Chapter 103
is too tough; he can step up and carry the team in crucial moments.
Chapter 103 is too tough; he can step up and carry the team in crucial moments.
At halftime, in Fulham's locker room, Mark Hughes stood in front of the tactics board, his expression serious.
"We played well in the first half," he said. "We only conceded one goal, which was a rebound. This shows that our defense was fine, and if we keep it up, we can shut down Manchester United's chances of scoring again."
At the same time, we must commend our fighting spirit. We fought until the very last moment, battling relentlessly until the end of the first half, and ultimately equalized the score. This is our spirit. We also want to tell those so-called strong teams and giants:
There are no weak teams in the Premier League!
He glanced at the excited and spirited players and was quite satisfied; this fighting spirit was usable.
"Manchester United's defense is very high up the pitch, and their two center-backs are slow to turn. In the second half, we need to attack behind their defense more and use our speed to break through their defense."
"Also," he added, "Zhang Kuang is a big threat, so we need to strengthen our defense against him in the second half. Baird, you can't mark him alone, and Hangeland, you need to be ready to help defend at any time."
"Understood!" the Fulham players shouted in unison.
In Manchester United's dressing room, Ferguson's expression was not good.
"We didn't play well in the first half," he said. "We had a lot of possession, but we weren't threatening enough. Zhang's goal was a rebound, not a chance created in positional play. This shows that our attack wasn't sharp enough."
He glanced at Rooney and Berbatov.
"Rooney, you didn't run enough in the first half. You need to push into the penalty area more. Berbatov, you dropped too far back, and there was no one to support you in the middle. In the second half, you two need to spread out and create space for Zhang."
"clear."
Ferguson glanced at Zhang Kuang again.
"Zhang, your goal in the first half was beautiful. But in the second half, you need to drop deeper to receive the ball and draw their defense out. If they double-team you, pass the ball; don't try to force your way through."
"Understood, Boss."
"Next, I want to talk about defense. What were you doing in the midfield and defense during the first half?!"
Zhang Kuang witnessed the power of Ferguson's "hairdryer" for the first time. Captain Vidic and first vice-captain Ferdinand were severely scolded by him, as they were the two leading the midfield and defense and were therefore the primary responsible parties.
How did the ball get past midfield? Why couldn't the defense hold up well after the ball crossed midfield? Where was their attention focused?
Ferguson blew the hairdryer on and on for a good five or six minutes, yelling at everyone until they all lowered their heads and dared not utter a word.
During halftime, the commentators in the studio were also analyzing the first half.
In the Sky Sports studio, Martin Tyler said: "I have to say that Manchester United's signing of only 300 million euros was quite successful. Zhang from China has a strong goal-scoring ability."
However, Fulham's tenacity surprised me. There are no weak teams in the Premier League. If Ferguson doesn't make adjustments to the midfield and defense, things could get very complicated.
Rob: "Yes, Zhang's goal-scoring ability is undeniable, but Rooney and Berbatov shouldn't have performed so poorly."
Furthermore, there was another highlight in the first half today: Zhang's arrogance wasn't entirely unchecked against a strong defense like Baird; the Chinese player was somewhat limited, which provides other Premier League teams with a point of reference.
Martin: "That's right, Fulham has once again proven one thing: there are no weak teams in the Premier League, and even superstars will face huge difficulties here."
The CCTV-5 halftime recap commentary needs no further explanation. Analyzing Zhang's several daring breakthroughs and goals, as well as Fulham's numerous threats and goals, they all reached the same conclusion:
Fulham's goal-scoring ability is impressive; they are only ranked low, not that they are weak.
The internet was filled with cheers, mainly because many Happy Bean users who bought the Crazy Goal in the first half were overjoyed and were still discussing whether to buy Crazy Goal again in the second half.
After the start of the second half, Fulham seemed like a completely different team.
Their attack became more aggressive, and their tackling more fierce. In the 50th minute, Fulham won a free kick in the attacking third.
Murphy took the free kick, the ball flew into the penalty area, and Fulham's center-back Hangeland headed the ball into the net.
2:1
Fulham have taken the lead.
Craven Cottage erupted as Mark Hughes slid across the grass just outside the lines.
Twenty-five thousand Fulham fans cheered simultaneously, their voices deafening.
Ferguson stood on the sidelines, his face ashen, completely bewildered. How had Fulham managed to turn the game around?
Martin: "They've taken the lead! They've taken the lead! Fulham have taken the lead! Manchester United's defense is out of position! Ferguson's face is ashen! I never expected this!"
Rob: "Manchester United's attacking trident was severely restricted. Zhang from China was heavily marked. Rooney couldn't pass the ball out, and Berbatov couldn't receive it."
He Wei: "Ah, Manchester United has been overtaken. Sure enough, the ball is round. Sometimes, a stronger team on paper doesn't guarantee a better result. On the football field, it's all about willpower, fighting spirit, and luck."
Xu Yang: "Yes, but falling behind temporarily doesn't mean anything. This is Manchester United after all, and I believe Zhang Kuang will step up at the crucial moment."
Ferguson cursed on the sidelines and turned to Phelan, saying, "Wait ten minutes, then let Irving warm up."
Ferran nodded, knowing that if Manchester United couldn't equalize in another ten minutes, they would have to be more aggressive.
In the 60th minute, Manchester United launched an attack.
Zhang Kuang received the ball in midfield, facing a double-team from Baird and Hangeland.
He didn't panic, but instead used his body to shield the ball and waited for his teammates to make their runs.
Fulham defender Hangeland rushed in from behind and stomped on the arrogant man's heel.
Zhang Kuang fell to the ground, rolled over once, and then stood up.
His shoes were stepped on, his socks had a hole in them, and there was a red mark on his heel.
"Foul!" the Manchester United players shouted.
The referee called a foul, but did not issue a card.
Zhang Kuang picked up the shoes, put them on, and glanced at Hangrand.
The Norwegian air champion avoided his gaze.
Zhang Kuang didn't say anything, just shook his foot and acted as if nothing had happened. Everyone was amazed by Zhang Kuang's toughness; he was unharmed after being stepped on like that. A minute later, Zhang Kuang stood on the edge of Fulham's penalty area, waiting for Carrick's free kick in midfield. Hangeland was also beside Zhang Kuang, helping to defend against him along with Baird.
The moment Carrick kicked the ball, Zhang Kuang started running, followed by Baird and Hangeland. Just as the ball was about to fall, Zhang Kuang jumped early. Baird was too heavy to jump, so the Norwegian aerial powerhouse Hangeland jumped with him.
He's a dominant aerial threat in defense, specializing in intercepting headers.
Immediately afterwards, a loud "thump" was heard on the field, and a huge black figure was knocked away. Then, with a wild head, he headed the ball towards Rooney's right side. Rooney reacted extremely quickly and kicked the ball into the goal.
Martin: G000000000000L
He Wei: "Goal! Goal! Zhang Kuang's header assist, Rooney pounces and kicks the ball into the net, goal stands! 2:"
2. They've equalized. Wait, is a Fulham player injured in midfield?
At that moment, the large screen at the scene and the broadcast on the television were replaying the slow-motion replay of Zhang Kuang and Hangeland's battle for the point. After watching it, everyone was shocked.
Xu Yang: "Slow-motion replay shows that Hangeland was knocked away while challenging Zhang Kuang for a header. This Hangeland is a tall guy, 1.94 meters tall and weighs 85 kilograms, 9 centimeters taller and nearly 10 kilograms heavier than Zhang Kuang, and he was knocked away by Zhang Kuang?"
He Wei: "That's right. Through the repeated slow-motion replays, it's clear that Zhang Kuang didn't commit a foul at all. They were just having a pure physical confrontation, and yet the taller and stronger Hangeland got knocked away?"
Xu Yang: "Wow, I really didn't expect Zhang Kuang's physical strength to be this great."
Meanwhile, the commentators Martin and Rob were so excited that they were practically spitting as they talked. They loved the raw, physical clashes on the field; that's what a man's sport should be like.
Meanwhile, Fulham fans at the stadium were chanting that Zhang Kuang was a murderer and that he had committed a foul.
Mark Hughes, even more agitated, ran over to the Fourth Officer and argued fiercely with a ferocious expression. Ferguson really couldn't argue with Mark Hughes, after all, they had some past relationship.
But Ferran can fight for it.
So the camera kept cutting between shots, sometimes showing the fourth official arguing with the two coaches, and sometimes showing Hangeland being treated by the team doctor.
He still wore an arrogant expression, which was constantly being magnified.
His face, which looked surprised and confused, and so tender it seemed like it could be pinched to release moisture, appeared incredibly innocent when magnified.
In terms of acting, Zhang Kuang is unprofessional; he has neither studied at the Beijing Film Academy nor joined the La Masia film and television training base.
But that doesn't mean he can't perform. No, he wasn't acting; his reactions were genuine.
He didn't even know how strong his body really was, he hadn't really tested it. It wasn't like he had actually transmigrated into the cultivation world and was checking his martial arts level every day.
He was just walking across the football field; there were no safety issues. Who would test that every day?
So, he didn't feel much about the collision. He did have some thoughts of revenge, but he didn't intend to do anything to the other party.
So his expression was very innocent.
Just as the commentators, fans, fourth official, referee, and both head and assistant coaches were excitedly expressing something, Fulham's team doctor made a substitution gesture.
Martin: "Wait, wait a minute, what's going on? Fulham's team doctor indicated a substitution? Is a substitution really necessary?"
Rob: "Looks like he's badly injured. Hangeland can't hold on any longer; he's at least broken a rib."
Martin: "No, I just watched the replay, there was no foul, it was just a normal collision. Is Hangeland that fragile? He can't even handle a player who's 9 centimeters shorter and 10 kilograms lighter?"
Rob: "Is it possible that Zhang from China is just too strong? No matter how tall or strong a human is, try crashing into a steel wall. The more force you use, the more you will get hurt."
When Mark Hughes saw the team doctor say they needed to make a substitution, he was stunned. Wait, what's going on? They're going to make a substitution already? It was just a small bump, it can't be, right? In his mind, Hangeland wasn't that fragile.
However, he gave up the argument and went to arrange for a replacement.
The Fulham fans at the stadium were outraged and chanted even louder insults, accusing Zhang of murder.
However, that's just how it is. Mark Hughes brought on Philipp Senderos, who had just transferred from Arsenal on a free transfer and hadn't really gelled with the defense yet. But there was no other way but to put him in there to fill the gap.
On the other side, Rooney kept his arm around Zhang Kuang, he was very happy, Zhang Kuang had given him an assist.
The match continued, and both sides started to get heated. However, they were somewhat afraid to confront Zhang Kuang, especially Baird, who now only dared to grab Zhang Kuang but dared not charge at him.
In the 70th minute, Ferran asked Ferguson if he wanted to substitute Owen. Ferguson thought for a moment and didn't. He just shouted at Zhang from the sidelines, "Zhang, show some of your skills. We need to win."
Zhang Kuang was speechless; sometimes he was told to hide his true abilities, and sometimes he was told to show his strength.
What's wrong with Ferguson?
Do people become more timid as they get older?
Do you want both?
To demand that he be arrogant yet conceal his true strength while simultaneously allowing him to demonstrate his abilities is truly infuriating. If it weren't for the fact that he's Ferguson, Zhang Kuang would be cursing.
Garlic Bird, Garlic Bird, the team needs him now.
In the 75th minute, Zhang Kuang received the ball on the left wing.
This time, he didn't retreat or pass the ball; instead, he forced his way through.
Baird closed in, and Zhang Kuang used his body to hold him off, forcibly overtaking him from the outside.
Byrd stumbled from the impact and reached out to grab him, but couldn't hold on.
Zhang Kuang entered the penalty area, and Aaron Hughes came to cover him.
Zhang Kuang didn't slow down; he changed direction immediately and broke into the penalty area from Aaron Hughes' left side.
Aaron Hughes was too slow to turn around; by the time he did, Zhang Kuang had already taken a shot.
The ball went under Schwarzer's arm and rolled into the goal.
2:3
In the 75th minute, Zhang Kuang scored his second goal!
Martin: "G000000000000AL! Arrogance! Arrogance again!"
Martin Tyler's voice was almost hoarse, "Manchester United really hit the jackpot! This player is excellent and has a tough style."
Rob: "The key is that he's still very young, which is something many teams like, and fans appreciate it too."
Martin: "Haha, Rob, you're not jealous, are you?"
Rob: "Aren't you envious?"
The Manchester United fans at Craven Cottage erupted in cheers.
Three thousand Manchester United fans cheered simultaneously, their voices drowning out the twenty-five thousand Fulham fans.
Zhang ran wildly towards the corner flag area and made the "Siu" celebration gesture.
This time, he couldn't hold back. When he jumped up, he had a wild, unrestrained, and domineering smile on his face.
Berbatov ran over, hugged him, and rubbed his head, his movements quite practiced.
"Old Bei, you don't need to rub my head like that, who can stand it?"
"You little brat, I should really give you a good thrashing."
-
"Are you trying to make me throw up?"
At that moment, Rooney ran over, initially excited, then surprised.
"Wait, what are you two doing? One said he couldn't take it anymore, one said he wanted to rub hard, and then the other said he was going to throw up from being rubbed. Wait, this sounds so awkward."
Hey, what are you two doing? This is really funny.
"Get lost, you damn fatso, what the hell are you thinking? I like women," Berbatov snapped.
Then the other Manchester United players swarmed over; this game had been so hard-fought, they had finally taken the lead.
The Manchester United players surrounded Zhang Kuang, frantically patting his head, shoulders, back, buttocks, and thighs.
Oh, there isn't one between the thighs.
On the sidelines, Ferguson stood up and clenched his fist.
"Jazz, that was a crucial shot!" Ferran shouted from the sidelines.
"Hmm, this kid showed off again. He has the superstar ability to step up and take responsibility when things are going badly. Hopefully, other teams haven't seen that." Ferguson responded, his eyes fixed on the arrogant player on the field.
He thought to himself: This kid is reliable in a pinch.
Of course, he didn't rest either; he immediately made substitutions and strengthened the defense.
Zhang Kuang was replaced by Park Ji-sung, and the formation was changed to 4-4-2.
Everyone was surprised. Why would Ferguson replace a key player in the team's success?
Meanwhile, Fulham made substitutions to strengthen their attack.
The score remained unchanged after that.
Manchester United secured a 3-2 away victory against Fulham with two spectacular goals and an assist, achieving their second consecutive win at the start of the Premier League season.
While thanking Manchester United fans for their support, a bold female Manchester United fan excitedly shouted words of affection at Zhang Kuang.
Zhang Kuang was a little embarrassed on the spot, and he was very grateful for the fans' enthusiastic support.
Zhang Kuang won the MVP award for the match. In the Premier League, the MVP receives a small trophy, and Zhang Kuang received a bottle of champagne for celebration. This is much more sophisticated than what is done in Ligue 1. It's true that money makes a difference.
Then he stood in front of the official backdrop and gave an impromptu interview.