Chapter 1 When Zhao Gang completed a goal and an assist, the Manchester United players finally realized that this kid wasn't just all talk.

Mata had already started shadowing Zhao Gang.

And while Blind and Fellaini remained in their zones, they would glance at Zhao Gang from time to time, ready to provide backup defense.

Such treatment was rare even when facing Premier League teams.

Zhao Gang could easily sense Manchester United's emphasis on him, even the pressure.

But this style of play wasn't necessarily a bad thing for Zhao Gang and Norwich.

Because he hardly ever dribbled; after receiving the ball, he usually chose to release it instantly. Unless three players were marking him closely, it was difficult to contain him.

Moreover, this kind of defense, while putting enough pressure on him, would free up the others.

However...

The shortcomings of Norwich players' individual abilities were still evident.

When Manchester United got serious, Norwich players, apart from kicking the ball out of bounds or clearing it with long balls, found it difficult to pass the ball to Zhao Gang.

Even passing the ball at all became difficult!

"You are indeed very skilled, but if you can't even receive the ball, what can you do?" Mata, shadowing Zhao Gang, was playing mind games, trying to disrupt him.

If successful, even if he received the ball, it would be difficult to organize an effective counterattack.

Zhao Gang remained unmoved, actively participating in the defense.

Of course, his defense was somewhat lacking.

Zhao Gang watched the ball fly over his head. Di Maria, rushing into the penalty area from outside, easily shook off his marker and shot.

The goalkeeper, with extreme concentration, dove and pushed the ball away.

Rooney quickly followed up, and seeing that the goalkeeper was already on the ground and unable to react, he took a powerful shot.

Mendy gritted his teeth and blocked the ball with his side. Lingard, in another direction, raised his foot for another shot.

The soccer ball flew through the gap in the defense toward the net. The fallen goalkeeper struggled to get up, and unable to muster any strength, stretched his body and dove in the other direction.

The ball grazed his fingertips, changed direction, and flew out of bounds!

Lingard, Di Maria, and Rooney almost simultaneously held their heads, looking incredulously at the goalkeeper who had fallen heavily to the ground.

He had already lost his balance, yet he still had such quick recovery speed and reaction time.

Ah!!

The goalkeeper got up and roared. It wasn't criticism of his teammates, but an emotional release, and a huge encouragement to his comrades!

If we can defend against this sure goal, what can't we defend?

Several defender teammates ran over, hugged the goalkeeper's head. "Beautiful! Awesome!"

The forwards have already scored, and twice at that!

Now our defense can't let up!

If we can hold on, then we can defeat the Premier League giants!

According to Hilo, we're practically fourth in the Premier League!

For the next twenty minutes or so, Zhao Gang hardly received the ball!

Although Mata was constantly watching him, and the other two were ready to assist at any time, the ball simply couldn't reach his feet!

The only ones who could really protect the ball were Phillip and the forward, Hilo.

Forward Hilo returning to his own half to set up Zhao Gang meant there was no counterattack point.

Although Ospina had decent speed and height, his level was far below that of Manchester United's defenders.

Phillip's breakthrough was child's play in the eyes of Manchester United's midfielders, and it was almost impossible to succeed.

It was already difficult enough for him to protect the ball and pass it out.

However, Rooney was also getting impatient.

As a top striker, being outshone by Zhao Gang and Hilo was unacceptable to him.

So, several of his passes were extremely unreasonable, leading to Manchester United being 0-2 behind in the first half!

Of course, on the surface, Manchester United steadily held the advantage, bombarding Norwich's goal with a barrage of attacks.

But only three shots were truly threatening.

And the goalkeeper was extraordinarily brave!

Farke's tactics were already proving effective.

Steal two, and then pack the penalty area with people and legs, so most of the shots will be blocked!

"Throughout the first half, Manchester United was practically surrounding Norwich, but in just two opportunities, Zhao Gang and Hilo seized them."

"That's right, Manchester United didn't take it too seriously at first, thinking this opponent wasn't up to par, and underestimated them as a result. By the time they reacted, the other team was all in the penalty area. At this point, wanting to launch a counterattack and get an absolute opportunity is really a bit difficult. They can only rely on positional warfare, constantly passing the ball to find opportunities. Manchester United players are actually getting a little anxious. Van Gaal may need to consider substitutions, adding a forward, because they already have control, what they lack are opportunities."

"Okay, there's still one minute of stoppage time left in the first half. Van Gaal is scratching his head, he must be somewhat dissatisfied with the players' performance, especially the backfield players, for letting people through. De Gea even made a fatal mistake, actually chasing Luke Shaw away, leading to Zhao Gang's free kick directly breaking the goal." Shen Jian suppressed a laugh. De Gea's ball was so funny. He couldn't help but think of Luke Shaw's annoyance and De Gea's frustration after the goal.

"Eh?? Rooney's pass has an error... it's intercepted by Mendy..."

At this time, close to the end of the first half, Manchester United's players were obviously a little distracted.

"Mendy long ball finds Zhao Gang. Mata has been following Zhao Gang the whole first half, but suddenly he's gone. There's no defender around Zhao Gang!"

Although Zhao Gang's dribbling rating isn't high right now, he can still easily carry the ball forward without any confrontation or interference!

"Zhao Gang is dribbling forward! This scene is rare!"

"Mata, Blind, and Fellaini have all rushed towards Zhao Gang!"

"Zhao Gang is holding onto the ball a little too long, he probably wants to run out the clock in the first half, which is a normal tactic..."

Shen Jian was constantly explaining Zhao Gang's purpose in dribbling the ball instead of passing it.

After all, with three people surrounding him, there was no view or angle to pass the ball.

If he had been two seconds earlier, he could have passed the ball!

Now it was too late.

"What Zhao Gang is doing is understandable... Oh... Great ball!!!"

Shen Jian's eyes widened. Zhao Gang had just been preparing to pass it back, facing his own defender, with his back to the direction of attack, but he kicked the ball diagonally behind him.

A wide-ranging transfer that landed directly in an empty area!

And Hilo, who had already accelerated at the moment Zhao Gang raised his leg, was closest to the ball!

"Oh, this ball, Hilo... Hilo actually ran forward ahead of time, shaking off Valencia, taking a lead of two body lengths!"

"Facing the goalkeeper! It's another one-on-one!!!"

"Hilo!!" Shen Jian shouted with almost all his strength.

"Oh no!! Valencia, that's a red card foul!"

"There's no defender in front of Hilo except the goalkeeper, Valencia brought him down from behind! That's definitely a red card!"

Hilo rolled all the way into the penalty area, painfully clutching his right leg.

The fans in the stands instantly rioted, and both Norwich and Manchester United players ran over quickly.

Di!!

The referee immediately blew his whistle, and before taking out a card, quickly called over two assistant referees.

Break it up!!

Fortunately, the referee controlled the situation in time.

A red card was pulled out, and Valencia shook his head, disappointed.

At this time, this kind of choice, he couldn't be blamed.

He had to try his best to stop him, what if he got lucky and only got a yellow card?

"Valencia was a little impulsive! Getting a red card and leaving Manchester United to play with one less player, and a free kick in this position is a godsend for Norwich, who haven't had many opportunities!"

"Let's see how Zhao Gang passed the ball." Shen Jian watched the replay, still feeling incredible.

Without any vision behind him or even to the side, everyone felt that he would pass it back.

Mata was even ready to slide in and block Zhao Gang's passing route.

But as if he had eyes in the back of his head, he passed the ball directly into the center.

Moreover, Hilo had run ahead of time!

"This pass is really pleasing to the eye, and Hilo's run also means that this wasn't a spur-of-the-moment pass from Zhao Gang, but a collaboration that had been practiced in previous training! This kind of footwork... is really world-class midfield." Shen Jian watched this magical pass, Zhao Gang stood there so calmly amidst the three people surrounding him, fooling all the defenders!

The three Manchester United defenders judged from their own experience that Zhao Gang could never pass such a ball.

Because this kind of pass is rarely seen even in Premier League-level midfielders!

"Damn, how did Zhao Gang see Hilo's position with that ball?"

"There's no one there at all! It's a tactical play, look at the timing of Hilo's run, he knows Zhao Gang is going to pass it there!"

"Strong!!! Awesome!!! I'm happy even if I lose money..."

"Damn it, I should have believed in Zhao Gang, stupid Manchester United gave up two goals, got kicked like this, and are playing with one less player!"

"Manchester United will score four goals in the second half, and you can still get your money back! Don't worry, hehehe..."

Zhao Gang took a deep breath and stood in front of the ball.

The big screen showed a close-up of Zhao Gang's entire face.

He rarely had a determined look in his eyes, but at this moment, he stared firmly at Mata.

You want to play mind games?

If I score this goal, will you be afraid?

Mata stood in the wall, unafraid, staring straight back, even pointing to the upper right corner of the goal, If you have the ability, kick it there!

Zhao Gang actually smiled and nodded vigorously.

Meaning, I'll kick it there!

De Gea watched the two men's actions. Damn it, left or right?

Luke Shaw ran back again, and De Gea didn't chase him away this time.

He really had psychological trauma.

An offensive route appeared in Zhao Gang's eyes.

And probabilities too.

The referee blew his whistle.

Zhao Gang made a "three" gesture towards the sky.

De Gea was slightly bent over. Damn you, you make this gesture every time?

Is all your tactics signaled with "three"?

Last time, Zhao Gang scored directly with a shot. This goal was a similar distance, so De Gea naturally believed that this guy would definitely shoot, and most likely in the upper right corner!

De Gea prepared himself.

Zhao Gang ran up and kicked!

Bang!

Short!

Damn!

It's a pass!

It was too late for De Gea to attack.

Ospina, who had been used as a center back, ran forward two steps and flew up with his eyes closed.

Hitting the ball with his head.

Solidly!

Ospina knew it was in when the ball hit his head!

The ball speed was too fast, De Gea didn't attack, and there was no time to lower his body.

And Luke Shaw symbolically raised his leg.

The ball bounced powerfully off the ground and into the goal!

3:0!

Overtime goal in stoppage time!

Mata put his hands on his hips, his face dazed. Weren't you going to kick it in the upper right corner?

You were deceiving me!

The Manchester United fans stared blankly.

Was the team wearing white jerseys really Manchester United?

Down 0:3 at halftime!

Were they playing an English Championship team?

Was this the Canary team that they had thrashed 6:0 over two legs last season?

This was the Canary? This was a goshawk!

The blood of the fans at Carrow Road seemed to burn!

Manchester United!

They were like little chicks!

What the hell?

"Zhao Gang! Zhao Gang's free kick assist!!" Watching Ospina lift Zhao Gang high on the field, almost excitedly calling him daddy, Shen Jian was extremely excited.

"The best choice! Zhao Gang will always make the most accurate judgment! He won't be greedy for credit, he won't be obsessed with shooting goals, he will make his teammates better! This is the core!"

"Hahaha!! Manchester United? Red Devils? Makes me laugh... hahaha..." Brooke's tears came out.

"David? A clown! Zhao doesn't deserve Manchester United's youth training camp, that's the funniest joke I've ever heard!

Manchester United's decline in recent years, David probably thinks he needs some heat, right? So he created the best joke of the year in English football!"

Brooke, as a Norwich local commentator, has always been loved by Norwich fans for his unfair, unjust, and non-public attitude.

He can scold Norwich, the fans can scold Norwich, but outsiders slander Norwich?

Sorry, all shot!

Brooke didn't hold back, didn't reserve anything, slapped the table, tears almost coming out.

Not only was he mocking Manchester United, but he was also excited about Norwich's godlike performance.

Rod handed over a tissue, shaking his head and smiling helplessly. This partner was loved by all the fans because he frantically defended and frantically cursed his own team.

The first half ended.

Farke stood solemnly in the locker room.

Although he was so excited he was about to take off, he absolutely couldn't show it.

3:0!

Playing with one more player!

If he didn't have players, he would have already celebrated with a drink.

Champagne would have been opened!

But there were still vivid memories of someone opening champagne after leading 3:0 in the first half, only to be tied in the second half and overtaken in overtime.

He couldn't get complacent.

"You did very well! Even when facing a Premier League giant like Manchester United, you weren't scared out of your wits, but you absolutely can't relax!

Absolutely don't think Manchester United is only this good!

Remember, throughout the first half, we were behind on the field! Apart from the number of goals, we were far behind in all the statistics!

Being sent off will not affect their attack, it will only have a slight impact on defense!

You guys did very well!" Farke looked at several defenders and the goalkeeper, "You all did very well! You must defend, hold off their attack!

They will attack frantically in the second half!

Understood???"

"Understood!!" Hilo shouted loudly. In the locker room, he could always stand up and express his position, which was indeed a characteristic that Zhao Gang didn't have.

Seeing his disciples were high-spirited, Farke was slightly relieved. What he feared most was that these guys would think they could really fight Manchester United.

The three goals were very beautiful, but the two set pieces had elements of luck, and one was stolen at the start when Manchester United's positioning was slow.

If it was really a real fight, Norwich would be riddled with holes.

Farke didn't say anything more, after all, his tactics were very successful.

When everyone left the locker room to prepare to go on the field, Farke grinned, waving his fists vigorously and followed out.