The troubled world cannot stop Zhang Kuang.
On January 11, he returned to Carrington Training Ground.
Reporters blocked the entrance of the base and aimed their guns and cannons at him, but Zhang Kuang just smiled and said hello, and then disappeared behind the iron gate of the training ground.
Ferguson called Zhang Kuang to the office before training.
"Have you read all the reports in the media yesterday?"
Zhang Kuang nodded. "Look, there are both good and bad things."
"How do you feel?"
Zhang Kuang shrugged. "Boss, I play to win, not to make them all like me. Whether they like it or not, I can score goals."
Ferguson stared at him for a few seconds, then laughed, "Good boy, do you know what I like most about you? You never need me to comfort you. Go ahead and get ready for training."
When Zhang Kuang walked out of the office, Ferguson added, "By the way, the upcoming schedule is very tight, and I will rotate you in some games."
"It's up to you." Zhang Kuang waved his hand without looking back.
In fact, Zhang Kuang wanted to avoid being interviewed by the media, but he couldn't completely do it. When he left after training, some reporters still wanted to hear his side of the story.
Reporter: "Zhang, just answer one question, one."
Zhang Kuang was also speechless before getting in the car. He made a 'question' gesture.
Reporter: "Many media outlets are criticizing you for promoting politics and saying that you shouldn't speak like this. What do you say to such criticism?"
Zhang Kuang: "I don't understand what politics is. I just speak like this based on my understanding of some cultures. Of course, I know that some of what I say will be controversial.
However, just because of this, shouldn't the West be more grateful to me? Copernicus proposed the 'heliocentric theory', which promoted the development of Western astronomy?
Darwin proposed the 'theory of evolution', which promoted the development of Western biology and anthropology research? Wegener proposed the 'continental drift theory', which promoted the development of geographical research?
There are many developments in science and technology. If you look through history, you will find that every development of culture, science and technology was driven by people who raised objections.
This is the driving force behind the development of civilization. Without dissent, there will be no progress. Therefore, I just expressed different cultures and told you that the West should not always view the world through Western narratives. This is supposed to provide impetus for cultural development. Everyone should thank me, why do you criticize me?"
Reporter: "... Zhang, are you always so good at finding reasons?"
Zhang Kuang: "I'm not looking for reasons, but I'm asking you, is this the truth? If expressing the facts is also a mistake, then this society has been covered up by false lies and will no longer make progress.
Indeed, the truth and honest truth will be difficult for some people who live in illusion to accept, just like it is difficult for me to accept people who criticize me objectively.
But if I keep avoiding criticism from others, then I will not make progress. I can choose not to listen to the truth and oppose those who tell the truth. This is my freedom, but I am also opposing progress."
Reporter: "... So, you are criticizing those who criticize you?"
Zhang Kuang: "I didn't mean to criticize, I just told the facts. There are some conservatives who believe that the West is extremely powerful now. They refuse progress, and they even refuse to be advanced. To be advanced is to listen to different voices.
They are too sensitive and not confident at all. I just said China that culture and spirit are different from God, and they felt offended.
There are only 2 billion people who believe in God in this world. The other 5 billion cannot express their beliefs? Others express their beliefs and compare them. This is to learn from each other.
Why can't some people accept it? Back then, religion couldn't accept science, let alone the diversion of power. Exclusion can't make progress. Hundreds of years ago, the West learned a lot of Great Ming's technology. At that time, were they faced with Great Ming's culture and technology?"
Reporter: "..."
Zhang Kuang's words are still causing controversy, but more people have come forward to support Zhang Kuang. They agree that "exclusion cannot promote development." Many Western scholars have come forward to confirm how much technology the West learned from Great Ming.
I won't go into details about these one by one.
--
On January 14th, Premier League played in the 21st round, Old Trafford, Manchester United played against Bolton at home.
Before the game, a huge TIFO was displayed in the north stand of Old Trafford: a cartoon image of Zhang Kuang holding Ballon d'Or, with the text: 'The King of Europe, from Manchester.' (The King of Football, from Manchester.)
Ferguson rotated Giggs and Ferdinand, Cleverley and Smalling into the starting lineup.
Bolton ranked at the bottom and had almost no resistance against the powerful Manchester United.
The game entered a one-sided situation from the beginning.
In the 12th minute, Zhang Kuang opened the scoring.
He received Ashley Young's through ball on the left side of the penalty area, made a fake move to shake off the defender and then shot from a small angle. The ball went straight into the near corner and into the net. 1:0.
In the 29th minute, Zhang Kuang scored twice.
This time it was a long shot from outside the penalty area. The ball flew into the lower right corner of the goal against the turf. Goalkeeper Bogdán had no reaction at all. 2:0.
In the 41st minute, Rooney expanded the score.
Hernández was brought down in the penalty area and the referee awarded a penalty kick.
Rooney Achieve it in one go.3:0.
In the 58th minute, Hernández also scored.
Zhang Kuang made a low pass after breaking through from the left, and Hernández scored with a shovel shot. 4:0.
The final score was 4:0, Manchester United defeated Bolton at home.
After the game, Zhang Kuang was asked in an interview how he felt after Ballon d'Or. He briefly replied, "It is a thing of the past. Now I need to continue to score goals and continue to win for Manchester United."
On January 22, in the 22nd round, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, and Manchester United challenged Arsenal away from home.
This is the focus of this round of Premier League.
Arsenal has gradually regained his form this season under the leadership of Wenger. Van Persie is in hot form and has scored 22 goals in all competitions.
The media created a buzz before the game. "Can Van Persie compete with Zhang Kuang in shooting? Can Van Persie prove himself in this game?"
Emirates Stadium's 60,000 fans created an astonishing momentum. Every time Zhang Kuang got the ball, the whole audience burst into loud boos. Arsenal fans knew that he was the biggest threat.
But Zhang Kuang has always been immune to this kind of environment.
In the 18th minute, Zhang Kuang broke the deadlock.
Carrick sent a diagonal pass after stealing the ball in the midfield. Zhang Kuang received the ball diagonally from the left. Facing the defense of Koscielny in the penalty area, he changed his angle twice in a row and shot low with his left foot into the far corner. 1:0.
Emirates Stadium was instantly quiet.
In the 37th minute, Zhang Kuang scored twice.
Giggs took a corner kick, Zhang Kuang beat Mertesacker with a header from behind, and the ball hit the ground and bounced into the net. Szczęsny had nothing to do. 2:0.
In the 44th minute, Rooney received a cross from Ashley Young at the top of the penalty area and pushed the goal. 3:0.
In the second half, Arsenal tried to counterattack.
In the 58th minute, Van Persie finally got a goal back. He received a pass from Walcott on the left side of the penalty area and then turned and volleyed. The ball hit the far corner. De Gea flew to save but was out of reach. 1:3.
In the 71st minute, Ashley Young's long shot killed the suspense of the game.
He responded by receiving Zhang Kuang from outside the penalty area and shot a curved ball into the far corner. The ball bypassed the defensive player and flew into the net. 4:1.
The final score was 4:1, Manchester United defeated Arsenal in the away game.
After the game, the title of "Daily Mail" was. "Mr. Ballon d'Or crushed Gunners, Zhang Kuang shot two and passed to tell Van Persie: The first shooter is here."
Wenger admitted at the post-match press conference. "This season Manchester United is Europe's strongest team, and Zhang Kuang is the best player in the world. We tried our best, but the gap is obvious."
On January 28, Football Association Cup played in the 4th round, Old Trafford, Manchester United played against Liverpool.
This is one of the most popular derbies in England football.
But Ferguson made a bold decision in this game: rotate Zhang Kuang.
The media was in an uproar before the game. "Ferguson rotated Zhang Kuang in North West Derby? Is he crazy?"
Ferguson responded at the pre-match press conference, "Zhang Kuang needs to rest. We cannot rely on one person to play the entire season. Other players also need to prove themselves."
Liverpool sent out the entire main lineup: Suárez, Gerrard, Charlie Adam, and Reina all started.
They obviously want to grab this victory while Zhang Kuang is away.
But other players at Manchester United gave a resounding answer.
In the 23rd minute, Hernández opened the scoring
He received a pass from Park Ji-sung in the penalty area and hit a header into the far corner. 1:0.
Liverpool almost equalized in the 41st minute, but Suárez's shot was bravely saved by De Gea.
In the 57th minute, Park Ji-sung expanded the score!
South Korea midfielder took a long shot from outside the penalty area. The ball hit the defensive player and went into the net. Reina failed to save. 2:0.
Liverpool pulled a goal back in the 71st minute from Suárez.
Uruguay forward swayed continuously in the penalty area and then pushed the shot into the far corner. De Gea pounced on it but failed to completely block it. 2:1.
After that, Liverpool attacked wildly, but Manchester United's defense was as stable as a rock under the leadership of Vidić, and the score of 2:1 was maintained until the end.
After the game, Ferguson smiled at the press conference, "I said that we are not a one-man team, and today proved it."
Zhang Kuang watched the entire game from the stands. He was photographed several times standing up and applauding when his teammates scored goals.
On January 31, Premier League played in the 23rd round, Old Trafford, Manchester United played against Stoke City.
After a rest, Zhang Kuang emerged like a tiger out of the cage.
In the 7th minute, Zhang Kuang opened the scoring.
After receiving a pass from Rooney on the left side of the penalty area, he blasted Stoke City's door open with a violent long-range shot.
The ball hit the far corner like a cannonball, and goalkeeper Begović was completely frozen in place. 1:0.
In the 24th minute, Rooney expanded the score.
Zhang Kuang made a low pass after breaking through from the left. Rooney grabbed the ball before Berbatov and scored. 2:0.
In the 36th minute, Zhang Kuang scored twice.
Giggs took a corner kick, Zhang Kuang jumped high in the crowd and headed the ball towards the goal. The ball hit the ground and bounced into the net. 3:0.
In the 52nd minute, Zhang Kuang completed a hat trick! He received a cross from Carrick outside the penalty area and violently volleyed the far corner with his left foot to score. 4:0.
Old Trafford The whole audience shouted "Zhang Kuang! Zhang Kuang!"
In the 68th minute, Hernández scored with his first touch of the ball after coming off the bench.
Carrick made a through pass, Hernández countered offside and scored with a single push shot. 5:0.
The final score was 5:0, and Manchester United continued to advance in the league.
On February 4th, in the 24th round, Premier League, Stamford Bridge, and Manchester United challenged Chelsea away from home.
This is a tough battle.
Chelsea Although his performance has been ups and downs this season, the home court has always been difficult.
Drogba, Lampard, Mata, Ramires...Blues's midfield and frontcourt are still star-studded.
Before the game, Drogba was asked in an interview what he thought of Zhang Kuang: "He is currently the best forward in the world, and I respect him. But at Stamford Bridge, we will not let anyone take away three points easily."
The game was full of excitement from the beginning.
In the 14th minute, Chelsea took the lead!
Lampard took a corner kick, Drogba beat Ferdinand and scored with a header! 1:0.
Stamford Bridge is boiling.
But Manchester United quickly fired back.
In the 23rd minute, Zhang Kuang equalized the score.
He received a pass from Carrick at the top of the penalty area, passed Mikel and then shot with his feet. The ball hit the dead center. Čech flew to save but was beyond reach. 1:1.
In the 39th minute, Zhang Kuang overtook the score!
This time it was a corner kick attack. Zhang Kuang got in front of Ivanović and headed the ball. The ball changed direction and flew into the far corner. Čech fell to the ground to save, but the ball was too fast and could only watch the ball go into the net. 2:1.
Chelsea fought back with all its strength in the second half.
In the 61st minute, Hernández received a pass from Rooney during the counterattack and scored with a single push shot. 3:1.
Drogba had a great chance in the 78th minute, but his header was saved by De Gea.
The final score was 3:1, Manchester United defeated Chelsea in an away game.
After the game, Drogba took the initiative to go to Zhang Kuang, and the two hugged and exchanged jerseys. Zhang Kuang patted Drogba on the back, and Drogba smiled and said, "I will beat you next time."
Zhang Kuang replied, "You still can't beat me next time."
Drogba:"Let me win once, otherwise I will retire."
Zhang Kuang:"That depends on your ability!"
The two laughed.
On February 11th, Premier League played in the 25th round, Old Trafford, Manchester United faced Liverpool at home.
For the third time this season North West Derby.
Liverpool is aiming for revenge. Suárez announced to the media before the game, "We lost last time, but this time it will be different. I want Old Trafford to calm down."
After Zhang Kuang saw the news, he said to Rooney in the locker room, "Be careful not to conflict with this Uruguay person on the court. He will bite if he gets ruthless."
Rooney laughed so much that he almost choked on the water. It was obvious that he didn't believe it.
The game was played in heavy rain.
The slippery court affected the passing and control of both sides, but this was more conducive to Zhang Kuang's style, which is direct, fast and unreasonable.
In the 11th minute, Zhang Kuang received a pass from Ashley Young on the left side of the penalty area and shot a volley. The ball quickly penetrated the rain curtain and hit the upper right corner of the goal into the net.
Reina jumped in the wrong direction.1:0.
In the 29th minute, Manchester United got a corner kick, Giggs took a corner kick, and Zhang Kuang headed the goal. Premier League and UEFA Champions League have already scored a lot of goals.
Therefore, Liverpool defended Zhang Kuang very strictly. After Giggs took the corner kick, Zhang Kuang jumped up in the crowd and smashed through Liverpool's door with a violent headbutt.
2:0.
Old Trafford is boiling in the heavy rain.
Liverpool still couldn't guard against the offensive lethality of this pairing's corner kicks and headers.
In the 43rd minute, Zhang Kuang broke through with the ball and attracted two defensive players. Then he passed the ball across the middle and Rooney succeeded in pushing the ball into the empty goal.
3:0.
In the 62nd minute of the second half, after Suárez got the ball, he passed Evans in the penalty area and then shot low into the far corner. 3:1.
In the 78th minute, Hernández received an assist from Zhang Kuang and scored another goal with a shovel shot.
4:1.
The final score was 4:1, Manchester United killed Liverpool three times this season.
After the game, Suárez stood in the rain, with his hands on his hips, watching Zhang Kuang celebrating with his teammates.
His expression was complicated, feeling both lost and unwilling.
United Kingdom's domestic competition has come to an end, and next is UEFA Champions League.
February 12, Manchester Airport.
The whole Manchester United team took a charter flight to Napoli.
In the cabin, some of the players were listening to music with headphones, some were playing cards, and some were relaxing with their eyes closed.
Zhang Kuang is sitting by the window, and the clouds outside the window are glowing golden in the setting sun.
He is holding a copy of "History of World Civilization" in his hand and is reading the chapter about the Roma Empire.
Rooney sat next to him, leaned over and glanced at the title of the book, and said, "Holy shit, what kind of history are you reading? Aren't you tired? You are a player, you want to be a scholar? Play football and have fun with girls, isn't it delicious?"
"Reading is rest." Zhang Kuang didn't even raise his head.
"It's Valentine's Day the day after tomorrow. How many goals do you want to score as a Valentine's Day gift?"
Zhang Kuang closed the book and thought for a while, "Who knows, I can do it."
"Damn, this is so pretentious." Rooney laughed.
Pogba turned around from the front row, glanced at Zhang Kuang, and smiled. He said nothing and turned back.
Zhang Kuang felt a little in his heart, maybe this guy is not interested in me, but he doesn't like fencing.
The plane passed through the clouds and flew south.
Destination: Napoli, Saint Paul Stadium.
The day after tomorrow, Zhang Kuang will face his first UEFA Champions League knockout match after winning Ballon d'Or.
He knew that the entire Europe was watching him to see if this new Mr. Ballon d'Or could continue his scoring performance in front of Italy's Catenaccio.
Zhang Kuang Turn the page again... "History of World Civilization"? Hehe.
He really has no interest in this stuff. He really just kills time and can't stand reading novels, because he has read all the novels that have been published now, including novels that will be popular in the future.
In his previous life, he ran a takeout business. During the darkest days of his life, after a tiring day, he returned to his residence and read novels in order to numb himself.
Therefore, he only reads historical books like this, but he can't understand other books.
Should we let him study philosophy, physics, and chemistry? It would be better to kill him.
A few hours later, the plane landed at Napoli Capodichino Airport. As soon as it got off the plane, there were fans to pick it up. Most of them were China international students and Chinese fans, as well as many reporters.
Zhang Kuang earnestly signed autographs and took photos with the fans, thanked them for picking them up at the airport, and answered some reporters' questions along the way.
Reporter: "Zhang..."
Zhang Kuang: "Don't mention political issues or anything like that. Just make the topic hot enough. No matter how much the topic is, the fans won't like reading it and your newspaper won't be sold, right?"
Reporter: "..."