On the morning after finishing the competition with Shanghai Shenhua, the Manchester United team packed their bags and boarded a plane heading west. The next destination was Norway.
When he thought of Norway, Zhang Kuang, he thought... Humans and beasts are legal. Thinking of this, he shuddered. This time he arranged to go to Norway, it wouldn't be...
Yes, not only Denmark is legal, Norway was also legal before, but it was not until 2009 that it was declared illegal.
However, there are still some gangsters in the private sector who secretly provide such services. They drag guests to the cruise ship Skagerrak Strait between Denmark and Norway. Once the police from Norway come to investigate, they will drive the cruise ship to the side of the territorial waters of Denmark.
Or rather...
Zhang Kuang looked at the obscene smiles on the faces of Rooney, Ferdinand, Carrick and others along the way, and he knew that these people would definitely go to that kind of place secretly.
However, this is really a good opportunity for the players to go out and have some fun, because London Olympics opens on the 27th, and sports reporters all over the world are paying attention to London Olympics, so how can they have time to pay attention to what the players of Manchester United are going out to play.
On July 29, Norway, as soon as the team checked into the hotel, Rooney asked Zhang Kuang to go out to play.
Zhang Kuang waved his hands repeatedly. "I won't go out to play anymore. I have some personal matters to deal with recently, so I won't go out to play. I will go back to Manchester to play with everyone again."
Rooney:"Private matter? What private matter?"
Zhang Kuang:"Confidential, confidential."
Rooney:"Okay."
After saying goodbye to Zhang Kuang, he went to find Shinji Kagawa, and then Zhang Kuang quietly saw Shinji Kagawa being taken away by them.
It seems that the newcomer has no right to refuse, and in order to quickly integrate into the new team, the newcomer must quickly integrate with his teammates.
Manchester United and Ferguson never stop some activities, as long as they are not serious. After all, if players want to get closer, they have to get together. How can we have a good relationship without parties?
During training the next morning, Zhang Kuang was stunned for a moment when he saw Shinji Kagawa wanting to vomit from time to time.
Japan people can even eat girls' cakes. The taste is very strong. Could it be that even humans and animals can't accept it?
Zhang Kuang: "Hey, Mr. Kagawa, what's wrong with you?"
Shinji Kagawa waved his hand. "It's okay, Zhang Jun. I drank too much last night and I feel a little nauseous."
Zhang Kuang nodded. "Oh, then you have to press it quickly. Let the BOSS see it and he will punish you. Go drink some water and calm down."
Shinji Kagawa: "Ah? Okay, thank you, Zhang Kuang-san."
Zhang Kuang:"Ah, you're welcome, you're welcome."
Then he saw the faces of Rooney and others with afterthoughts on their faces. It seemed that they would come back in the next few days. Alas, these people...
Forget it, it has nothing to do with me.
This is indeed the case. Although Shinji Kagawa was still a little uncomfortable on the second day, he seemed to be able to accept it. On the third day, his eyes seemed to have become lewd and fierce...
On August 1st, Manchester United played a friendly match with Norway Premier League champion Molde. Zhang Kuang played for 30 minutes, scoring two goals and assisting one.
On August 5th, team Manchester United took the bus to Sweden again.
The opponent was a mid-range team from Sweden Premier League, with average turf quality. Zhang Kuang played for 40 minutes and scored two goals.
On August 6th, the team returned to Manchester, and then the team took a two-day break so that the players could relax from the pace of running around the world for nearly a month.
August 8, Manchester.
Manchester United and Arsenal both officially announced: Robin·Van Persie, 24 million pounds, transfer to Manchester United.
Normally, this news would not be a big deal, but most of the media space was occupied by the Olympic luck, so Manchester United did not hold any grand fan meeting for Van Persie.
After Zhang Kuang saw this message, what he didn't expect was that Manchester United finally introduced Van Persie.
It may be to make up for the loss of Berbatov, or it may be to prepare for the loss of Zhang Kuang and the departure of Ferguson next season.
It's a pity that Ferguson has so carefully paved the way for his successor. As soon as Moyes comes, he will start cleaning up the traces of Ferguson.
On the morning of August 9th, Van Persie appeared at Carrington Training Ground, wearing training clothes, shaking hands with his teammates who came to the base one by one. When Zhang Kuang came over, he had already greeted all his teammates.
Seeing Zhang Kuang, he shook hands with Zhang Kuang in the locker room.
"Finally I don't have to be afraid of you anymore, now we are teammates." Van Persie said, Netherlands's accent was thick.
Zhang Kuang laughed, "Haha, I like your volley shot very much, it's very beautiful."
Van Persie:"Your volley shot is no worse than mine."
Zhang Kuang shook his head. "I got it through practice, but you got it from talent."
Rooney came over. "Zhang, did you practice it? When did you practice it? You are the laziest in training, and you still practiced it?"
"Haha..." everyone laughed.
--
August 11th, the day before the Community Shield game.
The entire Manchester United team departs from Manchester and takes two hours by bus to reach Birmingham. Villa Park is located in the Aston district of Birmingham. It is smaller than Old Trafford, with a capacity of 42,000 people. The dressing room is narrower, but it is sufficient.
Yes, since Wembley Stadium is occupied by the Olympic Games, the competition venue for Community Shield this time is arranged at Villa Park Stadium.
The training is scheduled at 4 p. m., with an hour of acclimatization to the venue.
The turf was better than any other stop in the preseason, the length of the grass was just right and the ball speed was fast.
Zhang Kuang ran a few laps on the field and tried the inward route on the left. I felt that the turf was very friendly to the rolling of the ball.
After the training, Ferguson called the whole team to the center circle.
"Tomorrow," the old man said in a low voice, "Manchester City wants to win. They lost the league last season and UEFA Champions League didn't get it either. Community Shield is their first chance in the new season.
But what about us? We are the triple crown champions, we are Manchester United. Tomorrow, starting from the first minute, let them know who is the master of Manchester and who is the king of Premier League."
Rooney took the lead and roared.
I originally thought that Community Shield's attention would be taken away by the Olympic Games, but...
August 12th, game day.
Villa Park Stadium Aston District in Birmingham is surrounded by dusty Victorian buildings and narrow alleys.
At two o'clock in the afternoon, the streets outside the stadium were already crowded with people.
Manchester City fans wore sky blue jerseys and flocked to the north stand after getting off the bus. Manchester United fans wore red and filled the south stand.
Then from time to time, many Olympic celebrities were seen on the big screen at the scene, including diving, badminton, shooting, swimming... Many famous athletes came to the scene to watch the game.
In the stadium, on the commentary box.
Sky Sports's commentator's seat is on the middle floor on the west side of the stadium. Martin·Tyler has the starting list spread out in front of him. Gary·Neville is sitting next to him, wearing a pair of big headphones, holding a pen in his hand, and drawing circles on the list.
At this time, he saw some Olympic celebrities on the live screen.
Martin·Tyler: "Wow, dear viewers, take a look at the scene shown by the live director. There are many famous Olympic players. I didn't expect that these famous Olympic players also like to watch football."
Gary·Neville (laughing): "They are just fans who don't know who they are. Hey, many of them are wearing jersey No. Manchester United 33."
Martin: "Haha, many people come to see Zhang Kuang. There are quite a few fans of Zhang Kuang."
"..."
The two chatted for a while with the famous Olympic athletes who came to the scene, and then the director reminded them that time was running out and quickly introduced the starters of both teams.
Martin: "Okay, let's not go off topic. The players are about to enter the field. Let's introduce the starting lineups of both sides. Let's take a look at Manchester United's starting lineup.
Manchester United's formation is still four-three-three, with goalkeeper De Gea and defenders still Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidić and Evra.
There are changes in the midfielders, they are Carrick, Fletcher, and Shinji Kagawa. Yes, it is the Japan player who transferred from Bundesliga's Borussia Dortmund in the summer, Shinji Kagawa.
Sir Alex has a special liking for East Asia players. First there is Park Ji-sung, then there is Dong from China, then there is Zhang from China, and now there is Kagawa from Japan.
Among them, Park Ji-sung and Zhang were the most successful in Manchester United. Dong regretted not being in the first team in the end. Now Kagawa hopes that he can be as successful as Park Ji-sung and Zhang.
Finally, there is the front trident. The three remain unchanged, Zhang Kuang is on the left, Rooney is on the right, and Hernández is the center. There is also a new aid Robin·Van Persie who has entered the substitute list.
Gary, what do you think of these two big signings of Manchester United? What do you think of Kagawa's starting lineup? Do you think he can cooperate well with his teammates?"
Neville: "Kagawa's running position is relatively smart. He has proven himself before in Dortmund. He will find space in the ribs and send through balls to Zhang Kuang and Rooney.
But his confrontation is his weakness. Manchester City Today's midfielder is De Jong, Yaya Toure, and Milner. All three of them are tough. So... Kagawa needs to play the ball quickly.
As for Van Persie, needless to say, I am worried about the location of Hernández."
Martin: "Haha, Little Pea really needs to worry. Okay, let's take a look at Manchester City. Barry and Richards are absent due to injuries.
Mancini ranked Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov; De Jong, Yaya Toure, Milner; Nasri, Džeko, Tevez."
Neville: "Manchester City's midfielder is tough enough, but not very creative. David·Silva is sitting on the bench, which is interesting. Mancini may be waiting for the second half."
Martin: "Historical data, Community Shield In the past five years, the winning team has ended up in the top three of the league four times. Of course, the sample size is not large. But the significance of this derby is not just the trophy."
Neville: "Yes. This is the first game of the season. Whoever wins will have a psychological advantage."
--
CCTV Sports Channel, He Wei had several pages of handwritten notes in front of them. Zhang Lu was sitting next to them, holding a pen in his hand and drawing dots on the list.
He Wei: "Good evening, audience friends. Welcome to the 2012 England Community Shield, Manchester United vs. Manchester City. My name is He Wei, and the one who is commentating with me today is Director Zhang Lu.
Director Zhang, Manchester Derby, Community Shield, Manchester United are two important new players in this game, Shinji Kagawa is starting, Van Persie is on the bench, what do you think of Ferguson's arrangement?"
Zhang Lu: "Hey, Ferguson's arrangement is very smart. Van Persie just came here and didn't play a single game in the preseason. He just went to Community Shield's derby rhythm. He was prone to injury and lost touch.
The meaning of Kagawa's debut is different, because with Zhang Kuang and Rooney, Zhang Kuang can play a one-stop game by himself, and Rooney's guest appearance as an attacking midfielder is sometimes very ideal.
And Kagawa is protected by Carrick and Fletcher. Therefore, if Shinji Kagawa loses the ball and is protected by Carrick and Fletcher, the offense cannot deliver a threatening ball. Zhang Kuang and Rooney can also create threatening balls.
Therefore, when Shinji Kagawa plays, even if he does not perform well, it will not affect Manchester United's defense and offense. I think this is the reason why Ferguson arranges Shinji Kagawa to start, it should be to let him get used to the team as soon as possible."
He Wei: "Director Zhang's analysis is very accurate. In just a few words, he explained the fundamentals of why Shinji Kagawa can be first released, but Van Persie cannot be first released. What about Manchester City?"
Zhang Lu: "Manchester City is still faced with the problem of how to defend Zhang Kuang. The protection of De Jong and Yaya Toure in the midfield is crucial.
Zabaleta cannot face Zhang Kuang alone, he needs De Jong to help defend. If De Jong is pulled out by Zhang Kuang, the middle will be empty, and Rooney and Kagawa can insert."
He Wei: "Manchester City, Mancini put David·Silva on the bench. What do you think are the considerations?"
Zhang Lu: "David·Silva didn't play much in the preseason. Mancini might want to use Milner's running to consume first. Manchester United's midfielder, let Silva come up to control the ball in the second half. However, according to Community Shield's substitution rules, if Manchester City falls behind in the first half, Silva may come on stage earlier."
He Wei: "Director Zhang's analysis is accurate and to the point. Will this game be as analyzed? Let's look forward to it."
Zhang Lu: "Hey, it's best not to go as far as the analysis, only then will there be surprises in such a game..."
Pictures of the scene.
When the players from both sides came out of the tunnel, the Premier League theme song was playing on the Villa Park radio.
The Manchester United fans in the South Stand stood up and raised their red scarves above their heads. The Manchester City fans in the North Stand responded with sky-blue flags.
The referee team is at the front. The chief referee is Kevin·Forlán. He is in his early forties and Premier League is a veteran referee. He officiated the game between Manchester United and Chelsea last season.
Two linesmen followed, and the fourth official held an electronic sign.
After the previous process is completed, the captains of both teams, Vidić and Kompany, guess coins in the middle circle.
Vidić won, Manchester United chose to kick off first.
The players dispersed, and Zhang Kuang walked to the left and stood in front of Zabaleta. The two looked at each other. Zabaleta didn't speak, and Zhang Kuang didn't speak either.
The referee Kevin·Forlán ide looked at his watch from time to time and put the whistle in his mouth.
"Beep--!"
As the referee's whistle blows, the game officially begins.
He Wei: "China Central Television, China Central Television, dear viewers, what you are watching now is..."
In the 1st minute, Hernández kicked the ball back in the middle circle and knocked back Rooney. Rooney distributed it to Zhang Kuang on the left. Zhang Kuang touched the ball with his first foot and took a step forward. Zabaleta came forward.
Zhang Kuang pushed the ball to the sideline with the outside instep of his right foot, turned around and blocked Zabaleta with his body. Zabaleta stretched out his hand and pulled. Zhang Kuang shook his body but did not fall down. The referee did not call the ball.
Martin·Tyler: "Zhang Kuang looked for Zabaleta with his first touch of the ball. This is a clear signal: I want to hit this point today."
Neville: "Zabaleta's experience is no problem, but Zhang Kuang's body is more stable than last season, which shows that he is stronger and can fight better. This fight against Zabaleta is very difficult."
Martin: "Of course, after all, I am 21 years old, one year older..."
In the 3rd minute, Zhang Kuang cut in from the left, De Jong came up from the side and kicked the ball away. Zhang Kuang jumped up and hid half a step, and the ball was poked away by De Jong.
The referee didn't call it.
Zhang Lu: "De Jong's move may not be praised by Premier League, but it is a yellow card by UEFA Champions League. Zhang Kuang didn't break De Jong's foot today. It seems that he has been very tolerant of him..."
He Wei: "Ahem, Zhang Kuang has never taken the initiative to step on anyone's foot. It was all caused by the inertia of the body, so you can't talk nonsense."
Zhang Lu: "Oh, uh, I'm sorry, I made a mistake. What I meant was that today's Zhang Kuang fell very lightly and was no longer bulky, so it didn't fall and hit De Jong's foot. It seems that Zhang Kuang has made a lot of progress in the new season. De Jong must feel the progress of Zhang Kuang, otherwise..."
In the 5th minute, Manchester City attacked for the first time, Nasri made a pass from the right, and Džeko's header was confiscated by De Gea.
In the 8th minute, Zhang Kuang received a long pass from Carrick on the left. Facing Zabaleta, he first made a fake move of Stepovers. Zabaleta did not move his center of gravity. Zhang Kuang suddenly moved the ball toward the baseline. Zabaleta turned around and followed.
Zhang Kuang kicked the ball back with his left foot. Zabaleta tripped with his foot and Zhang Kuang fell to the ground. The referee whistled: free kick, but no yellow card.
"Huh?" All the fans in the audience were surprised. "Zhang Kuang is so hard, how could it possibly fall?"
Even Zabaleta felt incredulous. Could he trip Zhang Kuang?
Then he looked at the position of this point from his own goal, and it suddenly dawned on him.
Zabaleta: "Mr. Referee, he took a free kick. He fell to the ground on purpose. Mr. Referee..."
The referee Kevin·Forlán pointed at his own eyes. "I can see clearly that he was the one who tripped you. You don't have to argue. If I don't give you a yellow card, I'm showing mercy. Don't argue."
Zabaleta: "But he was not so fragile before and would not fall down at a touch."
Zhang Kuang stood up and patted the jersey. "In the past, I fought with eight girls last night, so I feel a little weak today. How about you try fighting with eight girls and see if you feel weak?"
Kevin·Forlán ide and Zabaleta looked at Zhang Kuang with shock and envy on their faces. They were both shocked and speechless.
Zabaleta: "Fuck, you are awesome!"
After he finished speaking, he left.
Yaya Toure rushed up and asked. He was arguing with the referee just now. Then he was shocked by Zhang Kuang and opened his mouth and gave a thumbs up Zabaleta.
"Pablo, what's going on?"
Zabaleta shrugged. "Don't touch that Zhang Kuang casually today. He was tripped by me just now. He said he was weak today because he fought eight women all night last night."
Yaya Toure: "Ah? This... he, is he a cow?"
Zabaleta: "Bulls? Are cows so powerful?"
Yaya Toure:"..."