Chapter 161 New Challenges on the Field
Manchester United went to Russia. Before the team set out, the media reported that there were many strong players missing from Manchester United.
Forward Rooney may be absent from Manchester United's Champions League group match against CSKA Moscow because his first child may be born during the game.
Colleen's due date is after this game, and Rooney hopes that his wife will not give birth early on October 21, so that he can go to Russia with the team.
However, if Colleen has any possibility of having a baby in advance, Rooney will stay with her. He said, "Going to Moscow is a long journey. I want my child to be there when he is born. Of course, if everything goes according to plan, I will go there to play for Manchester United, because the club pays me to let me play football.
Manchester United have won eight consecutive victories in various competitions. After the UEFA Champions League against CSKA Moscow, they also have an important Premier League game - away against Liverpool on October 25. Previously, it was reported that Rooney may not be able to play. If his child is born in the middle of these two games, Manchester United should not lack the super shooter.
The media's speculation was a little too optimistic. At the time of departure, the media did not see the little fat man at all.
Manchester United officially announced that Giggs is likely to miss the away match against CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Champions League group stage due to injury, and Evra and Rooney are not sure whether they can play in this key game.
In the league against Bolton last weekend, Giggs played extremely well, but he injured his leg due to a collision. Although the injury is not serious, Giggs, who is about to turn 36 years old, is likely to be absent from the away from the UEFA Champions League against CSKA Moscow. After all, Manchester United will usher in the Premier League next weekend. The key battle of Wupu.
In an interview with Manchester United's official TV station, the Lord confirmed that Giggs is likely to miss the game with CSKA Moscow. If he does not resume in time, Giggs may even miss the English derby against Liverpool this Sunday.
"Gigs has a minor injury, and it is doubtful to play in the group stage of the Champions League on Wednesday; Evra, we have to take a look tomorrow, and he is not sure whether he can play now. There is nothing wrong with Lee's condition. He will appear in Russia, Rooney. We try our best to prepare him for Wednesday's game. I hope Vidic can also play for the team, but he must be ready for the league against Liverpool.
For Manchester United, although Lujniki Stadium is a blessing for them to hold the Holy Grail in the 2007/08 season, the Russian team has always been the nemesis of the Red Devils. Previously, they have not won 4 draws and 1 loss against the club from Russia.
The news comes one after another, which makes everyone worry, but sometimes the media is more concerned about this. The specific situation depends on the real situation on the day of boarding.
However, a somewhat shocking scene appeared. This time, the media reports were all true. Manchester United was a little embarrassed to be loyal and filial to the Central Army of Moscow. The weekend's league was a strong dialogue with Liverpool, and what Ferguson had to do was to make the existing injured recover as soon as possible. The five generals Rooney, Giggs, Evra, Fletcher and Park Ji-sung will stay in Old Trafford. Manchester United have not won in the past five expeditions to Russia.
On Monday afternoon UK time, Manchester United boarded the flight to Moscow. None of the above five people showed up at the airport. After the league with Bolton last weekend, Ferguson took the lead in revealing that Giggs did not have the Champions League this round. "Gigs was kicked and he may be absent." The Lord also mentioned Rooney and Evra. "We are preparing Rooney for the weekend's league. I have to look at Evra. He may also be absent." It was reported that Rooney gave up this round of the Champions League because his wife Colleen was about to give birth, which was refuted by the Lord. That problem has not been considered, but you must be careful when your calf is injured. Don't be too hasty, otherwise you may not be able to play for several weeks.
The Lord filled Maceda and Welbeck on the front line to replace Rooney. Fortunately, Li Yu went out with the team without any problems.
As for Evra's absence, O'Shea is likely to act as the left-back. Vidic's early comeback also gave the Lord confidence in his trip to Moscow.
Many main players are absent, which gives Central Army coach Ramos hope.
The Spanish head teacher had a failed experience in Tottenham Hotspur, and now he hopes to use Manchester United to justify himself. "For me, this is a special game. I have been in England for a while. Not long after I came here, Russian football was completely different from Spain and England, but the enthusiasm was just as high. No one doubts that Manchester United is the favorite of the group, but so far, they have not been convincing to win in the group stage, and we have a good chance to make trouble for them.
The artificial turf at Lujniki Stadium, the home of the Central Army, is also regarded as a weapon against the enemy by coach Ramos. However, Ferguson disdained it. I don't think the stadium in Moscow is a problem. Luton and Queen's Park Rangers also used this kind of artificial turf a long time ago, and we always play well on it. In this kind of venue, our record is very good. The only problem is the bad artificial turf. The stadium in Moscow is much better.
Both the media and Ferguson himself have placed the biggest expectations of this away game on Li Yu. In the away game, Manchester United will undoubtedly be the configuration of a single striker, focusing on the midfield position, but the media is still worried that Li Yu is on the artificial grass of Lujniki Stadium for the first time. Will there be some maladjustment that will affect his performance?
Li Yu doesn't care very much. Now that he can be surrounded and disturbed by the media, it is not a kind of relaxation for him. At least it is good to have a good mood.
Now Li Yu doesn't have a good face for the so-called entertainment media, especially the Sun. Instead, she is a sports reporter. Li Yu occasionally says a few words.
"Please don't forget that Zenit is also a Russian team. In the face of Russian grass, I actually have some experience!"
If Li Yu hadn't reminded the media that they had really ignored these problems, yes, Li Yu played for the Russian team in the League Cup.
For such a problem, Li Yu actually doesn't want to say anything. Does it affect the meeting on the field? The analysis before the game are not reliable at all. Before the game, the expert sows will go to the tree. This is just like those stock commentators. What they say is inclined to say. Many of them have plans in advance and deliberately guide readers. .
No matter what the purpose is, it is not credible anyway, and a so-called expert says, who do you believe?
In the end, he still speaks with his performance and strength on the field. It's useless to say more, or it's clear on the field. Li Yu's idea is like this, but he can't say to the media, isn't this ruining people's jobs?
When he arrived in Russia, Li Yu also realized what it was a double sky of ice and fire. Britain was still relatively hot, but it was close to 0 degrees in Russia. When he first came out of the cabin, he subconsciously shrank his neck.
There is nothing to be surprised about. This is the weather in Russia. Manchester United clubs have already taken measures to protect themselves from the cold. When Manchester United players appeared in front of the media, they were also covered tightly, especially in Valencia, who wore hats and scarves. I don't know if they thought this guy was here to ski. I'm not here to play football at all.
Li Yu also felt that Valencia was a little too humiliating. Just as he wanted to turn around and make fun of Nani, he found that the Portuguese were fighting up and down the gums.
What else is this? I guess if the guy doesn't want to be handsome, he may be more covered up than Valencia.
In fact, Li Yu is also a big fuss. He grew up in Yanjing. The cold weather is not bad. One is Portuguese and the other is Ecuadorian. They all grew up in a country like spring. Of course, he can't get used to it here!
The weather is the biggest problem for Manchester United players. The temperature difference is really big. Look at the two masked black men in Manchester United. Nani is more exaggerated than Valencia on the bus!
Manchester United only stayed in Russia for two days, and the afternoon was the only adaptation training. The game will be held at noon the next day. Manchester United will leave Russia immediately after the game.
Adaptation training has no effect. The Russian side has arranged an indoor stadium, and there will be no tomorrow's stadium, the Luzniki Stadium.
Although the Manchester United club is a little reluctant about this, the Russians are obviously deliberately making things difficult for the visiting team, and there is no good way for Manchester United to take others.
Due to the fatigue of the journey, I jogged for a while and simply moved my body. The only training before the game was over.
Before going on the expedition, Ferguson had long expected this situation to happen. He had already practiced in Britain, and there was nothing to practice when he came here. He had the same idea as Li Yu. See you on the field.
Although it was in the afternoon during the game, the temperature at the scene was only 3 degrees Celsius. Nani and Valencia did not do anything to warm up before the game. The long-sleeved jerseys and gloves were all worn.
Li Yu is fine. She is similar to Russian players. A short-sleeved jersey appears in people's sight. The most frost-resistant person in Manchester United can be seen at a glance without the commentator saying anything.
This is the first meeting between Manchester United and CSKA Moscow, but before, the Red Devils have not won 5 games, 4 draws and 1 loss against the Russian club, while CSKA Moscow has been unbeaten 2 wins and 3 draws against the Premier League club in the last five times, but Luzniki Stadium is also a blessing for Manchester United. In the 07/08 season It was here that United defeated Chelsea with a penalty kick and picked up the Holy Grail.
Manchester United's starting lineup is almost the same as the previous media prediction, with Li Yu as the only attack arrow in this game.
After the start of the game, it may be that Valencia wants to get rid of the troubles caused by the Russian ghost weather as soon as possible. His left side of Manchester United is extremely active, Ecuador is running actively, and the whole left side is his figure.
Manchester United's first shot in this game came from his pass.
After Valencia's breakthrough attracted the opponent's defensive attention, it suddenly shifted from a wide range. Nani directly chose to shoot the ball on the edge of the penalty area. Unfortunately, the shot was high and he was directly sent to the stands.
Russian fans are very excited. A bearded fan directly grabbed the ball, put the football directly into his clothes, and said nothing.
The sound of the fans immediately sounded, and Nani also felt that his shot was a little outrageous and scratched his head with embarrassment.
Two minutes later, the Central Army immediately used its own offensive to make hundreds of Manchester United fans who came to Russia with the team exclaim repeatedly, and it was also the mistake of Manchester United's own mistakes. Recently, Manchester United's rear defense generals took turns to short circuit in the game. This time it was Vidic's backcourt clearance error, and Krasic was active after the opening. Without any effort, he directly laughed at the big gift from the Manchester United defender and chose to hit the goal directly outside the penalty area. Van der Sar made a save in time and saved the football directly out of the bottom line.
It was Van der Sar who reassured Manchester United fans. If it hadn't been for the wonderful save by the old Dutch goalkeeper, the ball would have really been suspended.
The camera immediately turned around. At this time, if you don't give a close-up to the angry old Scottish man, you don't have to do this director.
Ferguson was also very cooperative. He trotted two steps to the side, waved his arms and a series of Scottish national scolding. After the scolding, he still couldn't relieve his anger. When he met the coach's seat, he seemed to be saying something.
Poor Vidic was scolded by Ferguson at the beginning of the game. In fact, this kind of scene is not often seen in Manchester United's game, but who calls this game the Champions League?
The old man has always attached importance to the Champions League. Manchester United knows that the Manchester United players on the court can only give a few sympathetic eyes to Vidic to comfort the mentally damaged Serbs.
Li Yu's performance was a little plain. He looked at the focus of the three Russians** alone in the front scene, and he seemed a little lonely.
When Central Army coach Ramos was in Tottenham Hotspur, he suffered a big loss from Li Yu. For Manchester United No. 9, it can be said that he can no longer pay more attention to it. After the opening, both sides of Manchester United can quickly open up the situation, which has a lot to do with Ramos's key care for Li Yu.
Manchester United sacrificed Li Yu's attack power and completed the activity on both sides, which is also a helpless choice.
In the next 15 minutes, the game was slightly bland, and neither of the two teams made a dangerous attack. The only thing worth mentioning is that Li Yu began to deliberately retreat at this time. Although Manchester United had a slight advantage in the scene, it still did not seem to be used to the track of the ball on the artificial lawn.
Ferguson said that he was not afraid of these. It was obviously to cheer up his players. When it really came to the field, the problems still appeared.
"Damn Russian artificial lawn!" The old Scottish man is no longer a curse on the lawn at the coach's bench.
Just like Nani's shot at the beginning, this tactic has been practiced many times during normal training. Nani has never had such an anti-aircraft gun. Obviously, the lawn is working.
20 minutes later, the players at Manchester United finally found some rules, and the offensive began to be fierce!
In the 24th minute, Anderson was confiscated by Akinfeev after a direct free kick from 26 yards from his right rib.
In the 25th minute, Scholes volleyed 35 yards away, and Akinfeev awkwardly lifted the ball out of the bottom line. This time, it was finally the turn of the home fans to exclaim.
In the previous game, the two teams were more like trying. With the offensive of Manchester United, the Russians also began to be active.
In the 29th minute, Natched took a pass from the left and lightly rubbed the ball and was confiscated by Van der Sar.
In the 33rd minute, Krasic made a low shot from the edge of the penalty area after passing Nani and Fabio on the right side, and the ball slightly deflected the left post.
In the 38th minute, Nani passed the ball from the left, Anderson returned, and Neville pushed the shot with his left foot slightly higher than 22 yards.
In the 41st minute, Vidic slipped under his feet when he passed the ball back. Fortunately, Van der Sar cleared the ball before Nechid.
In the first half of the game, the Central Army and Manchester United maintained a 0-0 draw and entered the half-time break.
Although there were no goals in the first half of the game, 20 minutes later, the attack and defense of the two teams were very fast. The fans watching the game also felt that they unconsciously took it in the second half of the first half. The only regret is that Manchester United No. 9 Li Yu has never performed well and rarely appeared in the camera. Manchester United's attack. The momentum was advancing on both sides, and the last attack was followed up by the midfielder. There was nothing wrong with Li Yu at all.
The layman watches the bustle and the expert watches the doorway. Many TV station experts recognize Li Yu's performance very much.
Especially in China's domestic commentary, the analysis is incisive. Li Yu sacrificed his attack power and achieved Manchester United's attack. He is an unknown hero in the game.
However, experts still pointed out that the reason why Manchester United did not score was from the same person, Li Yu.
The shooting efficiency of other players gives them reason to believe that if Manchester United wants to score goals, they need Li Yu's ability to make a final sound.
Ferguson was also aware of this problem at halftime, and he decided to make an adventurous adjustment at the beginning of the second half.
Top Nani to the front line and let Li Yu be on the side. Once the opponent has any panic, they will immediately change positions and catch them off guard. This requires Li Yu's running position to be very accurate and have a keen grasp of the situation on the field.
This is definitely a new level of tactical requirement, which gives Li Yu full freedom, but it all depends on Li Yu's ability to grasp the field.
Li Yu was also a little surprised by Ferguson's tactical arrangement, but soon Li Yu nodded and agreed. If she wants to continue to grow, she must continue to accept new challenges on the field. Today is a good challenge!