In the FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham, caution became the main theme of the match.
Tottenham lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, focusing on defensive counter-attacks.
Manchester United, on the other hand, used their familiar 4-2-3-1, and Bruno Fernandes was full of energy after serving a two-match suspension.
In the 39th minute of the match, Manchester United counter-attacked, with Bruno and Gao Nuo playing a wall pass.
The telepathic passing and movement broke through the Tottenham defense, and Bruno's shot from the edge of the box was brilliantly saved by Forster.
Dier's hurried clearance was scuffed, and Gao Nuo seized the opportunity, scoring with a long-range shot.
The change in score made the match more intense.
In the 55th minute, the strike partnership of Son Heung-min and Richarlison came to life.
The tired Manchester United defense made a mistake, and Pau Torres's pass was intercepted by Son Heung-min, creating a 2-on-2 situation for Tottenham.
Richarlison used his speed to break through Manchester United's defense, and Son Heung-min's pass was perfectly weighted.
Nübel's charge was nullified by Richarlison's chipped shot, and Tottenham equalized.
With the score level again, both sides became even more cautious than at the start.
It wasn't until the 80th minute when Manchester United took a corner, and Gao Nuo in the box was pushed and kicked by three defenders, falling to the ground.
Following protests from Manchester United players, the Referee consulted VAR and ultimately awarded a penalty.
Bruno Fernandes converted it with ease.
After 90 minutes, Manchester United won 2-1 against Tottenham, narrowly advancing.
The joy of reaching the final did not last long.
In the subsequent League matches, Manchester United's fitness issues became apparent.
They lost 0-1 to Chelsea, and with four rounds remaining in the League, Manchester United trailed the top spot by 10 points, currently sitting in third place.
Manchester City, on the other hand, had been eliminated from successive cup competitions, allowing the team to focus all their energy on the League.
Winning all their matches in the final stage of the season, Manchester City led second-placed Liverpool by 6 points, and only needed to win two more matches to secure the League title early.
What was worse, the teams chasing Manchester United were in fierce form.
Chelsea and Arsenal were tied on points, sitting in 4th and 5th place respectively, just one point behind.
Sixth-placed Tottenham was only 3 points behind Manchester United.
The battle for the top four was far more intense than the title race.
Manchester United's meeting room.
"Lads, I think you all know that the next month will be the toughest period of our entire season."
"We made too many mistakes at the start of the season, and to still be fighting on three fronts now is both fortunate and unfortunate."
"Fortunately, we have the chance to rectify our past mistakes and bring more trophies back here."
"Unfortunately, our schedule of two matches a week has been going on for a month already, and it will continue for another month."
"This season has not been peaceful for the team; we've had some issues both in the dressing room and on the pitch."
"But all of that is in the past. In the upcoming matches, I need you to put everything aside. Public opinion and fatigue will not be obstacles to our victory."
"Because we are Manchester United!"
"Because we are champions!"
Erik ten Hag's speeches always made Gao Nuo's blood boil, which was perfectly normal for a third-year "rookie."
Bruno Fernandes fulfilled his duty as captain, being the first to respond.
"Glory to Manchester United!"
Immediately after, the classic line echoed throughout the meeting room, one after another.
Only some, like Gao Nuo, were surging with emotion.
Others seemed more like they were completing a task, perfunctorily cooperating with everyone's performance.
On April 29, 2025, at Parc des Princes, the Champions League semi-final first leg, Manchester United faced Paris Saint-Germain.
In the Manchester United dressing room before the match, players were tidying their equipment.
"How's your foot? I saw you struggling a bit in the last match," Gao Nuo asked Neymar, who was not far away, while tightening his shoelaces.
"It's alright, still a bit swollen recently, but it doesn't affect my movements much," Neymar rotated his ankle and started putting on his socks.
Gao Nuo frowned, "Didn't that medicine have any effect?"
Neymar smiled casually, "Of course it did, it's very effective, even my doctor thinks it's amazing."
"That's good, I'm going to warm up now," Gao Nuo finally breathed a sigh of relief and stood up, walking towards the players' tunnel.
Neymar had persevered for five days.
This was a traditional Chinese folk remedy: fresh Achyranthes bidentata mixed with salt, pounded into a paste, applied to the ankle, and secured with a bandage.
Applying the medicine every night before bed, Neymar would feel much better when he woke up the next day.
However, training and matches would cause his ankle to swell again, creating a cycle of repair and damage.
The wild and uninhibited Neymar was working so hard for a simple reason: he wanted to overthrow his former club and prove to his old fans that he was still a player who could stand shoulder to shoulder with the two greatest players of his generation.
Zhan Jun had been a bit tired recently. Old Duan made things sound easy, but doing them still presented considerable challenges.
However, this did not prevent Zhan Jun and Zhang from appearing on screen on time.
"Hello, dear viewers, it's 2:58 AM China time, and we're bringing you the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, where Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain will battle it out at Parc des Princes."
"Paris Saint-Germain eliminated Barça in the previous round, and Mbappé is in excellent form, having scored 12 goals in 12 matches, making him one of the strong contenders for this Champions League Golden Boot."
"Manchester United's path to qualification was a bit bumpy. In the last round, it was thanks to Gao Nuo's outstanding performance that they managed to overturn their city rivals, Manchester City. Gao Nuo has currently made 11 appearances, scoring 10 goals, once again setting a record for Chinese players."
"Yes, that's right, as Zhan Jun just said, although Gao Nuo's performance has been excellent, Manchester United is currently fighting on three fronts. In terms of both physical fitness and player form, they are at a disadvantage compared to Paris. The semi-final will still be a considerable test for Manchester United."
"Alright, Zhang, we'll analyze more later. Let's first look at the starting lineups provided by the director."
"For Paris, the formation is 5-2-2-1."
"Goalkeeper Donnarumma."
"In defense, captain Marquinhos, Kimpembe, and Mukiele are in the center, with Mendes at left-back and Hakimi at right-back."
"In midfield, Manuel Ugarte and Fabian are in the double pivot positions, with Gonçalves and Müller taking on the roles of dual attacking midfielders."
"The forward line features the currently in-form star Mbappé."
"Now let's look at Manchester United; the formation is the familiar 4-2-3-1."
"Goalkeeper Nübel."
"The defensive line from left to right: Luke Shaw, Pau Torres, Varane, Vanderson."
"Rice and Casemiro continue to partner in the double pivot."
"Captain Bruno Fernandes has finally ended his suspension and returns to the field."
"The three forwards are currently Manchester United's most stable: Rashford on the left, Neymar on the right, and Gao Nuo in the center!"
Zhan Jun's speaking speed was extremely fast, rattling off both starting lineups like a crosstalk routine,
making Zhang next to him constantly swallow, as if he were the one with a dry throat.
"Oh, Paris's lineup today is a bit conservative. I wonder if Zidane has any special arrangements."
Zhan Jun adjusted his glasses and continued, "That's right, for both Manchester United and Paris, reaching the final is not an easy task. Alright, the entrance ceremony is over, and the match officially begins."
