“Anger for a beauty, Gao Nuo fighting in a bar, excellent in fists and kicks!”
“Violating team discipline, Gao Nuo suspended for 5 matches!”
“Breaking News! The female lead in the Gao Nuo incident is Manchester United’s physiotherapist!”
“The two people injured by Gao Nuo claim to be Manchester United fans and reserve the right to sue!”
News was flying everywhere, Manchester United’s terrible losing streak, and manager Michael Carrick’s frantic state.
Gao Nuo had no regrets, ignoring the public relations team’s request for him to apologize, and posted a message on social media.
“Regarding the recent assault incident, I want to say a few words.”
“To the two men who claimed to be Manchester United fans, let’s not discuss the authenticity of your identities first.”
“No matter when, respecting women is a matter of course.”
“Your harassment of my friend has crossed my bottom line.”
“I believe Manchester United fans would not fail to recognize me, nor would they do such a low-level thing.”
“For this, I will not apologize!”
“To the club and the fans who care about me, I apologize here.”
“Although I did what every responsible man should do, it caused a negative impact on the team, which is something I don’t want to see.”
Gao Nuo’s strong attitude drew mixed reactions.
Some people felt that Gao Nuo was being a hypocrite, that hitting people was wrong, and he still acted self-righteous.
Some people felt that Gao Nuo was true to himself, a pure man, a tough guy, who acted when he needed to.
The heat slowly died down, and the media and fans turned their attention back to the field.
Gao Nuo no longer cared about the follow-up to the incident.
Lying in the backyard swimming pool, Gao Nuo was distraught.
He had to make a decision about the ‘One Man, One City’ mission.
The World Cup was in half a year.
The system was gone, and he didn’t know if he would have another chance to see it.
Lina left, and although he only considered her a friend, who wouldn’t be moved by years of pursuit?
Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes!
This is reality; things don’t disappear because someone avoids or fears them.
All Gao Nuo could do was remain steadfast, optimistic, and strong.
To walk alongside all the joy, happiness, sorrow, and pain in life.
Five matches and one month later.
Manchester United’s situation was not very good.
In the English League Cup Final, Manchester United lost 1-2 to Arsenal, missing out on the championship.
In the Premier League, Manchester United had 1 win and 1 draw, and falling behind in the second half of the League was inevitable.
In the Champions League Round of 16, Manchester United narrowly advanced with a 2-1 aggregate win over Leipzig in two legs.
On April 2, 2026, in a Premier League match, Manchester United played Crystal Palace at home.
The returning Gao Nuo did not receive a roaring welcome; his irrationality had put the team in a difficult position.
Aside from the unwavering love of female fans, Gao Nuo’s standing in the hearts of more rational fans had significantly decreased.
It doesn’t matter!
In the 58th minute of the match, Gao Nuo scored with a header in the penalty area, completing a hat-trick.
Gao Nuo’s passionate two-stripe knee slide appeared once again.
After completing his celebration, Gao Nuo raised both arms on the sidelines, his gaze sweeping across the stands.
“Roar —!!!”
“Gao Nuo!!!”
“Glory belongs to Manchester United”
Cheers, shouts, and the Manchester United team song rang out.
Gao Nuo, who had been absent for two months, re-conquered Old Trafford with a hat-trick.
Gao Nuo’s brilliant performance continued in the six matches of April 2026.
In four League matches, Gao Nuo scored 10 goals, completing three consecutive hat-tricks.
In two Champions League knockout matches, Gao Nuo contributed 3 goals and 2 assists, leading Manchester United to a 5-1 victory over AC Milan.
Goals were the best proof; Gao Nuo’s position at Manchester United became increasingly high and unshakeable.
June 2026.
Gao Nuo’s belated burst of form was too little, too late.
The Premier League had already ended, and Manchester United’s late surge was too late.
Liverpool, thanks to the excellent performances of Osimhen and Núñez, won the title a round early, and Klopp’s magic continued.
Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea finished 2nd-4th respectively.
The 'three-way split' between Haaland, Gao Nuo, and Mbappé seemed like a joke.
In the top scorer list, Gao Nuo and Haaland both scored 42 goals, jointly winning the Golden Boot.
Mbappé’s 28 goals seemed dim, and Chelsea’s reinforcement was imperative.
Gao Nuo was named Premier League Player of the Season for his perfect performance of 42 goals and 10 assists.
Failures in three competitions made Michael Carrick’s life difficult.
Gao Nuo’s continued silence on his future at Manchester United added to Carrick’s pressure.
“Gao Nuo, I once again express Manchester United’s sincerity; for the next ten years, you will be Manchester United’s absolute core.”
“Boss, I’m sorry, let’s discuss this after the World Cup.”
Gao Nuo’s refusal was not unreasonable; the so-called next ten years and guarantees were just empty words.
For a giant club, only profit is the true pursuit.
On June 5, 2026, the Champions League Final, Manchester United vs Bayern Munich.
This was Manchester United’s last chance to win a trophy this season.
Carrick’s melancholic expression on the sidelines.
Gao Nuo’s resolute expression on the field.
They formed a sharp contrast.
At halftime, the score was 0-0.
Carrick was no longer elegant; a string of expletives-filled speeches came from the locker room.
In the second half, Manchester United became passionate.
In the final stages of the match, the aging Bayern Munich showed signs of fatigue.
In the 72nd minute, Gao Nuo made a long run, dribbling past three opponents, and shot from the edge of the penalty area to score.
Manchester United led 1-0.
In the 77th minute, Bruno Fernandes played a through ball, and Gao Nuo once again had a one-on-one opportunity.
With a simple adjustment of the ball, Gao Nuo struck with his left foot; the powerful shot flew into the goal, leaving the goalkeeper helpless.
Gao Nuo scored his second goal.
Manchester United led 2-0.
In the 88th minute, Bruno Fernandes took a free-kick.
The ball was brilliantly saved by the Bayern goalkeeper.
Gao Nuo pounced on the rebound in front of the goal, his long legs taking action, and he slid the ball into the net with a toe poke.
Champions League Final!
Hat-trick!
Manchester United led 3-0!
Gao Nuo killed the game!
Bayern Munich gave up their final struggle, letting the match time tick away.
“In the Champions League Final, Gao Nuo completed a hat-trick, leading Manchester United to defend their title!”
Manchester United’s official statement was clear: Gao Nuo had become Manchester United’s pillar.
“In the Champions League Final, Gao Nuo delivered a legendary performance, saving Manchester United from a trophyless season!”
Chinese media spared no praise for Gao Nuo.
“Gao Nuo helped Michael Carrick retain his position, Manchester United’s new manager brought back from the brink!”
Carrick’s pressure plummeted, and the Manchester United players quickly ended their championship celebrations.
The 2026 World Cup in North America was about to begin.
Gao Nuo arrived to report to the national team, with one week to adapt to the national team’s rhythm.