Martin·Tyler said, "Guaita's save today was really good. Without him, Valencia might have conceded more goals."
In the 78th minute, Manchester United got a corner kick opportunity.
Giggs took a corner kick and the ball flew to the center of the penalty area. Zhang Kuang jumped high in the crowd and headed the ball towards the goal. His jumping height once again left the defensive players behind.
But Dealbert made a timely clearance on the goal line and pushed the ball over the baseline.
"Zhang Kuang's header was blocked!" Martin·Tyler shouted, "Dealbert's clearance is very critical, otherwise it would have been 4-1."
Zhang Kuang shook his head after landing and gave Giggs a thumbs up, indicating that the corner kick was taken well.
In the 83rd minute, Valencia launched the last threatening attack.
Mata passed the ball from the left, and the ball accurately found Aduriz in the center of the penalty area. Aduriz headed the ball towards the top, but Smalling effectively interfered when taking off, and finally Aduriz headed the ball high.
"Aduriz missed the header a bit," Martin·Tyler said, "Valencia actually played well today, but Manchester United's offensive firepower was too terrifying."
In the 85th minute, Manchester United almost scored another goal.
Fletcher sent a through ball in the midfield and found Berbatov in the penalty area. Berba caught the ball and headed towards the goal, but Miguel came up to interfere and headed the ball wide.
The ball flew crookedly towards the other side of the goal.
Suddenly, Zhang Kuang appeared in that location like a ghost.
The ball bounced right in front of him. Zhang Kuang didn't wait for the ball to hit the ground, and hit the ball with another volley. The ball was extremely fast and flew straight to the near corner of the goal.
But Guaita once again played bravely. Like a goalkeeper, he lifted the ball over the crossbar with one palm.
"Ah!!!" Old Trafford sighed neatly.
Zhang Kuang stood there with his hands on his hips, raised his head and sighed.
"This kick almost caused a world wave," Martin·Tyler said, "But Guaita was in really good shape today. He made several key saves perfectly."
Rob Hawthorn said with a smile, "Guaita saved at least three must-goals in this game. If it weren't for him, the score would definitely be more than 3-1."
The game entered the last few minutes. Manchester United slowed down the pace, and Valencia also knew that there was no hope of equalizing. The two sides spent the stoppage time in tacit understanding.
Finally, the game ended, Manchester United defeated Valencia 3-1 at home.