Chapter Summaries

After Bayern Munich cut Manchester United’s lead to 3-2, Zhang Kuang answered with a spectacular long-range free kick to complete his hat trick and restore a two-goal advantage. Manchester United led 4-2 as the club’s executives resolved to keep Zhang Kuang.

• At halftime, analysts described Bayern Munich’s difficult position, while club owners, coaches, and advertisers contacted Zhang Kuang’s agent about signing or recruiting him.
• Bayern Munich brought Gustavo on for Tymoshchuk, and Gustavo and Zhang Kuang received yellow cards after a confrontation when Gustavo tried to foul Zhang Kuang.
• Robben scored from the edge of the penalty area in the 52nd minute, making the score 3-2 and spurring Bayern Munich to attack.
• Giggs left with an ankle injury and Park Ji-sung replaced him; later, Lahm fouled Zhang Kuang, prompting another confrontation between the players.
• Zhang Kuang scored directly from a free kick from over 36 meters in the 67th minute, completing his hat trick and putting Manchester United 4-2 ahead.
• Joel Glazer and Avram Glazer agreed that Manchester United had to keep Zhang Kuang.

Manchester United defeated Bayern Munich 4-2 to win the 2011-12 UEFA Champions League, with Zhang Kuang starring as they became the first team to defend the title since the competition’s revamp. After the celebrations and medal ceremony, Zhang Kuang discussed his records, his future at Manchester United, and the objects Bayern fans threw onto the pitch.

• Ferguson brought Anderson on for Hernández and moved Zhang Kuang to center forward as Manchester United protected their two-goal lead.
• Zhang Kuang broke through Bayern Munich’s high defensive line, but Neuer saved his shot; De Gea later stopped dangerous efforts from Gómez and Robben.
• Rizzoli blew the final whistle with Manchester United ahead 4-2, confirming their consecutive Champions League titles and Zhang Kuang’s hat trick.
• Manchester United celebrated on the pitch, collected their medals, and lifted the trophy together, while Jonathan faced a flood of calls from clubs seeking Zhang Kuang.
• Zhang Kuang told reporters he was thrilled to win, described his rise in Europe as an awakening, declined to say whether he would stay at Manchester United, and condemned fans throwing objects onto the pitch.

After Manchester United retained the UEFA Champions League title, Ferguson and Heynckes discussed Zhang Kuang’s decisive impact, while Zhang Kuang weighed his future options with his agent. The chapter ended with worldwide media celebrating his hat-trick and fans arguing over whether China could produce a player like him.

• Heynckes lamented Bayern Munich’s third runner-up finish, praised Zhang Kuang’s influence, and announced his retirement from coaching.
• Ferguson celebrated Manchester United’s consecutive UEFA Champions League titles and said Zhang Kuang could leave after next season.
• Zhang Kuang told Jonathan to continue discussions with Juventus, who were prepared to meet his release clause and arrange part of his salary through the Agnelli Family.
• Zhang Kuang ruled out meeting interested managers for now and declined a move to Real Madrid, while considering the limited clubs that could afford him.
• International media and social media celebrated Manchester United’s victory and Zhang Kuang’s three goals and an assist, then fans argued about his Chinese origins.

After Manchester United completed a historic sextuple, Zhang Kuang finished the season with 163 goals and agreed to stay for one more year while Ferguson remained. Back in Hong Kong, he advanced to the second qi refining layer and went to Violet Hill to test his new abilities.

• Fans and media celebrated Manchester United’s sextuple and Zhang Kuang’s record total of 163 goals across club and national-team competitions.
• Zhang Kuang received his season settlement of 3,051.25 Qi and Blood Points and 41 Upgrade Cards.
• Ferguson told the Glazer brothers that Zhang Kuang would leave when he retired, but agreed to stay for one more season to keep him at Manchester United.
• Zhang Kuang agreed to remain at Manchester United for Ferguson’s final season and then flew to Hong Kong for the national team’s training camp.
• Zhang Kuang spent 2,000 Qi and Blood Points and two Upgrade Cards to reach qi refining second layer, then spent more resources to advance to its middle stage.
• Zhang Kuang tested his enhanced strength and senses on Violet Hill and considered exploring hidden realms and challenging fierce animals.

Zhang Kuang returned to the Hong Kong Team and agreed with Troussier that they should defend cautiously against South Korea in their first final-ten qualifier. After preparing for the match and facing the media buildup, both teams arrived at a packed Hong Kong Stadium, where the broadcast began as the players prepared to take the field.

• Troussier gave Zhang Kuang three days off and discussed using a defensive 3-6-1 formation against South Korea.
• Zhang Kuang visited the Xionghua Football School Shenzhen and Hong Kong branches, coached students, and reviewed his income and investments.
• Zhang Kuang rejoined the Hong Kong Team, watched Troussier train the players, and joined preparations focused on South Korea's squad and coach Choi Kang-hee.
• South Korea arrived in Hong Kong, and Troussier and Choi Kang-hee answered questions about the upcoming match and Zhang Kuang's threat.
• On June 3, a sold-out Hong Kong Stadium filled with local and visiting fans as the broadcasters introduced the opening Group A final-ten qualifier.

Hong Kong hosted South Korea in the opening match of the final ten of the 2014 World Cup Asian qualifiers, relying on Zhang Kuang and a defensive counterattacking setup. After South Korea took the lead, Zhang Kuang equalized with a breakaway, leaving the match tied 1–1.

• Chung Chi-kwong and Wong Hing-kwai introduced the teams and Hong Kong’s defensive 3-6-1 formation, with Zhang Kuang leading the attack.
• Hong Kong defended South Korea’s early pressure, and Zhang Kuang tested Jung Sung-ryong with a long-range shot before heading a corner wide.
• Park Chu-young headed in Ki Sung-yueng’s corner in the nineteenth minute to put South Korea ahead 1–0.
• Shane Lowry sent Zhang Kuang through behind South Korea’s defense, and Zhang Kuang rounded Jung Sung-ryong and scored to equalize in the twenty-fourth minute.
• Zhang Kuang celebrated with his Hong Kong teammates as the crowd roared, while South Korean coach Choi Kang-hee reacted in frustration.

Hong Kong led South Korea 2-1 at halftime after Zhang Kuang scored on a counterattack, then extended the lead to 3-1 when he headed in Cris Kong’s corner early in the second half. South Korea struggled to contain him as play resumed, and the chapter ended with their commentators questioning the team’s poor start.

• South Korea pressed Hong Kong for much of the first half, while Bai He received treatment for a cut above his eyebrow and returned with his head bandaged.
• In the 42nd minute, Cris Kong sent Zhang Kuang a through ball, and Zhang Kuang broke past South Korea’s defenders and scored to put Hong Kong ahead 2-1.
• The teams left for halftime as South Korea’s players and coach Choi Kang-hee reacted with frustration, while Zhang Kuang received cheers from the Hong Kong crowd.
• After halftime, Hong Kong kept possession for several minutes, then Kwok Kin-pong’s run down the left earned them a corner.
• Cris Kong delivered the corner, and Zhang Kuang headed it past Jung Sung-ryong to complete his hat trick and give Hong Kong a 3-1 lead.
• Seo Ki-cheol and Lee Yong-soo criticized South Korea’s defending and questioned why the team had started the second half so poorly.

Hong Kong survived South Korea’s second-half pressure, and Zhang Kuang’s fourth goal—a 36-meter free kick—secured a historic 4-2 victory in their first World Cup qualifying top-ten match. After the final whistle, Zhang Kuang accepted the player-of-the-match award and said the win had made Hong Kong’s World Cup hopes feel real.

• South Korea pressed hard after halftime, and Koo Ja-cheol scored to cut Hong Kong’s lead to 3-2 while Fan Chun-yip denied Park Chu-young a one-on-one equalizer.
• Lee Keun-ho fouled Bai He, and Zhang Kuang scored directly from the resulting 36-meter free kick to put Hong Kong ahead 4-2.
• Fan Chun-yip and Cheuk Cheuk stopped late South Korean chances, and Hong Kong held on to win as Zhang Kuang scored all four goals.
• Troussier substituted Li Weilian for the injured Poon Yiu-cheuk, while South Korea’s final corner ended with Fan Chun-yip catching Kwak Tae-hwi’s header on the goal line.
• Zhang Kuang received the player-of-the-match trophy and told reporters the victory had strengthened the team’s belief that it could reach the World Cup.

After Hong Kong’s 4-2 win over South Korea, Zhang Kuang and his teammates traveled to Beirut to prepare for their next final-ten qualifier against Lebanon. The chapter ends as the pre-match press conference begins, with Zhang Kuang having turned down Juventus’s offer because he had promised to stay at Manchester United for another season.

• Choi Kang-hee credited Zhang Kuang for South Korea’s defeat at the post-match press conference, while Troussier praised the whole Hong Kong Team and discussed their cautious approach to qualifying.
• Media and fans celebrated Hong Kong’s victory, and Zhang Kuang declined reporters’ interview requests before the team flew to Beirut on June 4.
• The squad reviewed Lebanon’s strengths and weaknesses, and Troussier prepared a 4-2-3-1 counterattacking plan that would keep Zhang Kuang near the offside line to exploit the space behind Lebanon’s fullbacks.
• On June 7, Zhang Kuang rejected Juventus’s offer of a €150 million release clause and an €18 million annual salary, choosing to honor his promise to Sir Ferguson and remain at Manchester United for another season.
• The Hong Kong Team completed its brief final training session, and the pre-match press conference for the Lebanon match began.

China Hong Kong faced Lebanon away in the second round of the 2014 World Cup Asian qualifiers, and Zhang Kuang scored twice to give Hong Kong a 2-0 lead by the twenty-seventh minute. Lebanon had threatened early and created a dangerous chance, but the chapter ended with Hong Kong firmly ahead.

• Theo Bücker said Lebanon needed points, while Troussier predicted Hong Kong could win after preparing for the match.
• Troussier named an attacking 4-2-3-1 for Hong Kong, with Jack Xu replacing the injured Bai He, and the teams began the match in Beirut.
• Lebanon pressed forward early, and Zreik forced Fan Chun-yip to save a low shot in the third minute.
• Zhang Kuang tested Samad from distance in the eighth minute, then headed in Cris Kong's corner to put Hong Kong ahead in the twelfth.
• Matouk crossed for Mohammed in the nineteenth minute, but Shane Lowry blocked the sliding shot and Faour sent the rebound wide.
• Leung Chun-pong sent Zhang Kuang through on goal in the twenty-seventh minute; after Najjarin blocked his first attempt, Zhang Kuang scored the rebound for a 2-0 lead.

Hong Kong led Lebanon 2-0 at halftime, then Zhang Kuang completed his hat trick with a corner header after the break. Lebanon’s fans protested angrily, but Hong Kong regained control and Cris Kong scored to make it 4-0.

• Jack Xu injured his ankle in the first half and Bai He replaced him as Lebanon’s attacks failed to produce a goal.
• Zhang Kuang missed a counterattack chance, and Hong Kong went into halftime leading 2-0.
• Zhang Kuang scored his third goal in the 49th minute, prompting Lebanon’s fans to demand refunds and throw objects onto the field.
• After play resumed, Fan Chun-yip saved Atwi’s long-range shot as Lebanon attacked fiercely.
• Zhang Kuang laid the ball back from a free-kick move, and Cris Kong scored with a long-range strike to put Hong Kong 4-0 ahead.

China Hong Kong beat Lebanon 4-0 to take six points from two final qualifying matches, with Zhang Kuang scoring three goals and assisting another. During his Dubai holiday, Zhang rejected major transfer offers and told Ferguson he would not interfere in Manchester United’s decisions about Pogba or Shinji Kagawa.

• Fan Chun-yip and Chan Wai-ho kept Lebanon from scoring as Hong Kong defended their lead, and Troussier substituted Zhang Kuang to focus on protecting the 4-0 advantage.
• Hong Kong defeated Lebanon 4-0, temporarily topping Group A, while Zhang Kuang’s seven goals in two matches put him atop the scoring charts.
• In interviews, Zhang Kuang discussed Lebanon’s circumstances and fan protests, while Troussier praised the team and said Hong Kong would approach its next match against Iran cautiously.
• After the press conference, Troussier dismissed the squad until their next match on September 11 and told the players to stay healthy and maintain their form.
• During his Dubai holiday, Zhang Kuang refused Juventus’s and Bayern Munich’s offers, insisting he would stay at Manchester United for the season.
• Ferguson told Zhang Kuang that Pogba might leave over Raiola’s demands and said he wanted to sign Shinji Kagawa; Zhang Kuang responded that the decisions belonged to the club and promised to return on July 11.

Zhang Kuang reunited with Manchester United, welcomed new teammates, and joined the club’s preseason tour of South Africa and China. After scoring three times against Shanghai Shenhua, he repeated Ferguson’s question about why Chinese football struggled despite its fans, media attention, and funding, leaving the reporters without an answer.

• Zhang Kuang attended Vidić’s farewell gathering, where Park Ji-sung, Berbatov, Owen, and several reserve players said goodbye before leaving Manchester United.
• At Carrington, Ferguson outlined the preseason tour and challenged the team to beat Manchester City in the Community Shield, then ordered fitness tests.
• Zhang Kuang scored twice during Manchester United’s two friendlies in Durban and encouraged Shinji Kagawa to avoid physical battles and move the ball quickly.
• Zhang Kuang showed his teammates around Shanghai and Suzhou before Manchester United played Shanghai Shenhua.
• Zhang Kuang scored twice and assisted Rooney against Shenhua, then told reporters that he could not explain why Chinese football remained weak despite its apparent advantages.
• Zhang Kuang rejected a reporter’s suggestion that he had cut ties with Chinese football, pointing out that he played for the China Hong Kong Team.

Manchester United traveled through Norway and Sweden for preseason friendlies, welcomed Robin Van Persie, and prepared to face Manchester City in the Community Shield. The match began with Zhang Kuang testing Pablo Zabaleta, then winning a free kick and shocking City players with his claim that he felt weak after battling eight women the night before.

• Manchester United played preseason friendlies against Molde and a Swedish side, where Zhang Kuang scored four goals and provided an assist across the matches.
• Manchester United announced Robin Van Persie's £24 million transfer, and Van Persie greeted Zhang Kuang at Carrington.
• Ferguson urged Manchester United to establish their dominance over Manchester City in the Community Shield, and both teams named their lineups.
• Kevin Friend started the Community Shield at Villa Park, where Zhang Kuang immediately took on Zabaleta on the left.
• Zhang Kuang won a free kick after Zabaleta tripped him, then told Zabaleta he felt weak because he had battled eight women the night before.

Manchester United led Manchester City 3-1 in the Community Shield after Zhang Kuang scored a direct free kick and a spectacular scorpion kick, but City fought back late to equalize 3-3. The chapter ended with both teams stunned by the sudden turnaround.

• Zhang Kuang scored directly from a free kick to give Manchester United a 1-0 lead.
• Shinji Kagawa assisted Hernández, who made it 2-0 before halftime.
• After Manchester City brought on Balotelli and David Silva, Tevez scored from a rebound to cut the deficit to 2-1.
• Zhang Kuang scored with a scorpion kick to restore Manchester United's two-goal lead, then Balotelli was sent off.
• Tevez scored again from Kompany's long pass, and then converted a penalty after Ferdinand fouled Džeko to make it 3-3.

Manchester United beat Manchester City 4-3 to win the Community Shield after Zhang Kuang scored a late hat-trick goal, and the chapter followed the celebrations, press reactions, and the squad’s return to training. It left the team preparing for the league while transfer-market news and speculation about Zhang Kuang’s future continued.

• Shinji Kagawa’s corner led to Rooney’s header, which Joe Hart punched away before Zhang Kuang headed in the rebound for a hat trick and a 4-3 Manchester United victory.
• Vidić lifted the Community Shield with his teammates, and Zhang Kuang had the squad sign the match ball before Ferguson told the players to focus on the league.
• Mancini said City had prepared to contain Zhang Kuang but still could not stop him, while Ferguson praised City’s progress and noted United’s new signings.
• Zhang Kuang joked with reporters, praised Shinji Kagawa’s debut, identified his running and strength as areas to improve, and said he would discuss his contract after the season.
• After two days off, United returned to training, where Rooney teased Kagawa about his Dortmund wages and Ferguson praised Kagawa for extra practice with Carrick.
• The players discussed major transfers, including Hazard joining Chelsea, Bayern Munich’s new signings, and Modrić’s move to Real Madrid.

Manchester United traveled to Goodison Park for their 2012-13 Premier League opener against Everton, with injuries forcing Carrick into central defense. Everton threatened early through Fellaini and Jelavić, but De Gea made a crucial save as the match continued.

• Zhang Kuang and Manchester United’s players discussed transfers, then traveled to Liverpool for their season opener against Everton.
• At Goodison Park, Ferguson confirmed that Carrick would cover at center-back because Ferdinand, Jones, Evans, and Smalling were injured.
• The teams began the match, and Zhang Kuang immediately took on Hibbert down the left.
• Rooney cut inside and tested Howard with Manchester United’s first shot of the match.
• In the ninth minute, Fellaini headed Baines’s free kick toward Jelavić, whose close-range shot was stopped by De Gea.