At the beginning of the second half, West Brom took the lead in launching a fierce attack.
In the 49th minute, Scharner intercepted Anderson's cross pass in the middle and quickly separated. Brunt took the ball from the left and hoisted it into the penalty area.
He Wei: "Manchester United's midfielder needs someone with defensive ability. Although Park Ji-sung is an iron lung, he is old, and Cleverley is a newly returned youth training player, and he is not getting along well with the first team. And Anderson is better at offense than defense, and his ability to carry the ball forward is even more outstanding..."
Shane·Lang forced Smalling to header the ball back. Morrison met the ball at the top of the penalty area and volleyed. De Gea flew to save the ball from the baseline.
"West Brom's offensive momentum is very strong," Martin·Tyler said, "Hodgson obviously made effective adjustments during the halftime break."
Neville: "De Gea's save is very crucial. If the goal is scored and the score is equalized, Manchester United's pressure will be much greater. The young goalkeeper can make such a critical save, which is very helpful for his confidence."
At the same time, Manchester United's midfielder should not have given West Brom such an opportunity. It gave Manchester United's midfielder too many opportunities to a mid-to-lower team."
Martin: "Perhaps Manchester United's midfield combination needs to be further refined and practiced."
After the corner kick was taken, Olsson's header went over the crossbar.
Next, Manchester United's defense made no mistakes during this period. Ferdinand and Vidić blocked Shane Lang's two shots. Smalling also successfully blocked Brunt's breakthrough on the wing.
In the 53rd minute, Manchester United stole the ball in the backcourt.
Vidić intercepted Morrison's through ball at the front of the penalty area and passed it to Park Ji-sung with a short kick.
South Korea didn't stop the ball and directly hit Smalling on the right side. Smalling looked up and saw a red figure starting up on the grass in front of him.
Zhang Kuang started to accelerate from his own half and sprinted at full speed along the left side of the center.
Reid followed him and put his hands on his waist, trying to interfere with his running rhythm, but Zhang Kuang's speed was too fast. Reid's hands changed from holding them to pulling them, and finally to grabbing the corners of the jersey. He was almost dragging Zhang Kuang forward.
Cleverley's pass arrived in time, a long overhead pass, and the ball flew to the gap behind West Brom's defense.
Zhang Kuang raised his head while running to judge the landing point. The pull of Reid caused him to lose a little balance, but his core strength allowed him to stabilize his body.
He stretched out his right foot and pushed the ball forward. After landing, he did not slow down and continued to advance.
Foster strikes out.
The moment Zhang Kuang caught the ball, he had already abandoned the goal and pounced on Zhang Kuang who was approaching the penalty area.
This is a gambling attack. If the ball cannot be intercepted, the goal will be empty.
If it's broken, it's a great save.
Maybe Foster forgot the skills of Zhang Kuang and Pendulum, so he was so bold.
Zhang Kuang saw Foster's attack. He did not rush to shoot, but stood in front of Foster and his whole body began to shake.
The two feet were also scratching there, making Foster unable to tell the direction of Zhang Kuang. Finally, Zhang Kuang used his right foot to gently move the ball to the front and right. It was not a large change of direction, but an extremely precise fine-tuning, which caused the ball's trajectory to shift by about half a meter.
The direction of Foster's attack was to the left, and he predicted that Zhang Kuang would continue to advance in a straight line or change direction to the left.
But the ball went to the right, and his center of gravity had been pushed out, unable to recover, and he fell to the ground.
At this point, Foster regretted it. He was deceived by the few balls he saved, thinking that he could save all Zhang Kuang's balls.
Reappearance Pendulum, Zhang Kuang passed the goalkeeper.
Zhang Kuang passed by the left side of Foster, and an empty goal opened in front of him.
He didn't need to adjust anymore, he pushed the ball with his left foot and the ball rolled into the empty net.
1:3.
The Hawthorns's home fans fell silent.
The red wave in the visiting team's stands surged again, and the cheers were overwhelming.
Zhang Kuang did not make any major celebrations. He ran towards the visiting team's stand, pointed his hands to the sky, and then tapped the number on his chest with his index finger.
Rooney and Hernández ran over and hugged him, and the three of them stood in a row in the corner flag area.
Martin·Tyler's voice rose again. "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Zhang Kuang scored twice! A textbook counterattack to score! Zhang Kuang used Pendulum to pass Foster and then hit the empty goal. Manchester United led 3 to 1!"
Neville applauded. "The key to this goal lies in the way Zhang Kuang handled it. He still completed a high-quality stop even though he was being pulled by Reid, and then when faced with the attacking goalkeeper, he used Pendulum to pass the goalkeeper and score an empty goal."
He Wei: "It's in, it's in, the ball is in, Zhang Kuang scored again shortly after the start of the second half, and it was another goal that passed the goalkeeper through Pendulum's action and hit the empty net."
This Ronaldo's signature move, currently only Zhang Kuang in global football can use it continuously, and he can use it to perfection. Haha, it's really pleasing to the eye."
Xu Yang: "Yes, this goal is another very artistic goal. I hope Foster is fine and did not sprain his waist."
He Wei: "Now that Manchester United has regained the two-goal advantage, West Brom's newly ignited hope of equalizing has been extinguished. In this game, the balance has seriously tilted towards Manchester United."
On the Hawthorns, the players of West Brom looked at each other. Xiao
En Long stood in the center circle with his hands on his hips, looked at Zhang Kuang's back, and shook his head. He felt a sense of powerlessness from this opponent. No matter how he defended, he could always find a way to score.
Ferguson stood on the sidelines with his hands in his pockets and a smile on his lips.
Hodgson stood on the sidelines, frowning.
He turned and walked to the bench, said a few words to Jara, and the latter started to warm up.
In the 61st minute, West Brom tried to attack again.
Brunt made two consecutive passes from the left, both of which were rescued by Ferdinand and Smalling.
Smalling's header clearance in the penalty area beat Shane Lang, showing his growth as a young central defender.
"Smalling performed well today," Martin commented, "He didn't suffer much in the confrontation with Shane·Lang."
Neville: "This is why Ferguson dares to let Smalling start this season. He accumulated a lot of experience at the right back position last season, and now he is more comfortable returning to the center back position."
In the 68th minute, Ferguson made the first substitution adjustment.
Evans replaced Vidić. When the captain Serbia came off the field, all Manchester United fans applauded him.
Vidić patted Evans on the shoulder. "Hold on, don't give them a chance."
In the 72nd minute, Zhang Kuang received a cross pass from Park Ji-sung near the midfield and began to dribble the ball forward.
Scharner and Mulumbu moved towards him at the same time, trying to double-team him and force him to play the ball.
But Zhang Kuang's dribbling rhythm made it impossible for both of them to judge his next step. He was sometimes fast and sometimes slow, and the pace of each step was changing, making it impossible to predict which side he was going to go.
Scharner tackled the ball first, Zhang Kuang moved the ball to the right at the critical moment, and the player followed and got out of the way.
Mulumbu rushed up from the side to defend, and Zhang Kuang used his left shoulder to hold his body to fight. The moment the two collided, Zhang Kuang quickly retracted his strength for fear of damaging him.
Zhang Kuang's body didn't even sway, but Mulumbu was bounced a big step away and almost fell down.
Neville: "Ah? Do you want to fight physically with Zhang Kuang? Everyone has seen it last season, do you still need to fight for it?"
After Zhang Kuang broke through, West Brom's defense line was forced to shrink.
The three defenders all moved closer to the center, trying to block Zhang Kuang's advancing route, but this also meant that the right wing was completely empty.
Zhang Kuang saw it.
He pushed lightly with the outside of his right foot before the ball was double-teamed, and the ball passed between Olsson's legs and accurately rolled to the right.
Rooney caught the ball on the open grass, faced Foster alone, calmly pushed the ball into the far corner, and the ball hit the net.
1:4.
After Rooney scored, he ran towards Zhang Kuang, and the two high-fived each other.
Hernández and Cleverley also ran over, and several people formed a circle.
Manchester United's offensive trident, three people scored goals today: Zhang Kuang scored two goals, Hernández scored one goal, and Rooney scored one goal.
The visiting team's stands went completely crazy.
Manchester United fans started singing "Song of Zhang Kuang", which was a song composed by the fans themselves, with simple but catchy lyrics.
Fans shouted into the mobile phone camera, "Trident! All three people scored! This is our Manchester United offense!"
He Wei: "It's in, it's in, the ball is in, Rooney's goal! Zhang Kuang's assist! Zhang Kuang has already contributed two goals and two assists in this game, and was directly involved in all four goals. This performance has completely dominated the Hawthorns."
Xu Yang: "This assist reflects Zhang Kuang's football intelligence more than the previous one. In the case of double-teaming, he did not blindly break through and perform individually, but keenly sensed the gap on the right.
Not every forward has this kind of overall view, usually only the playmaker has this kind of vision."
Martin·Tyler: "1:4, this game has lost its suspense. Just watching the game, I feel that West Brom and Manchester United played back and forth, and West Brom also threatened the ball many times.
But looking at the score, it was 1:4, and West Brom was completely beaten. Zhang Kuang's data today was two goals and two assists, which was also a qualified level in his performance last season.
West Brom's players seem to have low morale now, and it will be difficult for them to save the situation."
Neville: "Don't forget, Zhang Kuang also has two saved goals and a crossbar. If he is lucky today, he may score four or five. But even so, the score of two goals and two assists is shocking enough."
Hodgson called Jara and Cox from the sideline to let them warm up.
The score was already 1:4, and he needed to make adjustments to at least prevent the score from expanding.
In the 74th minute, Ferguson adjusted again.
Berbatov replaced Hernández. The audience applauded when Hernández came off the field. Little Pea scored a goal today and his performance was recognized.
In the 81st minute, West Brom's substitute Cox got a long shot opportunity.
He received a cross pass from Morrison on the outside of the penalty area, started to volley, and De Gea flew to lift the ball out of the baseline. The Spain goalkeeper quickly stood up after landing, patted his gloves, and showed a calm expression.
"De Gea's performance today was very solid," Martin said. "Although he conceded one goal, the ball was a deflection ball and he had little responsibility. At other times, his saves, positioning, and attacks were handled very reasonably."
Neville: "He doesn't look like a twenty-year-old at all. To be able to maintain such composure in Premier League's debut, Ferguson made the right deal."
In the 88th minute, Manchester United continued to control the game.
Giggs replaced Cleverley, and Manchester United's midfield control was further strengthened. After the veteran Wales came on, he made two consecutive cross passes, moving West Brom's defense line from left to right, consuming the opponent's physical energy and will.
Berbatov had a chance to shoot in the penalty area in the 89th minute.
Zhang Kuang broke through from the left and passed in. The Bulgarian outflanked the front point and headed the ball towards the goal. The ball was slightly higher than the crossbar.
Berbatov glanced at Zhang Kuang after landing, and Zhang Kuang gave him a thumbs up. "I'll come in next time."
Four minutes of stoppage time. West Brom was still trying to attack in the final stage, but Manchester United's defense did not give any chance.
In the third minute of stoppage time, Zhang Kuang intercepted Morrison's through ball in the midfield and directly passed the ball to Rooney. The latter's shot from the front of the penalty area was saved by Foster.
Foster made his last save of the game, and it was also the most calm he showed against Zhang Kuang and his teammates.
The final whistle blows.
The final score was displayed on the big screen of the Hawthorns: West Bromwich 1 vs. 4 Manchester United.
The moment the whistle sounded, Manchester United fans in the visiting team's stands burst into cheers for the last time.
Red flags, singing, applause, all kinds of sounds mixed together, echoing in the sky above the Hawthorns.
In Sky Sports's live broadcast room, Martin·Tyler was summarizing after the game. "A wonderful game, Manchester United defeated West Brom 4 to 1 and got a good start to the new season. Zhang
Scored two goals and two assists, directly participated in all the goals, and was undoubtedly the best player in the game."
Neville: "The significance of this victory is more than just three points. Manchester United's newcomers in the midfield and backcourt have successfully adjusted together, and the front three have scored goals."
De Gea performed calmly in Premier League's debut. Although there was a little chaos in the midfield, this can be adjusted through more games."
Martin: "Community Shield won the championship and won the first round of the league. Manchester United's new season started very smoothly. Gary, what are your expectations for this team this season?"
Neville: "I remain cautiously optimistic. Their offensive firepower is at the top of the league. As long as they stay healthy, they have the ability to compete for every championship."
In CCTV's live broadcast room, He Wei and Xu Yang were also making post-match comments.
He Wei: "The final score Manchester United 4 vs. 1 West Brom. Zhang Kuang scored two goals and provided two assists, which perfectly explained what an offensive core is.
His pulling in the midfield, breakthroughs on the wings, and finishing in the frontcourt, every aspect showed top quality."
Xu Yang: "I think what's more worth mentioning is Zhang Kuang's mentality. Today he obviously had two must-goal goals saved, as well as a crossbar. An ordinary player might have mood swings, which would affect his subsequent performance.
But you see that he is completely unaffected. He breaks through when he should, pass the ball when he should, and shoot when he should. This kind of psychological quality is the scariest thing about him."
He Wei: "You're right, technique, speed, and strength can all be practiced, but calmness and confidence on the court are often innate.
Well, thank you all for watching the live broadcast of this game, and we will see you in the next game."
Zhang Kuang won the best player of the game and was interviewed in the comprehensive area.
Reporter: "Zhang, congratulations on winning the best player of the game. What do you have to say and what is your evaluation of this game?"
Zhang Kuang: "I think the best player of the game should be awarded to Foster or De Gea. They two deserve this award more than me."
Reporter: "Ah? Why?"
Zhang Kuang: "Because Foster performed outstandingly today, I almost thought that my shooting was no longer sharp, and I had been suppressed by Foster. Therefore, although he conceded 4 goals, his performance was worthy of the best.
As for De Gea, needless to say, a goalkeeper who only transferred to Manchester United at the age of 20 performed very well today, so awarding him the best award is the best recognition for him."
Reporter: "You... do you know that last time you praised Čech for conceding 5 goals but he performed well, which made Čech very angry.
Now you praise Foster for conceding 4 goals for his good performance. Aren't you afraid that Foster will have the same reaction as Čech and accuse you of insult or discrimination?"
Zhang Kuang waved his hand quickly. "Oh, no, no, no, that's not the case. I really admire their performance. It's not some so-called insult or discrimination."
"..."
After Zhang Kuang finished the interview, a reporter went to Foster and told him what Zhang Kuang praised him.
Foster exploded on the spot.
Foster: "China guy bullies others, he bullies me, he insults me, it's too much, it's too much, it's too much."
"..."
Ferguson spoke about this game at the post-match press conference, "This is a perfect start to the season! The running-in effect of the new 433 tactical system exceeded expectations, and the linkage of the front three is top-notch.
Zhang Kuang's performance was impeccable, with two goals and two assists. He perfectly assumed the core responsibilities of the team's tactics. His speed, breakthrough and overall view are the keys to our victory.
Hernández and Rooney also performed their respective duties and flourished more on the offensive end. The team was in excellent overall condition. Although the opponent scored a wonderful counterattack goal, our control was dominant from beginning to end.
Of course, we adopted a new combination in the midfield and backcourt, and then there were some lags, but this is a normal situation, and it will be fine after we gradually adjust it. In the coming seasons, we will hit higher goals."
Hodgson's post-match press conference said, "We played our own rhythm, and Shane Long's goal proved the team's offensive ability.
But Manchester United's overall strength and tactical execution are far better than ours, especially the young player Zhang Kuang. Our defensive players were completely unable to limit his performance. His personal ability destroyed our defense.
The players tried their best, but the strength gap exists objectively. We will summarize the mistakes in this game, adjust the state, and prepare for the subsequent league games."
"BBC Sport": "Red Devils's new team is a god! Zhang Kuang dominates the game with 2 goals and 2 assists, Manchester United wins 4-1 and gets a good start"
"The Mirror": "The Trident is in full bloom, Manchester United is on full fire in the new season"
"The Guardian": "The Hawthorns has no suspense! Zhang Kuang dominates the wing, and the defending champion easily gets his first victory"
"Sky Sports": "Zhang Kuang: Although Foster conceded four goals, he saved many of my shots. He should be the best in the game!"
"The Sun": "Chinese Zhang insulted me, I conceded four goals, and he said I was the best in the game!"
"..."