"Roar—Roar—!"
The noise at Old Trafford was deafening, and red smoke drifted with the wind.
"City Rivals!"
"Derby Battle!"
"Premier League Overlords!"
"Defending Champions!"
Every label for Manchester City was impressive.
Their hope of a third consecutive title was shattered, and captain De Bruyne lay on the grass, hands covering his face.
Ederson leaned against the goal, tears streaming from his eyes.
Haaland stood with hands on his hips in front of Manchester United's goal, watching the wildly celebrating opponents, a bitter taste in his mouth.
Gao Nuo walked over. This was the first time the two had spoken in over two years.
"Haaland, I look with you to our next match."
"Congratulations! And, are you okay? I'm sorry about that."
"It's fine, and it wasn't your fault, just an accident."
"Kid, I'll see you in the League. You're a good opponent."
After hugging Haaland, Gao Nuo went to the sidelines to thank the fans.
Guardiola's Manchester City had only lost the game, not their composure.
At the post-match press conference, Guardiola generously praised his opponents.
"Erik ten Hag has done a great job. In just three years, he has led the team to a League title, and now they have a chance to challenge for the Champions League."
"Manchester United encountered some problems in the first half of the season, but they have clearly been resolved now."
"We have five substitution slots, but that doesn't mean I have to make substitutions. I am an excellent coach, and I must decide what to do."
"The Premier League is also at a critical stage. I had hoped to draw the second leg against our opponents, but the balance on the field was broken."
"Gao Nuo is an excellent forward. His goal was spectacular, absolutely on par with Haaland."
"I don't know why Gao Nuo's leadership rating was so low in my scout report, but regardless, Manchester City's doors are always open for him!"
Erik ten Hag was beaming when he accepted the interview.
"Thank you for Guardiola's praise. I used to work alongside him, and it benefited me greatly."
"I cannot compare myself to Guardiola; the honors he has achieved are unparalleled."
"But he truly inspired me. Every coach hopes to play attacking football like him."
"We did it. The lads performed exceptionally. We didn't allow Manchester City to organize well today, we didn't let them play their usual game, and everyone did their job."
"After the game, I told the players I was proud of their performance."
"This is a battle for honor and glory. If you want to prove something, win something, you have to fight! Because at the top level, no one will easily surrender."
"We don't always play our best football, but we are very efficient, which reflects a hunger and desire for trophies."
Zhan Jun, a renowned Chinese commentator, published an article providing a detailed analysis of Gao Nuo's situation for the vast number of fans.
"Just as many fans are puzzled, why hasn't Gao Nuo's incredible performance over two seasons attracted a scramble from top clubs?
First, Gao Nuo personally rejected multiple offers from Real Madrid.
Not forgetting the well-digger when drinking water, Gao Nuo gave up high-paying contracts, hoping to repay Manchester United's kindness, which deprived most top clubs of their leverage.
Second, the stereotype of Chinese players in European football.
Through reports from various media, it's not hard to find that Gao Nuo is considered a qualified starting player in most situations.
Chinese football, in their eyes, is like table tennis in Brazil.
Training and matches are unprofessional, and players lack fighting spirit on the field.
No ability, but big egos—Chinese players have left these impressions on European football.
Third, Gao Nuo's personality.
In our view, Gao Nuo is polite, gentle, diligent, and reliable, maintaining good relationships with teammates and the club.
Such a personality does not create trouble for the club; he is what we call a 'good guy.'
However, in European football culture, a distinct personality is a player's cultivation goal; their so-called 'fighting spirit' is even more important.
Gao Nuo's overly generous performance in the competition for position with Abraham led many to believe that Gao Nuo was submissive and lacked 'fighting spirit'!
Most coaches believe that the charm of football lies in fierce competition; it is the closest sport to hunting—strategy, pursuit, and mutual combat.
Gao Nuo is more like an executor than a leader who can decide the game.
Finally, European giants place more emphasis on a player's commercial value.
Exposure, rumors, constant topic, etc., are all key to gaining fan support and attracting commercial sponsorships.
In this regard, our Chinese fans have already laid a solid foundation for Gao Nuo.
In the two-leg match against Manchester City, Gao Nuo's performance gives me reason to believe that as long as he maintains his attacking desire on the field, he will eventually grow into a true football superstar."
The heat of the Manchester Derby continued, but Manchester United had already refocused and re-engaged in the upcoming matches.
Before the FA Cup semi-final, after Manchester United's players completed a day of team training.
In the physiotherapy room.
Sweat ran down Lina's cheeks; relaxing Gao Nuo's muscles was truly not an easy task.
At the end of the season, with Manchester United still fighting on three fronts, the players' bodies were extremely fatigued.
Seeing the dark bruise on the back of Gao Nuo's thigh, Lina felt a pang of emotion.
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"Gao, your muscle density is amazing. After that tackle, it's actually nothing serious. Your 7% body fat thighs feel so comfortable to touch, full of elasticity when relaxed, and rock-solid when tightened."
Neymar had an ankle discomfort; having just returned, he hoped to play the upcoming matches and had been very actively cooperating with treatment in recent days.
Seeing the female physiotherapist's infatuated expression, he couldn't help but ask: "Lina, Gao Nuo has a girlfriend, why are you so persistent?"
Lina's affection for Gao Nuo was no secret at Manchester United Football Club.
Gao Nuo awkwardly picked up his water cup, which contained saffron and goji berries. Wang Qing had prepared it for him, and it helped with blood circulation and dispelling stasis.
Lina answered openly: "I don't care. I simply admire Gao Nuo, and I have no intention of destroying their relationship. It's just, you know, instincts are sometimes hard to control."
"Alright." With a wry chuckle, Neymar shifted his interest to Gao Nuo's water cup, "Gao, what is this?"
Gao Nuo took a sip; a slightly sweet taste filled his mouth, though having drunk too much recently, his mouth couldn't help but feel a bit sour.
Hearing Neymar's curiosity, he said with a smile: "This is saffron and goji berries. Drinking it in water is a custom in our country."
Neymar's eyes widened, "Saffron? Isn't that a spice?"
Gao Nuo didn't know how to explain, "No, no, no. Saffron can promote blood circulation and remove stasis. I'm not sure about the specific dosage; my girlfriend knows a bit about traditional Chinese medicine, and she prepared this for me."
Neymar's eyes lit up, "Mysterious Chinese traditional medicine? Ask your girlfriend for me, can I drink this water for my ankle?"
Gao Nuo readily agreed: "Sure, I'll ask her when I get back. Just wait for my call."
Watching the two animatedly chatting, Lina's face revealed an undisguised look of despondency, betraying her unquiet heart.
Her so-called "pure admiration" was probably just a mutual excuse for them both.