On January 14, 2023, Old Trafford was packed as Manchester United hosted Manchester City.
During the pre-match warm-up, Antony felt discomfort in his calf, and Gao Nuo, who was originally scheduled to be a substitute, was moved into the starting lineup.
In the live broadcast room of a platform in China, after the director displayed the starting lineups of both teams, commentator Zhan Jun said with some excitement, "As we can see, the Chinese youngster Gao Nuo has once again appeared in Manchester United's starting lineup. Starting in such an important city derby, let us wish Gao Nuo good luck and hope he can perform excellently."
The comments in the live broadcast room also went wild. A few days prior, after Gao Nuo clearly stated that he loved China and had no intention of representing other countries, the Chinese football circle became unprecedentedly united, and the Xiao Heizi also became quiet, not daring to cause trouble.
Da Ai Gao Nuo: "Gao Nuo, YYDS!"
Gao Nuo's Xiao Heizi: "If Gao Nuo continues to be this awesome, I'll change my name!"
Shanghai Old Fan: "I've always said Gao Nuo is a good kid, he's been playing really well recently."
Refund Brother: "Friends, wait a bit longer, I'll go to the stadium to live stream for you in a few days."
National Football Team Hater for Life: "Look at Gao Nuo, then look at the National Football Team, why is the gap so big?"
Ronaldo Fan: "I hope this kid keeps it up, I haven't felt this passionate watching football in years."
Messi Boss V5: "The person above is right, it's truly exhilarating."
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"Beep—" With the referee's whistle, the match officially began. Manchester United, who kicked off first, had an overwhelming momentum. The team's recent excellent performance motivated everyone, and they launched wave after wave of attacks with the cheers of the home fans.
In the 6th minute of the match, Manchester United's high-pressing tactic paid off. Manchester City's defender Ruben Dias, who had not yet entered the state, made a passing error, and Casemiro intercepted the ball in the front field.
Before intercepting the ball, "Fat Tiger" had already observed his teammates' positions. He made almost no adjustments and directly sent a through ball to Gao Nuo. The ball simply and brutally tore through Manchester City's defense.
Currently, among the entire team, Gao Nuo and Casemiro have the highest chemistry. Their rhythm in counterattacks is very fast, and both have a tough playing style. After receiving the ball, Gao Nuo made a simple and unpretentious burst of pace, directly driving towards the byline.
Upon reaching the byline, Gao Nuo stopped the ball with his foot, then executed a V-drag turn to get past the full-back. Facing two central defenders who came to block, he sent a reverse pass towards the penalty spot.
Bruno Fernandes, who had charged forward, easily pushed the ball into the net, giving Manchester United a 1-0 lead at home.
After scoring, Bruno put his arm around Gao Nuo and rushed towards the stands, pointing at Gao Nuo with one hand while waving to signal the fans to give their cheers and applause to Gao Nuo.
In the live broadcast room of a certain platform, amidst the frantic celebratory bullet comments, commentator Zhan Jun watched the goal replay and said, "This goal was due to Manchester City's own disarray. First, Dias made a passing error under the pressure of the press, and then when Gao Nuo broke through to the byline, the two central defenders' positions overlapped, leaving the middle completely open. Such an opportunity is simply too easy for a player like Bruno. It must be said that Casemiro and Gao Nuo's cooperation is extremely tacit; with just one pass and one carry, Manchester City's defense was breached."
Manchester City, one goal down, did not quickly find their form, and their few organized attacks lacked quality. Manchester United controlled the situation.
Although the experienced Manchester City's offense was blocked, they strengthened their defense, intending to run down the clock in the first half and change the situation through adjustments during halftime.
In the 18th minute of the match, Bruno took a corner kick, and Rashford's header in the penalty area went slightly wide.
In the 25th minute of the match, Casemiro unleashed a long-range shot from outside the box, which was bravely saved by Manchester City's goalkeeper Ederson.
In the 32nd minute of the match, Gao Nuo successfully beat the offside trap, and Ederson continued his superhuman performance, clearing the ball before Gao Nuo could shoot.
The second goal came in the 43rd minute of the match.
As the first half was about to end, Manchester City, having stabilized their formation, became somewhat complacent. Casemiro intercepted Rodrygo in the center circle.
What followed was the "Ca-Gao" connection, already familiar to Manchester United fans; a simple diagonal long pass sounded the horn for Manchester United's counterattack.
Gao Nuo, who had started early, easily caught up with the ball. After driving down the right flank in the attacking third, he stopped the ball with his left foot, then pulled it to the left with his right foot. The fluid movement easily created space, and then he delivered a low cross with his left foot.
Rashford, following up in the middle, got to the near post and scored with a sliding shot.
Manchester United led their city rivals Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford.
The next few minutes were uneventful, and the first half ended.
In the live broadcast room, Zhan Jun passionately summarized the first half of the match: "The first half of the match has ended, with Manchester United leading their city rivals Manchester City 2-0 at home. Our Chinese rising star Gao Nuo has performed excellently, providing two assists for Bruno Fernandes and Rashford, who each scored a goal. We can clearly see Gao Nuo's improvement; his current ball control and dribbling are very fluid, and combined with his speed, he plays with ease in the right-winger position."
"Currently, it seems Manchester City will definitely make adjustments in midfield. Guardiola's in-game adaptability is still very strong. For Manchester United, whether they can maintain their lead and secure a victory will still be a considerable test."
As the live broadcast replayed the highlights of the first half, fans and netizens alike cheered for Gao Nuo.
Manchester City Universal Team: "Although I believe Manchester City can make a comeback, I have to congratulate Gao Nuo for such a brilliant performance!"
Manchester United Fan 101: "Forget about a comeback, my Red Devils are in such form lately that it's hard to lose. If Gao Nuo scores one in the second half, it would be perfect."
Gao Nuo Super Fan: "Although I don't understand it, Gao Nuo is so handsome."
Da Ai Gao Nuo: "Sister above, join our Gao Nuo fan club."
I'm Looking for Foreign Aid for the National Football Team: "Gao Nuo's performance in these few matches has caused his value to skyrocket. I heard some teams have already sent scouts to observe him."
Commentator Brother Tao: "I'm here live, the Chinese fans here are going crazy, Gao Nuo is amazing!"
Xiao Heizi: "Don't get carried away, someone like Gao Nuo will be crushed by Manchester City in the second half."
"Xiao Heizi, get lost!"
"Xiao Heizi, get lost!"
"Xiao Heizi, get lost..."
The live broadcast room instantly began a "battle" to besiege the Xiao Heizi.
In the Manchester United locker room, Ten Hag praised the team's performance in the first half. Given the current lead, he made no tactical adjustments, only asking the players to maintain focus.
Considering the team's current physical condition, he specifically instructed Gao Nuo that he might need to play as a center forward in the second half and could conserve his energy appropriately, while Garnacho, playing on the left wing, was asked to participate more actively in defense.
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