Chapter 105: Stable Midfield Line

Old Trafford is extremely lively today, and the entire stadium is in an extremely hot atmosphere.

From before the game started, Manchester United fans used all kinds of noise to put pressure on Arsenal.

Manchester United's results against Arsenal have been extremely poor in recent years, which has also made Manchester United fans extremely worried. This game is a key battle to advance to the Europa League semi-finals. They don't want to just go back to play in the league.

Since Ferguson retired, Manchester United has not won a championship for five years.

This is something that is not allowed for Manchester United, which has a glorious history. They are eager to get back on track and gradually reach their peak.

And it all starts with winning Arsenal!

Arsenal must be a strong enemy!

This was true for Arsenal during Wenger's time, and it was also true for Arsenal during Mourinho's time.

Although there was a transition period under Patrice's coaching, Arsenal at that time also relied on Lucky's outstanding performance to stabilize the situation.

Arsenal is a team that cannot be beaten. They are full of tenacity, which is why many teams are afraid of them.

Don’t give up until the last minute. Arsenal explains this sentence very well.

And now Arsenal, with its strong defense and counterattack ability, puts even more pressure on Manchester United.

Fortunately, this is their home game, and they have a certain degree of confidence in winning Arsenal!

For this reason, Manchester United fans shouted the slogan "Send Arsenal back home".

But shouting loud slogans does not mean that the game will be excellent.

A memorable face also appeared on the scene.

Sir Alex Ferguson, who had not been seen for a long time, was sitting in the stands. Sir Alex's face was rosy. It was obvious that after his retirement, he was no longer under pressure and his condition was relieved.

Ferguson is still chewing gum, this scene is so familiar.

However, he is not sitting in the coaching bench, but in the stands.

Ferguson's appearance caused a slight commotion at the scene, and Manchester United fans even shouted the name "Ferguson" for a full minute.

This was their way of telling how much they loved the old Scotsman.

Ferguson's arrival will definitely bring a certain morale boost to Manchester United's players.

Players from both sides enter.

Overwhelming boos were given to the Arsenal players.

Lucai walked at the front with his head held high, feeling the pressure from the outside world, and he couldn't help but secretly curl his lips.

In such a big battle, it seems like a sure win.

Players from both teams came to the court and stood still.

Manchester United (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: De Gea.

Defenders: Valencia, Bailly, Rojo, Luke Shaw.

Midfielder: Lingard, Carrick, Mkhitaryan, Pogba, Rashford.

Forward: Yin Brahimovic.

Arsenal (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Martinez.

Defenders: Bellerin, Jimenez, Hummels, Robertson.

Midfielder: Kante, Wilshere, Lucky.

Forwards: Aubameyang, Lukaku, Mane.

There is another particularly interesting aspect of this game.

That is, four players from the 2012 European Best Young Team appeared in the lineup for this game.

They are Luke Shaw, Pogba, Lucky and Lukaku.

After five years of experience and growth, the young players in the first half have each become the main or even core players of the team.

They can already ignore the word "young", even if they are considered top players on the entire European stage.

This was also indirectly positive. The media at the time had enough discernment.

The expressions of the players on both sides were extremely serious.

Obviously they take this game very seriously.

After all, it is a key game to advance to the semi-finals, especially for Manchester United. They not only have to win the game, but also score three goals to win.

It was certainly a tough task and it didn't allow Arsenal to score.

Whenever Arsenal score a goal, their pressure will skyrocket.

"The defense must be energetic and defend their offensive points. We cannot concede the ball!"

Pogba said seriously.

It is rare for the French midfielder to show such a solemn look. It is obvious that Pogba is eager to prove himself in the face of pressure from the media and public opinion after losing the last game.

There is only one way to prove it, and that is to kill Arsenal.

Pogba wants to tell the world that he is better than Lucky

"The players from both sides have arrived at their respective half-courts. This is the second leg of the Europa League quarter-finals, a key match between Manchester United and Arsenal at home!"

"In the last round, Arsenal won 2:0 against Manchester United. Arsenal currently have the advantage, which undoubtedly puts tremendous pressure on Manchester United. If Manchester United wants to advance, they can only score three goals at home. Get a chance to advance!”

After the commentator Andy Gray finished speaking, he continued: "Of course, we can focus on the midfield confrontation. After the last game, various remarks and questions about Manchester United midfielder Pogba caused a lot of criticism. Big public opinion, can Pogba really play a core role? "

"Why did Pogba perform so poorly against Kai?"

"Although one game can't explain anything, if Pogba wants to change the direction of public opinion, then he must do something!"

Commentary partner Richard continued: "Pogba is undoubtedly an excellent player, but his role requires specific conditions to be activated, and Manchester United and Solskjaer obviously do not have this method. In contrast, Kai can perform well in any situation!"

"This mainly depends on Kai's more comprehensive ability and his spiritual attribute bonus. Although this kind of thing is invisible and intangible, it can always play an important role!"

"Arsenal can get out of many difficulties, and Kai has made great contributions here!"

After the two said, the game started with the referee's whistle.

The Manchester United fans at the scene cheered violently.

Manchester United took the lead.

The commentator was still making the opening remarks, and the game was still in the trial.

Manchester United did not sneak attack at the beginning.

This also made Arsenal's position start to move forward a little.

In addition, the frontcourt still gave Pogba enough pressure.

"Shit!"

Pogba passed the ball with difficulty, and cursed in his heart.

This kind of kick again.

Pogba hates people staring at him while he plays.

And not just one person!

Arsenal's pressing is a coordinated operation. After blocking the passing channel, another person will quickly move forward. If Pogba passes slowly, he may lose the ball.

And losing the ball in the back position is fatal.

Pogba dare not be arrogant. He can only pass the ball as quickly as possible again and again, while sorting out the rhythm.

After one experience, Pogba is no longer so embarrassed in the face of this kind of pressing.

Although it can't be said to be at ease, he can barely control the situation.

"Not enough pressure!"

Lekai thought to himself after watching Manchester United stabilize the ball.

Soon, Lekai raised his head and shouted; "Romelu, you also go up and grab it! Grab the ball from behind!"

Hearing Lekai's voice, Lukaku responded immediately.

Pogba just got the ball and wanted to pass it out, when suddenly there was pressure from behind.

There was a slight error in the pass.

The ball flew to the side, where Aubameyang ran.

But Carrick reacted quickly and kicked the ball out of bounds with a sliding tackle.

"Hey! Pay attention!"

Carrick shouted angrily after getting up.

Pogba was also very depressed.

He didn't expect Lukaku to attack from behind.

He raised his hand and made a gesture to express his apology.

But Pogba was still very upset.

After the ball was kicked out again, Arsenal retreated to the back as there was no angle to attack.

At the same time, Manchester United's players also suddenly approached forward.

Manchester United also wanted to play high-position pressing.

Seeing the opponent's player sprinting towards him, Luka passed the ball to Kante sideways.

Kante passed back, and Lingard rushed to Luka.

Luka turned around and separated Lingard and the ball with his back, and completed the transfer.

Lingard tried desperately to drill forward, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake Luka.

At this time, the gap in physical confrontation appeared.

And Manchester United can only use high-pressure pressing, but it is far from being proficient.

At least compared to Liverpool's crazy dog ​​style, Manchester United's pressing ability is still much immature.