In the visiting team's locker room during halftime, the players were seizing the time to rest, rehydrate, and wipe the sweat off their bodies with towels. Twain spoke on the side.
"A one-goal lead is far from enough. You were completely suppressed by Manchester United for a short period of time in the first half. That won't do. You have to attack and go head-to-head with Manchester United! Do you know why we played further and further back in the second half of the first half and were eventually suppressed by Manchester United? " Twain paced back and forth in the locker room, surrounded by busy players. However, they were indeed listening to Twain's words.
"Every time we attack the front field, we always want to use the simplest and most direct way to threaten Manchester United's goal. What's the result? The error rate is too high, leading to losing the ball too quickly. Our people just went up and had to retreat. As I said before, in this game against Manchester United, we have to change our habit of liking direct passes. Manchester United has made arrangements for our preference for direct passes. If we do so, it will only play right into their hands. In the second half, when we attack the front field, don't rush to pass the ball forward … "
Nottingham Forest likes direct passes, and the pace of the game is fast. These were all well-known. Some teams would make a fuss about this to curb the Forest team's offensive firepower.
Manchester United is like this. In response to Nottingham Forest's preference for direct passes, Ferguson asked the team's rear defensive line to create offside and strengthened the midfield's robbery. Otherwise, why would he bring on Hargreaves and Carrick?
The Forest team's goal was actually the result of Manchester United's failure to create offside. With van Nistelrooy at the front, there was no problem of Eastwood's offside when he plugged in from the back. As a result, he easily scored with no one marking him. It was believed that Ferguson would be unhappy with the goal concede during halftime.
"In the front field, we try to control the football at our feet. If there is no good opportunity, don't rush to pass the ball forward. Don't you have confidence in controlling the ball at your feet? If they shrink too tightly and still can't find a suitable gap after a few passes, then pass the football back and pull them out. Don't blindly compress their formation. That's just compressing our own attacking space. "
"Nuri."
Şahin looked up.
"Your pass in the first half was good, very good." Twain praised Şahin, which made him very happy. But then, Tang En's tone changed. "However, you had too many straight passes in the first half. Did you count how many times you made mistakes in those passes?"
The smile on Şahin's face became somewhat awkward.
"I don't blame you, Nuri. But as an attacking midfielder, you have to learn to analyze the situation on the field at all times. You have to have different countermeasures for different situations. You can't just bury your head and keep passing straight just because you know how to. In a game, you are the brain of the team. If the brain is confused, how can the team perform normally? You made too many mistakes in your forward passes in the first half, especially in the second half, which gave Manchester United a lot of chances to fight back. If you had realized this earlier, we wouldn't have ended up in such an ugly situation. "
Don't be fooled by the fact that Twain was usually all smiles, but if he were to really criticize someone, he would really be "merciless". If one's mental fortitude was weak, they would probably be traumatized. But in fact, if it was a player that he did not care about, he would not even bother to say anything unpleasant. As long as a player could be criticized by him, it meant that they still had some place in Tang En's heart. Once, when Anelka and Tang En were at odds, Tang En and he could not say a word to each other and completely regard each other as air.
Şahin lowered his head at Tang En's words. He knew that the boss valued him very much, but to be said so miserably in front of so many teammates was really a bit of a loss of face.
"In the second half, we'll be more patient when we attack. The two flanks, don't rush to the front in one go. Pay attention to keeping your distance from the center midfielders. If you rush too fast, you'll lose contact with them. Manchester United will really want to see this happen. Freddy did a good job on this point. He always actively retreated and connected the front field with the midfield. Ruud also did a good job, standing at the front to attract the opponent's attention. "
After talking about the offense, Tang En began to talk about the defense. In the second half of the first half, Tang En was quite satisfied with the team's defense as they were pressured by Manchester United and did not concede a goal. In fact, for many consecutive seasons, Tang En had always been most at ease with the rear defensive line. Nottingham Forest's strong defense was definitely not just for show.
"We did a good job on defense. George, your main task in the second half is still defense. "
Wood nodded and had no objections. Some players preferred to attack. Even if he was a defensive midfielder, he also wanted to show his talent in the offense to get the cheers of the fans and media. But Wood was not that kind of player. He had no preference for offense or defense. He would do whatever the team needed.
"Since most of our energy in this game is on offense, the defensive task of the rear defensive line is more important. I want you to be vigilant every second in the remaining 45 minutes and pay attention to every attack that Manchester United might make. Manchester United will definitely step up their offense in the second half, but our players in the front field may not be able to provide more help. Sometimes you need to rely on yourselves. In addition, we can pay attention to ball control in the front field, but I don't want to see you repeatedly pass the ball back and forth in the back field. That's a very dangerous thing, understand? "
The players on the rear defensive line voiced their agreement.
"Manchester United will definitely press up to attack because they are behind in the away game. This is our chance! Take advantage of their gap, score another goal, and completely beat them to the ground! Don't be merciful, everyone! "
The players laughed.
Only a madman would think of being merciful when playing against Manchester United.
※ ※ ※
On the Forest team's side, although Tang En criticized Şahin's performance, the overall atmosphere was still very harmonious and relaxed. After all, they were now in the lead.
But on the other side of the Manchester United locker room, the atmosphere was not very good.
Ferguson threw a tantrum in the locker room with a dark face, displaying his "hairdryer" style.
Big names such as Ronaldo and Rooney were scolded by Ferguson to the point where they dared not breathe and could not straighten their backs.
"I asked you to create offside, I didn't ask you to leave anyone out! Eastwood was so obviously plugged in from the back. Why didn't you follow up and create offside? Hargreaves, you are the barrier in front of the center back. How can you let Eastwood escape from the place you are responsible for so easily? If you want to follow this man, why are you watching the game? They easily punched such a big hole in the middle of the defense! You are just f * * king decorations! "
After venting, Ferguson took a short break and began to tell the team what to do in the second half.
"You have to get the score back, and the sooner the better! If you can't, it will only bring confidence to the Forest team. This game is not quite the same as the one we played against the Forest team before. In the second half, Tony Twain will not shrink in the back and let us attack. They will come out and face us head-on. We have to be careful not to let them increase the score while we work hard to equalize. Midfield! "Ferguson placed his hand on the tactical board." The midfield is still the most important! If we can control the midfield, we can directly threaten the opponent's goal. If the midfield is controlled by the opponent, you bastards can wait to cry! "
"Carrick, Hargreaves, the two of you must play a more important role. Şahin is just a child. It is a risky move for Tang En to let him play as the organization's attacking midfielder. You don't have to worry about George Wood plugging in from the back. He will definitely stay in the backfield to defend in this game. So, you just need to put more pressure on Şahin and carry out tighter marking. Let him lose the ball and make mistakes. That will destroy his confidence. "
The two midfielders nodded obediently. "Understood, boss."
"Not only do you have to fight in the midfield, but you also have to fight actively in the front field. Fight without caring about your physical strength! That's how opportunities come. As long as we score a goal to equalize the score, the opponent's morale will be affected. Then, we will continue to attack and fight. Don't hold back. It's not enough to equalize the score. We need at least two more goals. 3: 1 to ensure that they lose the ability to resist … "
At this point, Ferguson felt that something was not quite right. He was afraid that even 3: 1 would not work. Would Tony admit defeat so easily?
"Of course, it would be better if you can score more goals. I won't think four or five goals are too many. "So, Ferguson added.
The Manchester United players took Ferguson's words as a joke to liven up the somewhat heavy and serious atmosphere in the locker room. Any team that dared to say that they could score four or five goals against Nottingham Forest must be an arrogant idiot.
※ ※ ※
When the players from both sides ran onto the field from the tunnel, the stands at Old Trafford, which had quietened down slightly, burst into cheers again. The halftime interval was about to end.
When Tang En walked out, he met Ferguson. He saw that the other man's expression was not good and knew that the old man must have lost his temper in the locker room. He was still so hot-tempered at such an age. Did he really want to retire because he was worried about his health?
Ferguson also saw Tang En because Tang En was looking at him with a grin. Only a blind person would not notice. He did not snort coldly and then turn to leave. Instead, he walked straight up and said, "Tony, I heard that you like to bet. Do you want to make a bet with us? "
"Hmm?"
"If you lose this game, you'll come to Manchester United to coach next season." Tang En shrugged. "I don't participate in such a boring bet."
"Because you're afraid you can't win." Ferguson suddenly laughed.
"Don't try to provoke me, Sir." Tang En shook his head. "We can bet on something else.
"Don't try to goad me, Sir." Twain shook his head. "We can bet on something else. Ferguson's expression changed, but he quickly returned to normal.
"How can I accept such a stupid bet?"
Tang En spread his hands. "Look, Sir.
How can I accept such a stupid bet? " We all have things that we don't want to bet on, so let's not. "
Ferguson did not really want to bet with Tang En. He just wanted to interfere with Tang En through this kind of thing. For him, psychological warfare was to be attacked all day long. He would not let go of any opportunity that could cause interference to his opponent. But Tang En was clearly well versed in this and fought back calmly.
In the end, the two men could only helplessly make up.
Ferguson muttered, "I hope the second half will be exciting." He turned and left.
Tang En also turned around and walked in the opposite direction.
The second half was about to begin.
※ ※ ※
As Tang En said at halftime, Manchester United took advantage of their kickoff from the start of the second half to launch a fierce attack on the Forest team's goal.
Nottingham Forest was completely suppressed and could only be forced to defend.
Tang En kept roaring on the sidelines and used hand gestures to ask the players to press out and press out.
Ferguson stared at the field with a serious face. He even forgot to chew his gum.
The earlier they scored, the better it was for Manchester United.
Nottingham Forest withstood Manchester United's fierce offensive and did not concede a goal in the ten minutes they were besieged by Manchester United. Then Manchester United weakened slightly, and the Forest team pressed out to attack Manchester United. The two sides launched a fierce scramble in the midfield.
Şahin was heavily taken care of by Manchester United. Every time he took the ball, he would attract a Manchester United player to ferociously tackle him. If he was not careful, he could lose the ball at his feet.
Manchester United's actions were very effective. The Forest team's offense was bogged down, and Manchester United took advantage of the opportunity to play a few threatening counterattacks. Şahin appeared a little isolated and helpless. Tang En could only let Wood and the two flanks consciously lean towards the middle to provide support. Finally, he managed to turn the situation around.
Fifteen minutes passed in the second half, and the two sides were deadlocked at 1: 0.
During this time, Ferguson walked down from the technical area again. The team did not score at the beginning of the second half as he had hoped. It could be seen that the mood of the Nottingham Forest players was gradually stabilizing. This would not do …
The pressure exerted was not enough …
※ ※ ※
Tang En breathed a sigh of relief after seeing the situation on the field calm down. He turned and walked back to the technical area to sit down.
1: 0 was indeed very dangerous, but at least they had made it through this hurdle.
Manchester United was bound to be impatient if they could not score for a long time. When the time came, it would be the Forest team's chance. As long as there were no accidents, he was confident that he could take away three points at Old Trafford.
※ ※ ※
Şahin counterattacked after losing the ball in the midfield, but caused a foul. The referee whistled for Manchester United to take a free kick, and pulled Şahin over to give him a verbal warning. The other Nottingham Forest players turned and ran back, ready to defend against another attack from Manchester United.
The Forest players who had turned their bodies away did not notice the following scene:
Hargreaves held the ball and pretended to swing the ball. The football had just landed, but he bent over and kicked the football out!
The free kick was sent out quickly!
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 lagging behind. Agbonlahor surrounded the referee to protest the decision because he felt that Şahin did not foul at all. Rio Ferdinand was suspected of diving.
"Ronaldo received the ball! He's completely unmarked! It's empty! "
The Manchester United fans, who had just quietened down in the stands, instantly regained their energy. They burst into loud cheers and cheered for Ronaldo.
The Forest players were unprepared for Manchester United's quick free kick. Even if Ronaldo received the ball, they were still frozen in place. They even turned their heads to look at the referee and the assistant referee, hoping they would blow the ball back and let Manchester United retake it.
They were disappointed. After the referee saw that Manchester United was about to take the free kick, he did not stand in place and whistle. Instead, he left Şahin and Agbonlahor behind and ran forward. It was clearly an action that was valid by default.
It was not until then that the Forest players seemed to wake up from a dream. One by one, they fiercely pounced on Ronaldo, while quickly retreating to organize the defensive line.
But it was too late.
Ronaldo dribbled the ball into the penalty area, and Rafinha did not even react on the sidelines.
Pepe rushed up to defend, intending to force his Portuguese captain to the outside so that he could not directly threaten the goal.
Ronaldo made a fake stop and suddenly accelerated to poke the football to the outside.
At the same time, Pepe made a kick.
He did not kick the football because Ronaldo had already moved a step ahead. He stepped directly on the top of Ronaldo's foot.
Ronaldo screamed, jumped up, and fell to the ground.
The referee's whistle sounded, and everyone reflexively turned their heads to look at the referee running over. They stared nervously at his gesture — he pointed to the penalty spot!
"Penalty! Oh, oh, oh, oh! It's a penalty! Ronaldo's beautiful breakthrough earned Manchester United a penalty! The Nottingham Forest players surrounded the referee. Pepe kept waving his hands to indicate that he did not foul. It was Ronaldo who dived. At this time, he can't care about his fellow countrymen … "
Ronaldo covered his foot and curled up on the ground. It looked like Pepe's foot was not light.
Berbatov rushed up to hug Ronaldo and found that Ronaldo was really injured and not diving … He hurriedly raised his hand to signal for the team doctor.
Some of the other Manchester United players ran to care about Ronaldo, while others celebrated the penalty together.
For a moment, the Forest team's penalty area was chaotic with all kinds of sounds.
The referee dispersed the protesting Forest players around him and insisted on awarding a penalty kick. At the same time, Manchester United's team doctor ran up to help Ronaldo to the sidelines for treatment. He limped when he came off the field, proving that he did not dive. Of course, the Nottingham Forest fans would not let him go — they thought that the Portuguese even pretended to walk to deceive the referee.
The penalty could not be changed. Nottingham Forest could only accept such a result.
Being able to accept it did not mean that they could be calm. Tang En had been gnashing his teeth off the field since the referee awarded the penalty.
"This is Manchester United's home ground. Yes, this is Manchester United's home ground. I understand, I understand better than anyone, this is Manchester United's home ground … "
Just like Madam Xianglin, he kept nagging and finally got the Fourth Official to come.
"Can you be quiet, Mr. Tang En?"
"Ah, I'll shut up right away. I'll say it one last time: this is Manchester United's home ground!"
"Mr. Tang En!"
"Did I say anything wrong? Is this still our home ground? "
The fourth official basically could not do anything to this rascal. He just glared at Tang En and said, "I hope you watch your words. Your every performance will be recorded in the game report …"
Tang En looked at the field and pretended not to hear at all, ignoring the fourth official.
As Ronaldo was receiving treatment off the field, the penalty was kicked by Hargreaves.
Hargreaves easily deceived Akinfeev and pushed the football into the middle.
"Manchester United has finally equalized the score! In the 61st minute of the game, both sides are back at the same starting line! "
Even if it was just a penalty, Ferguson looked excited. He rushed down and hugged his assistant next to him to celebrate. Tang En, on the other hand, stood on the sidelines and posed unhappily.
The score was equalized, which was not good news for his team in any case. What was worse was that Manchester United's morale would be greatly boosted and further threaten the Forest team's goal.
After all, their opponent was not just any random team, but the English Premier League's hegemon, Manchester United, and they were in their home ground.
What Ferguson said when he was bickering with Tang En at halftime really came true.
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