Chapter Summaries

Napoli pushed forward after halftime, but De Gea kept Manchester United ahead until Zhang Kuang scored twice more to complete a hat-trick and make it 4-0. Cavani pulled one back before Zhang Kuang came off, and he ended the chapter joking with Giggs about retirement.

• Napoli brought on Pandev at halftime, and Inler soon fired a long-range shot wide as Napoli committed more players to attack.
• De Gea saved Lavezzi’s overhead kick and Cavani’s header, while Zhang Kuang struck the crossbar before heading in Giggs’s corner to make it 3-0.
• Zhang Kuang curled a free kick in off the bar for his hat-trick and a 4-0 lead, then came off to a standing ovation.
• Cavani beat the offside trap and scored Napoli’s consolation goal, making it 4-1.
• Zhang Kuang sat beside Giggs, who said he was considering retiring that summer, and Zhang Kuang teased him with an outrageous suggestion.

Manchester United defeated Napoli 4-1 away, with Zhang Kuang scoring a hat trick and leaving the team close to the Champions League quarterfinals. After the match, Alan Shearer made controversial claims on BBC Sport about racial differences in athletic ability and decision-making.

• Napoli threatened late, but De Gea and Manchester United's defense kept them from scoring again as the match ended 4-1.
• Manchester United's players and Ferguson praised the team's performance, while Mazzarri said Napoli had not been tactically outmatched but lacked a player like Zhang Kuang.
• Zhang Kuang collected the player of the match award and match ball, then told reporters Napoli had contained him in the first half before he found chances to score.
• Post-match media celebrated Zhang Kuang's hat trick and Manchester United's dominant away victory.
• On BBC Sport, Alan Shearer said Zhang Kuang's physical ability was his greatest strength and claimed Asians, black people, and white people ranked differently in athletic traits and decision-making.

After Alan Shearer claimed that black and yellow people had superior overall qualities, Zhang Kuang publicly agreed and predicted that black players would make up most of football’s top stars in the future. The remarks sparked a worldwide debate over race, sports, and Zhang Kuang’s success, leaving public opinion sharply divided.

• British newspapers and the public condemned or defended Alan Shearer’s televised remarks, and the BBC issued a statement distancing itself from his personal views.
• Zhang Kuang endorsed Shearer on Twitter and pointed to the number of black players in European national teams, intensifying the controversy.
• American and European media debated whether Shearer and Zhang Kuang were promoting racial pseudoscience or describing football’s talent-selection system.
• Asian media reacted with pride, caution, and competing national claims, while Southeast Asian outlets largely praised Zhang Kuang’s achievements.
• Chinese-language media and internet users argued over racial theory, Zhang Kuang’s comments, and whether differences in sports performance came from talent, training, or social conditions.

Zhang Kuang defended his football comments against reporters, then scored repeatedly for Manchester United before joining China Hong Kong for a World Cup qualifier against Iraq. The chapter ended as both teams entered the pitch in Doha for the decisive match.

• Zhang Kuang rejected claims that his remarks about race and football were politically motivated, and the BBC terminated Alan Shearer's punditry contract over his comments.
• Manchester United beat Stoke City 2-1 without Zhang Kuang, then defeated Napoli 3-1 as Zhang Kuang scored twice and advanced to face AC Milan in the Champions League quarterfinals.
• Zhang Kuang scored a hat trick in Manchester United's 3-1 win over Norwich City, taking his Premier League tally to 68 goals.
• Zhang Kuang joined the China Hong Kong squad in Doha, where coach Troussier named him in the starting lineup against Iraq despite his recent travel and heavy schedule.
• Zico said Iraq needed a win to preserve its qualification hopes, while Troussier aimed to complete a perfect group-stage record; Zhang Kuang and Iraq captain Younis Mahmoud then led their teams onto the pitch.

Zhang Kuang scored twice and assisted Zheng Shaowei as China Hong Kong took a 3-0 first-half lead over Iraq. Troussier rested Zhang Kuang at halftime, and the chapter ended with him greeting the cheering fans without returning to the pitch.

• Younis Mahmoud and Zhang Kuang sang their national anthems before Iraq and China Hong Kong began the match.
• Zhang Kuang beat Sabri with three feints and scored from Cris Kong's through ball to give China Hong Kong a 1-0 lead.
• Zhang Kuang volleyed home at the far post after Shane Lowry flicked on Cris Kong's corner, making it 2-0.
• Zhang Kuang played a first-time diagonal pass to Zheng Shaowei, who scored to make it 3-0 before halftime.
• Troussier told Zhang Kuang to rest for the second half, and Zhang Kuang applauded the cheering fans without walking onto the pitch.

The China Hong Kong Team beat Iraq 3-2 to finish the final twenty with six wins from six, then learned their opponents in the final ten draw. They were placed in Group A with South Korea, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon.

• Chan Siu-ki replaced Zhang Kuang at halftime as Iraq made attacking substitutions, and Younis scored twice in the second half to cut the lead to 3-2.
• The China Hong Kong Team held on to beat Iraq, secured first place in Group A with a perfect record, and advanced to the final ten.
• Younis mourned the defeat while Zhang Kuang, Troussier, and Zico discussed the match and the Hong Kong Team's prospects.
• The Asian Football Confederation confirmed the ten qualifiers and held the draw, placing China Hong Kong in Group A with South Korea, Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon.
• Asian media and fans reacted to the draw, with South Korean and Iranian commentators focusing on the threat posed by Zhang Kuang.

Zhang Kuang scored twice in Manchester United’s 5-1 win over West Brom, then traveled to Milan for the Champions League quarterfinal against AC Milan. After the teams completed their preparations and the match began, Milan threatened early through Pato and Thiago Silva.

• Jordanian and Lebanese media reacted anxiously to drawing China Hong Kong and Zhang Kuang in the World Cup qualifying group.
• Zhang Kuang scored twice against West Brom, reaching 70 Premier League goals for the season as Manchester United won 5-1.
• Zhang Kuang traveled with Manchester United to Milan, where Allegri joked that he feared his 16-year-old daughter would get to know Zhang Kuang.
• Ferguson predicted Zhang Kuang would score twice against AC Milan, and the two teams entered San Siro for the Champions League quarterfinal first leg.
• Felix Brych started the match, and Pato and Thiago Silva created Milan’s first early chance before Silva headed wide from a corner.

Zhang Kuang terrorized AC Milan in the first half, assisting Hernández and scoring a long-range goal to put Manchester United 2-0 ahead. After Abate strained his hamstring defending against him, the teams went into halftime as Allegri planned to stop Manchester United from getting the ball to Zhang Kuang.

• Zhang Kuang nearly scored after dribbling past several Milan players, then set up Hernández to open the scoring in the eighth minute.
• Zhang Kuang scored from 22 meters in the 26th minute, extending Manchester United's lead to 2-0.
• Zhang Kuang hit the crossbar with a volley, while Milan's attacks failed to produce a goal.
• Abate injured his hamstring while trying to defend against Zhang Kuang and was replaced by Bonera.
• At halftime, Ferguson discussed Manchester United's second-half strategy, while Allegri told Milan to cut off Zhang Kuang from his teammates.

Manchester United overwhelmed AC Milan 4-0 at San Siro, with Zhang Kuang scoring twice more to complete a hat trick, including a spectacular scorpion kick. Milan’s players left with little confidence they could overturn the result in the return leg.

• Rooney missed an early second-half chance before Zhang Kuang headed in Giggs’s corner in the 51st minute to make it 3-0.
• De Gea denied Robinho, Ferguson brought Pogba on, and Van Bommel received a yellow card for a sliding tackle that injured Pogba.
• Van Bommel sprained his ankle in a later aerial challenge and was replaced by Muntari, while Pato missed a clear chance against De Gea.
• Zhang Kuang scored with a heel-flick scorpion kick in the 82nd minute to complete his hat trick and give Manchester United a 4-0 lead.
• Brych blew the final whistle after Manchester United held on to win 4-0, leaving AC Milan facing a daunting task in the return leg.

Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan, and Fulham as Zhang Kuang continued scoring at a record pace. The chapter ended with the squad preparing for an FA Cup replay against Chelsea, where a reported dressing-room mole scandal and Rooney’s fitness added uncertainty.

• Zhang Kuang scored twice as Manchester United came from behind to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 away.
• Zhang Kuang scored twice and Rooney added a goal as Manchester United beat AC Milan 3-1, advancing to the Champions League semifinals 7-1 on aggregate.
• Zhang Kuang scored a hat trick in Manchester United’s 4-0 win over Fulham, bringing his league tally to 75 goals.
• Manchester United traveled to London for an FA Cup quarterfinal replay after their reserves drew 2-2 with Chelsea.
• Chelsea’s players were reported to have doubts about Di Matteo’s tactics, but Lampard denied a dressing-room rift before the replay.
• Rooney passed a fitness test to start against Chelsea, while Terry’s suspension left David Luiz and Gary Cahill to partner in defense.

Chelsea and Manchester United met at Stamford Bridge in an FA Cup quarterfinal replay, with Chelsea struggling to recover from a 120-minute final and Manchester United fielding their first team. The match began with Chelsea's defense crowding Zhang Kuang to block his shooting lanes, and he prepared to counter their tactic.

• Di Matteo said Chelsea would press intensely and deny Zhang Kuang space, while Ferguson declared that Manchester United intended to win the replay.
• Zhang Kuang and a limping Rooney arrived at Stamford Bridge before Drogba and Lampard led Chelsea off their team bus.
• Ferguson told Manchester United to press high, attack quickly, and target Bosingwa with Zhang Kuang while warning Rooney not to worsen his ankle injury.
• The teams lined up in their announced formations, with Drogba starting for Chelsea and Zhang Kuang, Rooney, and Hernández leading Manchester United's attack.
• Chelsea opened with an attack that Vidić cleared, then Zhang Kuang beat Bosingwa and crossed for Hernández, who headed just over the bar.
• Ferguson and Zhang Kuang recognized Chelsea's tactic of forming a defensive wall to block Zhang Kuang's shots, and Zhang Kuang considered using his speed or setting up teammates instead.

Manchester United and Chelsea traded attacking chances in a fast-paced cup match, with Zhang Kuang opening the scoring before Drogba equalized and Hernández restored United’s lead. Manchester United led 2-1 after twenty-nine minutes as their counterattacks repeatedly exposed Chelsea’s defense.

• Zhang Kuang cut inside Bosingwa and scored a powerful long-range goal in the seventh minute to put Manchester United ahead.
• Lampard and Drogba threatened for Chelsea, while Ramires and Phil Jones each received yellow cards for fouls.
• Drogba headed in Mata’s corner in the twenty-third minute to equalize for Chelsea.
• Valencia crossed from the right, and Hernández scored at the far post in the twenty-ninth minute to give Manchester United a 2-1 lead.

Manchester United extended their lead over Chelsea to 4-1 at Stamford Bridge, with Zhang Kuang scoring twice and Rooney adding a goal after halftime. Chelsea pressed to recover but struggled against United’s defense and counterattacks, leaving the match with little suspense.

• Zhang Kuang scored from his own rebound in the 41st minute to give Manchester United a 3-1 lead.
• Vidić received a verbal warning after Drogba fell during a corner, and De Gea saved Drogba’s late first-half shot before halftime ended.
• Chelsea replaced Bosingwa with Ivanović, while Manchester United brought on Valencia for Giggs at the start of the second half.
• Cahill sprained his left ankle after landing on Zhang Kuang’s boot but told Di Matteo he could continue playing.
• De Gea saved Lampard’s header from a corner in the 61st minute.
• Carrick won possession and Valencia sent Rooney through to score in the 67th minute, making it 4-1 to Manchester United.

Manchester United beat Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge to reach the Football Association Cup semifinals, with Zhang Kuang scoring twice and earning applause from both sets of supporters. After the match, the managers and players reflected on the result as reports celebrated Zhang Kuang’s 81-goal season tally.

• Chelsea made late attacking changes, but Lampard’s free kick was the only goal Chelsea added as De Gea denied Torres and the match ended 4-2.
• Ferguson substituted Zhang Kuang to preserve his fitness, and fans from both teams applauded him as he left the pitch.
• Vidić suffered a thigh contusion after colliding with David Luiz but stayed on, and Manchester United held their lead to advance to the semifinals.
• Di Matteo admitted Chelsea had no answer to Zhang Kuang, while Ferguson praised United’s performance and Zhang Kuang’s decisive display.
• Zhang Kuang told reporters he was grateful for the Chelsea fans’ applause and confident about United’s chances of winning the league and UEFA Champions League.
• Media outlets celebrated United’s victory and Zhang Kuang’s 81 goals, while a Chelsea supporter drew attention by revealing a Manchester United shirt bearing Zhang Kuang’s number.

After Zhang Kuang hosted team meals during Manchester United’s breaks, he scored hat-tricks in wins over Blackburn and Queens Park Rangers, bringing the club close to clinching the Premier League title. A televised debate over whether his dominance was harming the league’s appeal sparked a wider discussion, and people began asking Zhang Kuang for his view.

• Ferguson gave Manchester United two days off, and Zhang Kuang treated the squad to Cantonese food and later hosted them for hot pot.
• Zhang Kuang scored a hat-trick as Manchester United beat Blackburn 6-0, leaving the club seventeen points clear of Manchester City after thirty league rounds.
• Ferguson urged the squad to avoid mistakes as Manchester United prepared for a chance to clinch the title at Old Trafford.
• Zhang Kuang scored another hat-trick in Manchester United’s 5-0 win over Queens Park Rangers, while Manchester City lost to Arsenal.
• Manchester United moved within one point of securing the title, and television pundits debated whether Zhang Kuang’s dominance was draining the Premier League of its appeal.
• The debate spread through the media and among fans, and people asked Zhang Kuang what he thought about the issue.

Manchester United hosted Wigan Athletic with a win enough to clinch the Premier League title, and Zhang Kuang scored an early long-range goal to give United the lead. The match continued with United ahead 1-0 as Wigan struggled to contain their attack.

• Ferguson said Manchester United would take Wigan seriously, while Martínez vowed Wigan would not hand United the title.
• Fans filled Old Trafford to celebrate Manchester United’s expected 19th English top-flight title, and commentators discussed the teams and Zhang Kuang’s record-breaking season.
• Martínez started Wigan in a defensive 4-5-1, while Ferguson fielded Zhang Kuang, Hernández, and Rooney in United’s attack.
• Zhang Kuang nutmegged Figueroa and crossed for Hernández, whose diving header was blocked by Caldwell in the third minute.
• Zhang Kuang surged past Figueroa and McCarthy before scoring a powerful shot into the top-right corner in the eighth minute, putting Manchester United ahead 1-0.
• Pogba celebrated Zhang Kuang’s goal and argued with Welbeck about their bet, while Martínez returned to the bench to make tactical notes.

Manchester United dominated Wigan Athletic in the first half at Old Trafford, with Zhang Kuang scoring twice and Hernández adding a goal for a 3-0 lead. The chapter ended as the teams prepared to resume play amid the fans’ title celebrations.

• De Gea saved Moses’s counterattack shot, and McCarthy was booked for a dangerous tackle on Carrick.
• Zhang Kuang created chances with his dribbling, while Rooney and other Manchester United attackers repeatedly tested Al-Habsi and Wigan’s defense.
• Valencia crossed for Hernández to score in the 31st minute after Rooney cleverly let the ball run through, making it 2-0.
• Evans stopped Di Santo’s breakaway with a clean sliding tackle, and McCarthy later received a second yellow-card warning after fouling Zhang Kuang again.
• Zhang Kuang curled a free kick into the net just before halftime, completing his brace and giving Manchester United a 3-0 lead.
• At halftime, Manchester United fans lit up Old Trafford and sang “We Are the Champions” as both teams returned for the second half.

Manchester United defeated Wigan Athletic 4-0 to clinch the 2011-12 Premier League title with six rounds remaining, securing the club’s nineteenth top-flight championship. Zhang Kuang celebrated his second league title with United and declared that the team would win all five trophies, while their Champions League semifinal against Barcelona remained ahead.

• Ashley Young scored Manchester United’s fourth goal in the 50th minute, and De Gea later denied Di Santo to preserve the clean sheet.
• Ferguson substituted Giggs, Hernández, and Valencia as United controlled the match; Zhang Kuang narrowly missed a hat-trick when his shot struck the post.
• Lee Mason blew the final whistle, confirming United’s 4-0 victory and the Premier League title with six games to spare.
• David Bernstein presented the championship medals, and Vidić and Zhang Kuang raised the trophy as Old Trafford celebrated United’s nineteenth top-flight title.
• Ferguson praised the team and declined to discuss retirement, while Zhang Kuang said United would win all five trophies and called the title only the beginning.
• Sports media praised United’s historic season and Zhang Kuang’s 84 league goals, while commentators looked ahead to the Champions League semifinal against Barcelona.

Manchester United celebrated their 19th league title as Zhang Kuang continued scoring, and global media and fans discussed his record-breaking season. With the Champions League semifinal against Barcelona approaching, both teams kept a strikingly low profile ahead of their first leg at Old Trafford.

• After United clinched the title, newspapers and fans around the world praised Zhang Kuang's 84 league goals and debated United's dominance.
• Zhang Kuang scored a hat trick as United beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 at Molineux.
• United celebrated their title at Old Trafford, then beat Aston Villa 4-0, with Zhang Kuang scoring twice and assisting Hernández.
• Barcelona arrived in Manchester two days before the semifinal and stayed away from reporters, while United's players and coach also refused interviews.

Manchester United and Barcelona began their Champions League semifinal first leg at Old Trafford, with both teams relying on their signature tactics and Zhang Kuang drawing particular attention. Barcelona started with a faster, more direct attack, prompting Ferguson and Guardiola to adjust their instructions as the match unfolded.

• Ferguson backed Zhang Kuang as the player most likely to decide the tie, while Guardiola insisted Barcelona would stick to their possession-based approach.
• Manchester United and Barcelona fans packed Old Trafford, and both teams entered the stadium before referee Miguel Rojo started the match.
• Messi tested De Gea with an early shot, and De Gea gathered the ball safely.
• Zhang Kuang raced past Barcelona defenders and shot from 25 yards, but his effort went wide.
• Alves crossed for Sánchez to head at goal, then Messi set up another Sánchez chance that De Gea blocked.
• As Barcelona attacked at an increased tempo, Ferguson warned United to watch their quick counters while Guardiola made tactical adjustments.