Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
In the away team’s locker room at the halftime interval, the players snatched time to take a break, rehydrate and wipe away their sweat with towels while Twain spoke on one side.
“A one-goal lead is not enough. There was a short time in the first half when you were completely held back by Manchester United. That won’t do. You have to attack your way out and fight against Manchester United! Do you know why we moved back in the second part of the first half and were eventually suppressed by Manchester United?” Twain walked around the locker room, surrounded by the busy players, but they were listening to Twain.
“Every time we hit the front field, we always wanted to threaten Manchester United’s goal in the simplest and most direct way. What was the result? The error rate was too high, leading to the ball being lost too quickly. Our men who had just gone up, had to retreat. As I have said before, in this game against Manchester United, we have to change our habit of preferring straight passes. Manchester United had made arrangements to target the straight passes that we like. If we do the straight passes, we’ll just be doing exactly what they want. Don’t rush to pass the ball forward after we attack to the front field in the second half…”
Nottingham Forest liked straight passes and fast pace of the game. People knew these well and some teams would do some work based on them to contain the Forest team’s offensive firepower.
That was what Manchester United did. In response to Nottingham Forest’s fondness for straight passes, Ferguson instructed the team’s rear defensive line to create offside and intensify the tackling in the midfield. Otherwise why would he have deploy Hargreaves and Carrick?
The goal the Forest team scored was actually the result of Manchester United’s failure to create offside. Van Nistelrooy was at the forefront and Eastwood’s plug in from the back removed the problem of offside, leaving him with an easy shot to score when no one was marking him. It was believed that Ferguson would be unhappy with the goal concede at the halftime interval.
“We try to keep the ball under our feet in the front field and don’t rush to pass the ball forward if there’s not a good chance. Don’t you have any confidence in the control of the ball at your feet? If they withdraw too tightly and you can’t find the right gaps after a few passes, then pass the football back to pull them out. Don’t just compress their formation alone. It’s just compressing our own attacking space.”
“Nuri.”
Şahin looked up.
“You passed the ball very well in the first half, very well.” Twain singled Şahin out for praise, which made Şahin happy. But then Twain’s tone took a turn, “But you passed too many straight passes in the first half. Did you count how many times you made mistakes in those passes?”
Şahin’s smile was a little embarrassed.
“I don’t blame you, Nuri. But as an attacking midfielder, you have to learn to always analyze the situation on the field. Different situations require you to have different countermeasures. Don’t just concentrate on repeating straight passes just because you can do so. You are the team’s brain in the game. If the brain is confused, how can this team play normally? You made too many mistakes in passing the ball to the front in the first half, especially in the latter part, which gave Manchester United a lot of chances to counter press. If you had realized this earlier, our situation wouldn’t have been ugly in the end.”
Twain might usually be smiling and behaved jokingly but if he really wanted to criticize someone, he could really be considered as “merciless.” If one’s psychological quality was slightly weaker, perhaps that it would cast a psychological shadow. But in fact, if it was a player he did not care about, he would not be bothered to say a bad word. But any player who could be criticized, showed that he held a place in Twain’s mind. Previously, when Anelka and Twain were at odds, Twain and he could say nothing to each other, and regarded each other as air.
Şahin’s head was bowed from Twain’s words. He knew the boss valued him very much, but he really felt a loss of face by his terrible words in front of so many teammates.
“In the second half, we must be a little more patient in the attack … For the two sides, don’t rush to the front in one shot, pay attention to keep the distance from the midfielders. When you rush too quickly, you will lose contact with them. Manchester United would love to see this happen. Freddy does this quite well. He’s always actively retreating to link the front field with the midfield. Ruud did a good job too to stay at the top to get the other side’s attention.”
After he finished talking about the offense, Twain began to speak of the defense. In the second part of the first half, Twain was quite satisfied with his team’s defense to not have conceded a goal when under pressure from Manchester United. In fact, the most reassuring thing for Twain was always the rear defensive line for several seasons in a row. It was definitely not a brag to say that Nottingham Forest’s defense was strong.
“We did a good job defensively. George, your main task in the second half is still to defend.”
Wood nodded without any objection. Some players would prefer to attack. They would want to show their talent in offense even if they were defensive midfielders so that they could obtain cheers from the fans and media. But Wood was not that kind of player. He had no preference for offense or defense. He would do what the team required.
“Because most of our energy in this game is on the offense, so the rear defensive line’s defensive task is even more important. I hope you will be vigilant every second for the remaining forty-five minutes and be aware of every attack that Manchester United may have. Manchester United will certainly step up their attack in the second half, but our forwards may not be able to provide more help. Sometimes you will need to be on your own… In addition, we can focus on the ball control in the front field, but I don’t want to see you pass the ball back and forth in the backfield. That’s a dangerous thing. Got it?”
The players on the rear defensive line said yes.
“Manchester United will be pressing on the attack because they are trailing at home. This is our chance! Seize their gaps and score another goal to completely knock them down! Don’t show mercy, guys!”
The players laughed.
It was crazy to show mercy when playing against Manchester United.
※※※
Although Twain criticized Şahin’s performance in the Forest team, the overall atmosphere was still very harmonious and relaxed. After all, they were now ahead.
But the atmosphere in the Manchester United locker room was not so good.
Ferguson lost his temper in the locker room with a grim expression, showing off his powerful “hair dryer” style.
Big names such as Ronaldo and Rooney, who had been scolded by Ferguson, dared not take a breath and straightened their backs.
“I instructed you to create offside. I didn’t ask you to let one through! You can’t even keep up with Eastwood’s obvious plug in from the back. What was the point of creating offside? Hargreaves, you are the barrier before the center back. How could you let Eastwood go so easily from where you were in charge? What are you doing following the ball? You were supposed to mark this guy. The middle defense was so easily hit by them with such a big gap! You’re just f**king ornaments in the pitch!”
After the vent, Ferguson took a little rest and began to tell his team what to do in the second half.
“You have to reverse the score, the sooner the better! If not, it will only bring confidence to the Forest team. This game is not the same as the one we played with the Forest team before. In the second half, Tony Twain wouldn’t shrink in the back to let us attack. They’re going to come out and face us head on. While we’re trying to equalize the score, we have to be careful not to let them widen the score. The midfield!” Ferguson pointed at the tactical board and said, “The midfield is still the most important! If we can control the midfield, we can directly threaten the other side’s goal. If the midfield is controlled by the opponent, then you bastards will be in big trouble!”
“Carrick, Hargreaves, you two have to play a more important role. Şahin is just a child, and it is a risk for Twain to let him play as the attacking playmaker. Don’t worry about George Wood’s plug-ins. He is certain to stay in the backfield to defend. So, you just need to put more pressure on Şahin and keep a tighter eye on him. Making him lose the ball and mistakes will destroy his confidence.”
The two midfielders nodded obediently and replied, “Understood, boss.”
“Not only do you have to make a grab in the midfield, you also have to play aggressively in the front. Spare no energy in making a grab! That’s how the opportunity will come about. As long as we score a goal to equalize the score, then the opponent’s morale will be affected. Then we continue to attack and rob. Do not to hold back. It isn’t enough to level the score. It would take at least two more goals. 3:1 ensures that they lose their ability to resist…”
Having said that, Ferguson thought something did not feel right. Perhaps 3:1 is not enough. Will Tony admit defeat so easily?
So, Ferguson added, “Of course, it would be better if you could score more goals. I won’t think it’s too much with four or five goals.”
The Manchester United players had taken Ferguson’s words as a joke and thought it was used to enliven the locker room’s somewhat dreary and serious atmosphere. A team that dared to say to score four goals or five goals against Nottingham Forest must be a conceited fool.
※※※
As the players from both teams ran up to the pitch from the tunnel, cheers broke out again in the slightly quiet Old Trafford stands. The halftime interval was about to pass.
Twain met Ferguson when he walked out. He found the other man look bad and knew that the old man must have lost his temper in the locker room. He was still so bad-tempered at such an age. Did he really want to retire because he was worried about his health?
Ferguson also saw Twain because Twain was looking at him with a smile. Only a blind man would not notice. Instead of giving a snort and walking away, he marched straight over and said, “Tony, I hear you like to bet. Why don’t we make a bet?”
“Huh?”
“If you lose in this game, you’ll coach Manchester United next season.”
Twain shrugged and said, “I don’t take part in such meaningless wager.”
“Because you’re afraid of losing.” Ferguson burst out laughing.
“Don’t try to stir me up, Sir.” Twain shook his head and added, “We can bet on something else. For example, if you lose, you can sell Ronaldo to me for cheap.”
Ferguson’s face changed, but soon returned to normal.
“How can I accept such a stupid bet?”
Twain spread his hands and said, “You see, Sir. We all have things we don’t want to bet on, so let’s not make a bet.”
Ferguson did not really want to bet with Twain. He just wanted to interfere with Twain through this kind of thing. For him, psychological warfare was to be waged all the time. He would not let go of any chance that might interfere with his opponent. However, Twain was also apparently well-versed in this area, and hit back without batting an eyelid.
In the end, the two men could only helplessly make peace.
Ferguson muttered one sentence, “Hopefully the second half will be exciting.” Then he turned and left.
Twain also turned around and walked in the opposite direction.
The second half was about to begin.
※※※
Just like what Twain said at the halftime interval, Manchester United took advantage of their kick-off at the start of the second half to launch a ferocious attack on the Forest team’s goal.
Nottingham Forest was completely held back and forced to defend.
Twain roared repeatedly on the sidelines and then used hand gestures to instruct the players to press out again and again.
On the other hand, Ferguson stared at the pitch with a serious face, and forgot to chew gum.
The sooner they scored, the better it would be for Manchester United.
Nottingham Forest withstood Manchester United’s fierce offensive and did not concede the goal within the ten minutes of being besieged by Manchester United. Then Manchester United slightly weakened, and the Forest team pressed out to attack Manchester United. The two sides launched a fierce fight in the midfield.
Şahin was heavily marked by Manchester United. Every time he took the ball, he would attract a Manchester United player’s ferocious tackle. If he was slightly distracted, the ball at his feet might be lost.
Manchester United was very effective in doing so. The Forest team’s attack was mired in a quagmire and Manchester United took advantage of the opportunity to hit back with a number of threatening counterattacks. Şahin appeared to be isolated. Twain had to let Wood and the two sides to consciously lean to the middle to support him so that they were finally able to reverse the situation again.
Fifteen minutes into the second half, the two sides were deadlocked on a 1:0 score line.
During this time, Ferguson also walked down from the technical area again. The team did not score as he hoped in the opening minutes of the second half. It could be seen that the mood of the Nottingham Forest players was gradually stabilizing. That was not going to work…
The pressure exerted was not enough…
※※※
After seeing the situation level off on the field, Twain slightly breathed a sigh of relief and turned back to sit in the technical area.
1:0 was indeed dangerous, but at least they had passed one stage.
Manchester United must be impatient after being unsuccessful for a prolonged period of attack. It would be an opportunity for the Forest team at that time. If there were no further surprises, he was confident of taking three points at Old Trafford.
※※※
Şahin counter pressed after he lost the ball in the midfield. But he committed a foul. The referee whistled to signal a free kick for Manchester United while he pulled Şahin over to give him a verbal warning. The other Nottingham Forest players turned and ran back to defend against another attack from Manchester United.
The Forest players who turned around did not notice the following scene happening:
Hargreaves took the ball to position it. The football had just touched the ground and he bent over to kick the football out!
He send the free kick out fast!
When Ronaldo received the ball, there was not even a Nottingham Forest player within five meters of him. Wood was far in the middle and Rafinha was delayed at the back. Agbonlahor surrounded the referee in protest at the penalty because he felt Şahin had not committed a foul at all. Rio Ferdinand was suspected of diving.
“Ronaldo receives the ball! He’s completely unguarded! Empty!”
The Manchester United fans, who had just fallen silent in the stands, were instantly revived. They burst into huge cheers to root for Ronaldo.
The Forest players were ill-prepared for Manchester United’s free kick. Even if Ronaldo received the ball, they were still rooted in place, and even turned their heads to look at the referee and the assistant referee, hoping they would give a whistle and let Manchester United re-launch it.
They were disappointed. After seeing that Manchester United had sent out the free kick, the referee did not stand in place and whistle. But he dropped Şahin and Agbonlahor aside and ran along forward. He clearly deemed it as effective.
It was only then that the Forest players woke up like a dream and ferociously pounced over to Ronaldo one by one while quickly retreating to organize the defense.
But it was already too late.
Ronaldo raced into the penalty area dribbling the ball and Rafinha did not even react in the flank.
Pepe rushed up to defend, aiming to force his Portugal national team captain to the outside and could not directly threaten the goal.
Ronaldo made a feint to look like he was going to quickly stop and then suddenly accelerated to turn the ball out of the line.
At the same time, Pepe make a move.
He did not kick football because it had been pulled away by Ronaldo one step ahead of time. He stepped directly on Ronaldo’s feet.
Ronaldo screamed, jumped and rolled on the ground.
The referee’s whistle sounded, so everyone reflexively turned their heads to look at the referee running over and stared nervously at his gesture—he pointed to the penalty spot!
“A penalty kick!” Oh, oh, oh! It’s a penalty kick! Ronaldo’s beautiful breakthrough earned Manchester United a penalty kick! The Nottingham Forest players surround the referee and Pepe keeps waving his hands to signal that he has not committed a foul. It was Ronaldo’s dive. At this time, he cannot care about his fellow countryman …”
Ronaldo held his leg as he curled on the ground. It looked like Pepe stamped his foot quite heavily.
Berbatov rushed up to hug Ronaldo and found that Ronaldo was indeed injured. It was not a dive…. He raised his hand in a hurry to find the team doctor.
The other Manchester United players ran over to check on Ronaldo, while the others celebrated the penalty kick.
For a while, it was a clamor in the Forest team’s penalty area.
The referee dispersed the Forest players who had been protesting around him and insisted on a penalty kick. At the same time, the Manchester United team doctor ran up to help Ronaldo to the sidelines for treatment. He limped off the field to prove that he did not dive. Of course, the Nottingham Forest fans did not go easy on him—they though the Portuguese even pretended to walk like this in order to deceive the referee.
This penalty kick could not be changed. Nottingham Forest could only accept such an outcome.
Accepting it did not mean they were calm. Twain had been muttering and fuming with rage between gritted teeth off the field since the referee awarded the penalty kick.
“This is Manchester United’s home ground. Yes, this is Manchester United’s home. I get it, I understand it better than anyone, this is Manchester United’s home…”
He was like Mistress Xiang Lin. He kept on harping which eventually brought the fourth official over.
“Can you be quiet, Mr. Twain?”
“Ah, I’ll shut up right now and say one last time: this is Manchester United’s home ground!”
“Mr. Twain!”
“Is there anything wrong with what I said? Don’t tell me this is our home ground?”
The fourth official basically did not know what to do with this scoundrel. He just glared at Twain and said, “I hope you can pay attention to your words and deeds. Your every performance will be recorded in the game report…”
Twain looked at the field and pretended not to hear it, ignoring the fourth official.
As Ronaldo was receiving treatment off the field, the penalty kick was played by Hargreaves.
Hargreaves easily tricked Akinfeev and pushed the ball into the middle.
“Manchester United finally equalized the score! In the sixty-first minute of the game, the two sides are back on the same starting!”
Even though they scored with a penalty kick, Ferguson looked excited. He rushed down to celebrate with his assistants next to him. Twain posed on the sidelines with a look of displeasure.
The score was levelled, which was not good news for his team in any case. Even worse, Manchester United’s morale would be boosted, further threatening the Forest team’s goal.
After all, their opponent was not just any team, but the Premier League champion, Manchester United. Moreover, they were still in the opponent’s home ground.
Ferguson’s words during the glib repartee with Twain at the halftime interval were really accurate.
With thirty minutes left in the second half, it was going to be exciting…
