Chapter 924: First Defeat
After halftime, due to Gao Xiaodong's red card, Nani's injury was too serious. Manchester United made personnel adjustments and replaced Nani with Scholes to continue the offensive.
Although Gao Xiaodong is the new core of Manchester United, Manchester United's offense and defense have their own system. After Scholes came on the field, Manchester United's midfielder could still maintain normal operation. However, due to Scholes's insufficient running ability, Manchester United's midfielder could still maintain normal operation. The intensity of defense and the ability to shoot forward have declined a bit.
However, after the main defender Carragher, who can be hit or miss, was sent off with a red card, Liverpool's defense was unstable, and Manchester United's offense was able to form breakthroughs from both sides, creating many threats.
In the 70th minute of the second half, Hernandez, who came on as a substitute, scored a header for Manchester United to get a goal back. However, as soon as Manchester United saw hope of equalizing, Kuyt used Suarez's free kick to score. The third goal shattered Manchester United's dream of equalizing.
Manchester United subsequently launched a fierce counterattack, but was unable to knock on Liverpool's door again. In the end, Liverpool defeated Manchester United 3:1 at home, breaking Manchester United's unbeaten streak.
At the end of the game, the Manchester United players were very frustrated. No one wanted to watch their rivals celebrate on the court, and they all returned to the locker room with gloomy faces.
Just as Ferguson was about to get up and leave, King Dalglish of Liverpool came over with a face full of joy, held Ferguson's hand tightly and said: "Sire Sir Alex accepts."
Ferguson was so angry that he felt tight in his chest, but he did not want to lose his grace in front of his old rival. He sneered: "I lost this game, but it has nothing to do with the overall situation. In the end, we will win the 19th league championship."
Dalglish said with a smile: "I came late and had no other ideas. A win would be good, but I'm afraid Xiao Donggao will also be suspended for three games. I hope Manchester United can hold on."
Ferguson sneered: "If you don't care, other teams won't be as rough as Liverpool."
After speaking, Ferguson let go of Dalglish's hand and walked away.
At the post-match press conference, Ferguson lambasted Liverpool for playing rough and also expressed his disapproval of the referee Phil. Dodd is dissatisfied with the lax enforcement standards.
"I don't want to defend losing. No team never loses. Our performance is not as good as our opponents. Losing is normal. But are Liverpool here to play? They have been intimidating my players with very rough actions. , and kicked and injured Nani. Xiaodong was sent off because of Carragher's provocation. He is only 21 years old. When his teammates were tackled and his opponents spat on him, it was understandable that he lost his cool. We plan to do it for him. Xiaodong’s red card appeal is not to cancel the red card, but to reduce Xiaodong’s punishment.”
Of course Dalglish would not admit that his team played rough.
He thought Carragher's move was a bit big, but he didn't mean to cripple him on purpose. However, Gao Xiaodong punched Carragher in the chest first, and then slapped Carragher in the face. Such an extremely bad person like Gao Xiaodong Behavior must be severely punished. A three-game suspension is too little and additional penalties should be imposed.
On the Internet, the incident of Gao Xiaodong being sent off with a red card was hotly discussed by fans and triggered a fierce battle between Liverpool fans and Manchester United fans.
Some Manchester United fans think that Gao Xiaodong played well and was too relieved. He should beat players like Carragher, even if he gets a red card, it is worth it; some fans think that Gao Xiaodong, as the captain on the field, is right to stand up for his teammates. But it's not right to hit someone. If Manchester United collapses and loses the championship, Gao Xiaodong will be guilty. Some fans think Gao Xiaodong's approach is too reckless. A slap in the face is cool, but Manchester United loses the equalizer because of this. hope, and Gao Xiaodong will also be punished by at least three games of suspension. This price is really a bit high.
Liverpool fans angrily scolded Gao Xiaodong, thinking that Gao Xiaodong was a barbarian from a backward country. A player like Gao Xiaodong would not only have to receive a red card and be suspended, but also have his legs tackled on the court.
Manchester United fans and Liverpool fans each have their own opinions, while neutral fans support Gao Xiaodong more. They believe that although Gao Xiaodong is reckless, he stands up for his teammates, is domineering and responsible, and is the most suitable captain candidate for Manchester United. Compared with Manchester United's former Captains Keane and Cantona are more likeable.
After the game, the Manchester United players returned to the hotel, and Ferguson called Gao Xiaodong to his room.
"Xiaodong, have you calmed down now?"
Ferguson asked Gao Xiaodong to sit down and said gently.
Gao Xiaodong sat down in front of Ferguson and said with some shame, "Sorry, Boss, I was too impulsive."
Ferguson waved his hand and said: "Nothing, no one can't get a red card in his career..."
Gao Xiaodong felt a little relieved after hearing this, but Ferguson continued: "But as the core of the team and the captain on the field, is it appropriate to be provoked by others and receive a red card? What if this is the Champions League final? What if this is the World Cup final? Woolen cloth?"
When Gao Xiaodong heard this, he broke into a cold sweat. He smiled bitterly and said, "Boss, I was too impulsive."
Gao Xiaodong's apology this time was much more sincere.
Ferguson said: "First of all, the action in the Premier League is bigger than that in Serie A, the referees' enforcement standards are loose, and several players are seriously injured every season. You have to adapt to this change. Secondly, you are the core of the team, and your opponents will definitely Try every means to defend you, including irritating you and kicking you. You must think of countermeasures. Third, you must understand the heavy responsibility on your shoulders. Scholes is old and may retire next season. You He is the new core of Manchester United. You are not just playing on the field and you cannot do whatever you want."
"I understand, BOSS. When I saw Carragher trying to destroy Nani and spitting at me again, I didn't suppress my anger. I will definitely respond to them with victory next time."
Seeing Gao Xiaodong humbly admitting his mistake, Ferguson felt a little better and said: "Xiaodong, last time we played against Inter Milan, I asked you to wear the captain's armband. This time when we played against Liverpool, I asked you to wear the captain's armband again. You Do you know why?"
Gao Xiaodong's heart moved and he deliberately pretended to be confused: "Isn't it because Brother Leo and Vidic can't play?"
Ferguson shook his head secretly and thought, this cunning boy is still trying to trick me. He said seriously: "Leo and Vidic can't play. There are Evra, Fletcher and Rooney on the field. I let You wear the captain's armband because I want to train you and see if you are qualified to be the captain after the season is over. But you behaved so impetuously today. If you are made the captain at the end of this season, how can your teammates and fans be relieved? I will be convinced.”
Regardless of the fact that when Ferguson criticized him, Gao Xiaodong honestly admitted his mistakes and relented, but when it came to specific interests, Gao Xiaodong was not modest at all. He quickly said: "Boss, it's just the fans saying I'm impetuous. I stand up for my teammates, how can my teammates blame me, don’t worry, this is the last time, and it will never happen again."
Ferguson said: "What's wrong with you standing up for your teammates? Anyway, you got a red card and you affected the team's performance. This is giving others an excuse."
Gao Xiaodong said: "Boss, you have to give people a chance to change their ways. I'm only 21 years old."
Ferguson saw Gao Xiaodong so exhausted, and couldn't hold his face anymore. He patted Gao Xiaodong's head and said, "Just because you are young, I let you try on the captain's armband. You have been playing football for so long." , this is the first red card, I can forgive it, but I must not be so impulsive next time."
Gao Xiaodong quickly stood up and said, "Don't worry! Boss! I will never do this again."
Ferguson nodded and said: "Go back and rest. The media and fans will definitely criticize you severely tomorrow, so don't take it to heart."
"Yes, I will treat them as farts."
Gao Xiaodong said goodbye to Ferguson and left with a smile.