On January 1, 2025, in the 25th round of the Premier League, Manchester United hosted West Ham United.
A conversation with Wang Xiaochuan allowed Gao Nuo to refocus his attention on training and matches, casting aside everything else unrelated.
Gao Nuo started this match, partnering with Garnacho and Neymar to form the frontline.
In the 28th minute of the match, Garnacho broke through on the wing and delivered a cross that was a bit far from the goal.
Gao Nuo, who had overshot, turned around and stretched his leg with effort, trying to control the ball.
The ball bounced off Gao Nuo's toe, and Bruno Fernandes, following up, volleyed it into the net, giving Manchester United a 1-0 lead.
In the 36th minute, Neymar took a corner kick from the left, and Gao Nuo outjumped Harry Maguire to head the ball in, putting Manchester United up 2-0 against West Ham United.
In the 39th minute, Manchester United counterattacked, and Rice's long pass found Gao Nuo, who embarked on a solo run at Old Trafford.
Gao Nuo dribbled past the first defender, going full throttle, and with a high-speed dribble, he back-heeled and changed direction to get past the second defender.
During a tackle from the third opponent, he skillfully nudged the ball to the left, adjusted his steps when facing the goalkeeper, and struck it with his left foot into the net.
Gao Nuo scored his second goal, and Manchester United led by three goals.
In the 43rd minute, during a Manchester United positional attack, Neymar cut in from the right wing and shot.
It was a very sudden outside-of-the-foot chip shot, but unfortunately, the angle was too tricky, and the ball hit the left post and rebounded in front of the goal.
Gao Nuo, the 'poaching king,' appeared in front of the ball and easily tapped in the rebound, completing his hat-trick, and Gao Nuo celebrated with his classic passionate knee slide.
The first half ended with Manchester United regaining their form, leading West Ham United 4-0.
In the Manchester United locker room, everyone was in good spirits, except for Abraham, who looked sullen.
"Tammy, don't you want a starting spot? Let your goals do the talking on the field."
As halftime approached, Gao Nuo, uncharacteristically, took the initiative to stir things up, then turned and walked onto the field, leaving a surprised Abraham slowly returning to the bench.
In the 58th minute, with a 4-goal lead, Erik ten Hag made the first substitutions, taking off all three forwards and bringing on Rashford, Abraham, and Saelemaekers.
At the midfield line, Abraham was waiting to high-five Gao Nuo, but unexpectedly, Gao Nuo ran to the sideline, hugged Abraham tightly, and whispered in his ear, "Show me what you've got, and tear them apart!"
In the 65th minute, West Ham United took a free-kick, and Nübel strenuously punched the ball out.
Scamacca seized the opportunity to shoot from outside the box, and the ball went in, giving West Ham United a consolation goal.
Abraham looked towards the bench, where Gao Nuo was making a 3-0 gesture to him, which instantly ignited his competitive spirit.
In the 72nd minute, Abraham received a cross from Rashford, held off West Ham United's Zouma, and slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
In the 80th minute, Abraham received a goal kick from Nübel, held off a defender with his back to goal, and at the opportune moment, delivered a brilliant back-heel through pass.
Rashford received the ball, advanced, and curled a shot into the net from the edge of the box.
The match ended with Manchester United defeating West Ham United 6-1.
Gao Nuo, who completed a hat-trick, was interviewed by the media.
"Gao, congratulations on your hat-trick."
"Thank you, I was in great form today."
"A big win is very important for Manchester United.
The team's performance this season hasn't been good; what went wrong?"
"Indeed, we are struggling in the League, but we are still fighting on four fronts, and in that regard, we have shown competitiveness.
As for the team's problems, I'm sorry, I have no thoughts.
You should ask Erik ten Hag."
Gao Nuo's innocent smile dispelled the reporter's intention to press further, so the reporter had to ask the next question.
"Then let's talk about the rumors between you and Real Madrid."
"I appreciate Real Madrid's regard, and I thank Carlo Ancelotti for his continuous attention to me.
However, so far, I have no plans to transfer.
We still have many matches to play, and I will focus on that."
"Thank you for the interview, and good luck to you and Manchester United."
"Thank you!"
At Manchester United's training ground, the team was preparing for a League match three days later, and Abraham deliberately kicked the ball towards Gao Nuo during a passing drill.
This time, Gao Nuo didn't ignore it.
He chested the ball down, then immediately struck it hard with his left foot, sending the ball flying towards Abraham.
A white shadow flashed before his eyes, and Abraham only felt a strong gust of wind on his face as the ball flew past his cheek.
Before he could react, Gao Nuo walked over and spoke first: "Tammy, listen, I don't want to waste time with you anywhere, and I don't want to know your purpose in doing this.
But, please remember, if you want to defeat me, let your goals do the talking."
Abraham's face turned beet red, and his voice was low: "Kid, don't act so tough.
I don't mind talking to you with my fists."
Gao Nuo was very calm, even smiling: "Will you fight?
That's stupid!
No need for tricks, keep it simple.
In the upcoming matches, if you score more goals than me, then at the end of the season, I will leave Manchester United."
Abraham was a bit surprised: "Are you serious? Even if I play more matches than you?"
Gao Nuo's smile grew even brighter: "It doesn't matter, I'm serious.
But you must remember, don't cause any more trouble before you defeat me.
I will make you concede wholeheartedly."
Abraham's strength was not weak, and he immediately replied: "Kid, remember your words.
You will regret your arrogance."
Watching Abraham bury himself in training, Gao Nuo breathed a sigh of relief.
He finally didn't have to be distracted by boring provocations and could focus wholeheartedly on training and matches.
In the following days, Rashford successfully renewed his contract with Manchester United for 5 years at 325,000 euros per week.
Abraham kept his promise, becoming exceptionally serious in training and matches, and the Manchester United locker room became much calmer.
The next 8 matches.
Three consecutive wins in the Premier League, with Gao Nuo scoring 3 goals and Abraham scoring 2 goals.
In the final two Champions League group stage matches, Manchester United had one win and one draw, ultimately finishing 6th and directly entering the knockout stage.
Gao Nuo scored 3 goals.
The English League Cup semi-finals concluded with Manchester United losing 3-4 on aggregate to Leicester, a surprising elimination, with Abraham scoring all 3 goals.
In the FA Cup third round, Manchester United defeated Aston Villa 4-2, with Abraham and Gao Nuo each scoring one goal.
January 2025 passed, and since their bet began, Gao Nuo had scored 7 goals, leading Abraham's 6 goals.
The team's resurgence in form stopped the fans' criticism of the club and Erik ten Hag.
Many people initiated petitions, hoping that Manchester United could arrange a two-striker tactic, allowing both in-form center-forwards to play simultaneously, anticipating a new frontline combination for Manchester United.
