The moment Zhang Kuang flew back to Manchester from Amman, the first thing he did was to send a group message to his teammates on the Manchester United first team. "Tomorrow night at the hotel where I am staying, I will treat you to Chinese food and drink China beer."
Less than 30 seconds after the message was sent, the reply swiped the screen.
Rooney's first reply, "Chinese food is delicious, but I'm looking forward to China beer more. Is it that kind of beer called 'Tsingtao'?"
Then came Evra: "It would be nice to have wine, but I can only have one bottle. You can't tempt me with more."
Ferdinand: "I originally had plans tomorrow night, but since you said so... I must be there."
Carrick:"What time?"
Pogba: "Received, boss, arrived on time."
"..."
When I returned to Manchester, Zhang Kuang first seized the time to practice. He could neglect anything but not relax in practice. He was a person who loved practice.
Of course, I won't go into too much detail about the update of training resources. Zhang Kuang doesn't have a relationship with training resources, so why waste time introducing them?
After the introduction, there is no follow-up or emotional entanglement, so what's the point of letting the cultivation resources show up?
The next morning, he came to Carrington Training Ground refreshed and met some reporters who wanted to get some news from him.
In fact, there is no good news to talk about. The reporters dug for a long time and found nothing really meaningful.
After returning to the base, everyone first exchanged greetings in the locker room, and then lined up to have their bodies and injuries checked to see if this trip to the national team had caused any physical damage to everyone.
Berbatov detected that he was overtired and unfit to play. Of course, he could play reluctantly.
In addition, Park Ji-sung cannot play, so Premier League in the fourth round cannot go.
Of course, there are still a few people who have more or less minor problems, but no major problems.
Zhang Kuang is the most powerful and has very strong physical indicators.
After the physical examination, I performed about two hours of restorative training in the afternoon, which was very light intensity.
In the evening, the teammates followed Zhang Kuang to the base camp of DoubleTree by Hilton Swinton, Zhang Kuang. The chefs here have learned a lot of Chinese food recipes from Zhang Kuang, and now their cooking is becoming more and more authentic.
Of course, there are also some ingredients and gifts brought back by Zhang Kuang this time, which were prepared by the agency.
At seven o'clock in the evening, teammates began to arrive one after another, and the living room quickly became lively.
Rooney slumped down on the sofa, grabbed a shrimp dumpling and stuffed it into his mouth. "Tsk, this is more delicious than what I had at Hong Kong. The chefs here are really taught by you Zhang."
"Which restaurant did you eat at Hong Kong?" Zhang Kuang handed him a can of beer.
"Forgot, it's the ones in the tourist area anyway, the taste is average." Rooney shrugged, "The shrimp meat is not so tender and refreshing, and the dumpling skin is not so elastic... Well, it's delicious!"
Evra came over with a plate of salt and pepper pork ribs and said something to Pogba in French. Pogba smiled and shook his head in reply.
Zhang Kuang can speak French and heard that they were talking about the national team competition.
"Tell me what you did in the national team?" Zhang Kuang poured himself a glass of water.
Pogba: "I can't compare with you. You beat others 7:0 at Jordan's home court."
Ferdinand chewed Ushikawa and said vaguely, "I watched the interview after the game. You said that although Jordan lost 7 goals, they are a strong team?"
He deliberately prolonged the word "strong team" with a teasing look in his eyes.
"A strong team that lost 0-7?" Rooney laughed out loud, "Zhang, you are really good at talking."
"This is called a pattern." Zhang Kuang said confidently, "I have fifteen shots and seven shots on target. I really have the ability to attack."
"You call that offensive ability?" Carrick shook his head while holding a teacup, "If you hadn't let them out to fight, would they have been able to shoot fifteen shots?"
"Did you also read the commentary?"
"Many people have read it, and the analysis by China commentator named Xu has gone viral on the Internet." Evra raised the phone, "France has also been forwarded by the media here, saying that Manchester United forward can not only score goals but also set traps."
"It's nonsense. How can I be that great? I'm just a player. The great one is our coach France. He formulated the tactics."
"But it was you who came up with the bad idea, right?"
"Hey, hey, what is a bad idea? Is this a bad idea?"
"What's the good thing? You deceive others into going to war, and then you go and cause trouble in their homes, take away all their money, leave their women untouched, and take a toll on their dignity, and in the end you praise them as a strong team?"
"Haha..."
Pogba was sitting quietly on the sofa, with a plate of shrimp dumplings in front of him.
He didn't eat much and spent more time listening to everyone talking.
Zhang Kuang noticed this detail and took the initiative to throw the topic to him. "Paul, what about you? How about France U21?"
Pogba raised his head with the shyness of a young man on his face. "Two friendly matches, one win and one draw. The coach asked me to play for 90 minutes and 75 minutes, and I felt pretty good."
His English has a strong France accent and his speaking speed is not fast but very clear.
"It's just U21." Rooney patted him on the shoulder carelessly, "You're about to start in Premier League, Pogba."
Pogba's eyes lit up, but he didn't overreact. "Wayne, how did you know? The coach just told me this afternoon. I was a little nervous about Bolton letting me start."
"It's okay, there will always be a first time." Ferdinand put down his chopsticks and said seriously, "We were also nervous when we first started the game. We forgot about it after taking two steps on the field.
Just remember one thing: when attacking, pass the ball to Zhang Kuang, he can help you get assists. When defending, pass the ball to your teammates, don't pass it wrong. In addition, don't lose the ball. As for grabbing the ball, don't try easily, because if you can't grab the ball, you will lose your position.
However, as long as you pass the threatening ball and don't lose the ball when it reaches your feet, I think this first start will be successful."
"Hey!" Zhang Kuang protested, "I can't catch every ball."
"You are indeed not." Evra smiled, "You only catch the ball that can promote the offense. You don't catch the ball that makes you back and forth."
The living room burst into laughter.
Rooney picked up the beer. "Here, let's drink to Zhang Kuang's fifth son's success!"
"Scoring five goals is worthy of respect." Carrick picked up the tea cup, "I don't want to be teammates with someone who can score five goals every week."
"Haha..."
The atmosphere was very relaxed, and the topic shifted from the national team to the club, and from the club's training intensity to preparations for Bolton.
"I heard that Coyle is going to send Kevin Davis to hit our defender?" Evra frowned, "That guy hits someone like he's hitting a wall."
"Lao Fei can handle it." Zhang Kuang pointed at him, "Lao Fei had a head-to-head confrontation with Drogba before."
Ferdinand snorted, "Drogba has retreated, so Kevin·Davis is nothing. But you, Zhang Kuang, are facing Paul·Robinson from the left. He is very tricky."
"Black?" Zhang Kuang raised the corner of his mouth, "No matter how dark or hard you are, can you be tougher than me? First, if you have passed the test of more than four women, and you can still be tough, then you can compete with me."
"Haha... no one can compete with you!"
"Don't talk about it. You said that I am always enviable." Rooney put the last piece of barbecued pork into his mouth, "Okay, okay, don't be late for training tomorrow. If the boss knows that I am drinking and eating meat at your house at night, he will have to train people tomorrow."
"What you drank was beer." Zhang Kuang corrected him.
Rooney stood up and stretched. "The boss can't tell the difference between beer and juice. They are both liquids anyway."
"Ha, come on, come on, come on, have another bottle, no one can say no to it..."
"Ah, damn it, don't tempt me, I can't resist temptation..."
Everyone was laughing and playing until after nine o'clock in the evening, and then everyone dispersed.
After seeing off all his teammates, Zhang Kuang stood at the door and watched as their car taillights disappeared into the night.
Manchester The autumn night was slightly cool. He took a deep breath and turned back to the house.
--
On September 9th, Ferguson drove to University of Bolton Stadium in Bolton City to participate in the pre-match press conference. Tomorrow they will challenge Bolton Wanderers Team away from home.
At the release meeting, Ferguson said, "Bolton's home court has always been very difficult to play, and the intensity of physical confrontation is very high. Kevin Davis's impact will cause trouble for our defense.
But we are the league leaders, no matter how difficult the competition is, we have to win, and we have to win beautifully, otherwise others will think we are no longer good, so this is the trouble of being the king."
Ferguson is very Versailles, making many reporters smile knowingly.
Reporter: "Jazz, I heard that several key players in the Manchester United team are injured. Will it affect their performance tomorrow?"
Ferguson: "Yes, our captain Vidić, our center Berbatov, and our South Korea midfielder Park Ji-sung are all suffering from injuries, but the problems are not major. There is still a possibility of playing. Whether he will play tomorrow or not, everyone will know tomorrow."
Reporter: "Where are Chinese Zhang and Zhang Kuang? Is he injured?"
Ferguson: "He is as strong as a calf. You don't have to worry about him. He can challenge four people in one night with ease."
"Haha..."
Bolton head coach Owen·Coyle said, "Reebok Stadium should be our strongest fortress. Manchester United is the top team in the league, but this does not mean that we will sit still and wait for death.
We need to use physical confrontation and high-position pressing to disrupt their passing. Cahill and Knight's central defenders must lock Zhang Kuang, and at the same time focus on his inward long shots from the left.
We must try our best to score points, even if we are playing against Manchester United, we still have the opportunity to create a threat."
"Manchester Evening News": Red Devils expedition Reebok, China Can superstar Zhang Kuang continue his high scoring efficiency in a single game?
"The Bolton News": Reebok Stadium faces a powerful enemy, can Bolton Wanderers stop the world's top shooter?
"..."
Some newspapers and media reports were quite satisfactory and nothing special.
On the evening of September 10th, Reebok Stadium.
Team Manchester United took the bus directly from Carrington Training Ground. After all, the distance is only 23 kilometers, and the drive only takes about half an hour.
The players all shrank their necks after getting off the car. The autumn wind in Bolton was drier and colder than that in Carrington 23 kilometers away?
The twilight filtered through the gaps in the stadium roof, dyeing the emerald green turf a calm dark green.
The home fans' white and blue scarves were connected in the stands, but the number was significantly less than expected: the "iron barrel atmosphere" predicted by the media before the game did not fully materialize. Perhaps Bolton's lack of victory in the first three rounds dampened the enthusiasm of the fans.
But Manchester United's away fans stand was full.
More than 3,000 Red Devils die-hards filled that corner of the stands, with banners, flags, and scarves, and the red looked like a burning patch in the sea of white.
The most eye-catching thing is the long banner in the center: 'Zhang Kuang, Manchester United's Eastern Blade'. The font is handwritten, crooked but full of momentum.
The moment Sky Sports's broadcast signal entered the live broadcast room, the steady voice of Martin·Tyler resounded throughout the UK:
"Good afternoon, all fans and friends, welcome to Reebok Stadium. This is the fourth round of the 2011-12 season Premier League League, Bolton plays against Manchester United at home.
My name is Martin·Tyler, and the commentator with me today is Gary·Neville."
The voice of Neville followed closely. "Hello everyone, another weekend afternoon, another Manchester United game. I think everyone is like me, waiting to see one thing: How many more Zhang Kuang can enter?
He scored five goals in a single game for the national team last week and eight goals in two games. Then Manchester United fans will ask, do you also have to score five goals when you return to the club?"
Martin chuckled, "The expectation of five goals is still a bit high, but if he can score in every game like he did in the first three rounds, Manchester United fans should chuckle.
We just got the starting list. The biggest news before today's game is Pogba. The 18-year-old and 5-month-old France boy has entered the starting list. This is the first time in his career that he has started in the Premier League league."
"A very bold decision, but this is very Ferguson." Neville said with scrutiny in his tone, "Sir Ferguson placed Pogba on the left side of the midfield in the four-three-three formation, partnering with Carrick and Cleverley.
I must say that the average age of this midfielder is very young: Carrick 30 years old, Cleverley 22 years old, Pogba 18 years old, but the creativity is very abundant."
"Where is Bolton?"
Neville read to the starting list on the screen, "Coyle ranked 442, goalkeeper Jääskeläinen, defense line Boyata, Cahill, Knight, Robinson.
Midfielders Eagles, Mark Davis, Reo-Coker, Petrov, double forwards Kevin Davis and Klasnić.
A typical British physical style of play, Kevin Davis's collision in the frontcourt is their regular weapon."
Martin asked, "Have you ever played against Kevin Davis when you were playing football?"
"Twice." Neville said in a delicate tone, "The first time he knocked me to the ground and I lay on the ground for half a minute. The second time I took off early to push the ball away, but when he landed, his elbow still hit my chin.
He is a very difficult opponent, not because of his good skills, but because of the intensity of the physical confrontation that makes it impossible for you to play comfortably."
Martin: "Then Manchester United's defense must be ready today."
Neville: "Ferdinand and Evans should be fine. The problem is on the wing. Bolton crosses the ball very frequently. If Klasnić and Kevin Davis are allowed to grab the ball in the penalty area, De Gea will face a lot of pressure."
Martin: "Okay, let's take a look at Manchester United's starting lineup. The goalkeeper is: No. 1 De Gea, and the defenders are: No. 4 Phil·Jones, No. 5 Ferdinand, No. 6 Evans, No. 3 Evra, and captain Vidić are not on the roster, indicating that they have minor injuries and need to rest.
The midfielders are: No. 23 Cleverley, No. 16 Carrick, and No. 42 Pogba. The frontcourt trident is: No. 33 Zhang Kuang, No. 14 Hernández, and No. 10 Rooney. On the bench..."
At the same time, in the broadcast signal of China CCTV, the voice of He Wei was echoing in the live broadcast room:
"Good evening, all viewers! Welcome to the focus of the fourth round of the 2011-12 season England Football Premier League. Bolton takes charge of Reebok Stadium to face the leader Manchester United. My name is He Wei, and the one who is commentating with me today is Director Zhang Lu."
Zhang Lu cleared his throat. "Hello, audience friends, there are several highlights of this game. The first is that Manchester United has two young players in the midfield. I don't know how they performed.
The second one is of course Zhang Kuang. Whether his five-member success in Hong Kong Team can be continued to the club, these are two things to watch."
He Wei: "Does Director Zhang think Zhang Kuang can still score today?"
"You have to ask how many people can get in!" Zhang Lu laughed out loud, "His condition is not like that of a normal person, he can't guard against it.
Bolton's full-back Robinson was not fast before, but now he is old. Zhang Kuang basically crushed him against him."
He Wei also laughed, "Then how can Bolton restrict Zhang Kuang?"
"It can't be restricted, even so many strong teams can't be restricted, let alone Bolton." Zhang Lu said truthfully, "We can only pray or use foul tactics. Robinson is very dirty, Kevin·Davis will also return to defense to cover the wing and use his body to push Zhang Kuang out.
But look at the first three rounds of Premier League, whose body was Zhang Kuang afraid of? Chelsea's Ivanović couldn't hit him."
He Wei: "Director Zhang spoke very highly of Zhang Kuang."
Zhang Lu: "Hey, I'm just seeking truth from facts."
--
In the players tunnel, the two teams of players lined up, holding the ball boys, preparing to enter the stadium.
The referee Andre Marriner stood at the front of the team, lowered his head to check the timer and whistle, then turned around and glanced at the two teams to confirm that the entry order was correct. Then he walked forward without saying a word, walked to the ball position at the exit, picked up the ball and walked into the field.
The pre-match ceremony: shaking hands, guessing coins with the captain, and taking photos, all completed step by step.
Bolton Captain Kevin Davis lost the coin guess, Manchester United kicked off first.
The temperature on the field is 16°C, the turf is slightly moist due to the afternoon watering, and the air is filled with the fresh smell of grass clippings and soil.
Zhang Kuang stood near the center circle, put his hands on his hips, and glanced at the opposite defense line of Bolton.
Cahill was staring at him, his eyes like a beast ready to pounce.
Zhang Kuang looked at him for two seconds, then looked away.
But that's it.
"Beep!"
The whistle of Marriner pierced the sky above Reebok Stadium, and the fourth round of Premier League officially started.
He Wei: "China Central Television, China Central Television, dear viewers, welcome to watch the fourth round of the 2011-12 season England Premier League where Bolton Wanderers plays against the Manchester United team at home..."