Manchester United fans turned their criticism towards Michael Carrick.
Some supported him, while others questioned him.
However, almost no one in the comments section was still condemning the club's management.
Zhan Jun expressed his views on Manchester United's new coach.
“Michael Carrick’s appointment, I have to admit, is a huge gamble.”
“Middlesbrough’s success over three seasons is not enough to prove that Carrick can manage a massive club like Manchester United.”
“In my opinion, although three years proved that Erik ten Hag was not suitable for Manchester United, it does not affect Manchester United’s success in rebuilding.”
“Disagreements with management led to Erik ten Hag’s departure, and the Manchester United owners finally discovered the problem, weakening the management’s power and pushing Carrick into the spotlight.”
“In the new season, Manchester United’s new coach will bear full responsibility for the team’s performance.”
“From this managerial change, I believe the only positive news is that Gao Nuo is highly valued by Carrick.”
“After Manchester United’s internal issues are resolved, the upcoming Club World Cup will be Carrick’s first test.”
“For Manchester United’s new coach, let us wait and see.”
Under Li Qiang's insistence, Gao Nuo did not return to the team to participate in the Club World Cup.
Manchester United's request for his return was rejected by Li Qiang, citing Gao Nuo's physical discomfort.
Michael Carrick, overwhelmed with problems, called Li Qiang.
“Li, it’s Michael, I’d like to discuss Gao Nuo’s issue with you.”
“Oh? Mr. Carrick, I don’t think there’s anything to discuss. Mr. Arnold has already answered my questions.”
“Mr. Li, please calm down. You and I both know that matter is in the past. I am here with full sincerity today, and you can state your demands.”
Li Qiang was silent for a moment, feeling that he couldn't drag it out any longer.
“Mr. Carrick, I only have one request: Gao Nuo needs star player treatment.”
Carrick did not hesitate, responding readily.
“No problem, Gao Nuo is very important in my squad planning. Rest assured, a starting position and a new contract are not an issue.”
“Alright then, Mr. Carrick, I look forward to your good news.”
After all this back and forth, Gao Nuo missed the Club World Cup.
However, this was not a pity, as the Club World Cup was more like a commercial event, and Manchester United had no championship requirements.
On June 20, 2025, Manchester United began their Club World Cup group stage journey.
On the same day, a contract for 220,000 per week, signed for five years, was delivered to Li Qiang.
With the contract confirmed, Gao Nuo officially withdrew from the summer transfer market.
Michael Carrick, under pressure, began to reorganize the squad after taking office.
Departures:
Mario Pasalic, who couldn't get playing time, was sold to Al-Ain for 10.25 million Euros.
Wan-Bissaka, plagued by injuries, joined Porto on a free transfer.
Left-back Malacia was taken by Bayern Munich for 38 million.
Alexis Saelemaekers failed to prove himself and was sold to Al Nassr for 12 million.
Arrivals:
Left-back Alejandro Balde was bought from Barcelona for 88 million Euros.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana was loaned from Inter Milan.
After completing some transfers, Manchester United temporarily ceased activity in the transfer market and began to prepare for the Club World Cup matches.
After Gao Nuo's contract renewal, under Zhao Dong's persistent persuasion, he participated in an interview program.
“Hello everyone, welcome to the ‘Into the Inner World’ interview live broadcast, a deep dive, produced by TikTok Sports.”
“I am your host, Fan Shu, and this is our resident guest, Meng Jie.”
“Today, we have invited a heavyweight guest.”
“First, let’s give you three clues.”
“First, rose to fame at a young age!”
“Second, walked alone!”
“Third, a shocking last-minute goal!”
“Everyone, please type the name of the guest you think it is into the public chat.”
“Meng Jie, you guess too.”
“A name really did pop into my mind, but I’m not sure. Can the production team really invite him?”
Seeing the uniform names in the bullet comment section, Fan Shu knew she couldn't stall any longer, so she continued.
“Then, Meng Jie, please say the name in your heart!”
Meng Jie answered without hesitation, “I think it must be Gao Nuo!”
With the applause from the atmosphere team, Gao Nuo received a signal from the director and jogged over to sit on the sofa.
Fan Shu: “Gao Nuo, please say hello to the netizens.”
Gao Nuo: “Hello everyone, I am footballer Gao Nuo. I’m very happy to meet you all here today, and I will be answering some of your questions.”
Fan Shu: “Alright, we won’t introduce Gao Nuo too much. The three clues just now are enough for everyone to understand him. Now, let’s get to the main topic.”
Meng Jie: “I’ll go first. Hello, Gao Nuo. My first question today is, does such an excellent performance at Manchester United put more pressure on you?”
Meng Jie was a little excited, and part of her question was missing. After pondering, Gao Nuo gave his answer.
Gao Nuo: “Hmm, how should I put this? The history of the National Football Team has indeed led to some opinions about me, but I don’t feel any pressure from it. Meng Jie should know that the charm of sports lies in competition. No matter what, a heart that yearns for victory is the key to moving forward.”
Fan Shu: “Then I’ll ask the second question. What are your thoughts on Manchester United’s new coach, Mr. Michael Carrick?”
Gao Nuo: “I am no stranger to Mr. Carrick. When I was eleven or twelve, I watched him play. Although his passing wasn't flashy, his success rate was incredibly high.”
“When he was the head coach at Middlesbrough, we played against each other, and my feeling was that he sought offense within stability. I really look forward to playing under him.”
Fan Shu: “We know that you just re-signed a contract with Manchester United. Regarding this, some fans feel that you are demanding a high salary.”
Gao Nuo: “Haha, I can only say that there were once two bigger contracts in front of me.”
“Regarding this contract upgrade, salary is only one aspect. My agent team’s goal is to secure playing time for me.”
“We are choosing the path that is most suitable for my continued growth.”
Meng Jie: “I’ll ask another one. What does Gao Nuo usually do when he’s resting?”
Gao Nuo: “Training, sleeping.”
The live broadcast room was quiet for a few seconds. Gao Nuo looked at Fan Shu and Meng Jie’s expectant expressions and finally realized that his answer was too simple, so he continued.
“I also play games sometimes, football simulation games.”
The supplementary answer made Gao Nuo seem more like a “person.”
However, if the audience knew that Gao Nuo’s so-called games were the system’s simulation function, they might be even more shocked.