Football: Starting from the Ronaldinho template

Chapter 342 UEFA Super Cup Champion

2017 8 Month 9 Day.

The Philip II Arena in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia.

Arsenal and Manchester United players stood on opposite sides of the players' tunnel, with Wenger and Mourinho behaving exactly as before, not giving each other a single friendly look.

The last time the two chatted and laughed was when Ferguson put down his coaching position.

It is foreseeable that the two coaches, who have been entangled for more than a decade, will maintain this relationship until one of them leaves the Premier League.

Qin Ming glanced sideways at the Manchester United players.

Lukaku, Mkhitaryan, Pogba, Matic, and others definitely need further improvement.

Oh, and Lingard, the king of football memes.

"Manchester United will only get worse in the future."

Qin Ming felt that history sometimes wouldn't change just because of his appearance.

Even if he joins Manchester United.

There are owners who don't understand football, and there's a complicated situation within Manchester United. Unless he comes from Manchester United's youth academy, he has both ability and influence.

Otherwise, it would be extremely difficult to lead Manchester United to a revival.

Lukaku noticed Qin Ming's gaze and gave a friendly smile; he also wanted to curry favor with him.

But it's obviously impossible for him to come to Arsenal as a substitute.

However, when Lukaku looked at Morata, a hint of disdain flashed in his eyes. He felt that Morata was not strong. He had wasted two excellent opportunities in the Champions League final, and he himself could have seized at least one of them.

The UEFA Super Cup is a single-leg competition held by UEFA at the beginning of each season!

"It's the opening match of the new European club competition season!"

"Currently, AC Milan and Barcelona have won the most titles, both with five, while Manchester United won the title in 1991!"

"This is Arsenal's second time participating in the UEFA Super Cup!"

"In the 1994 UEFA Super Cup, Arsenal lost 0-2 on aggregate to AC Milan, and to this day, the club still does not have a UEFA Super Cup trophy in its trophy room!"

"I wonder if they'll be able to lift the trophy today?"

Zhan Jun explained.

The match began quickly with the sound of the whistle.

Mourinho's team continues to operate in the same way as before, actively compressing their formation and focusing on counter-attacking.

Qin Ming just got the ball.

Lingard pounced on him like a madman. This Manchester United striker, who is very popular online and loves to dance, is extremely active during the game.

Especially when defending.

Qin Ming didn't give him a chance to steal the ball. He first passed it to Cazorla, who was there to receive it, and then moved forward to get the ball back.

That's right.

Arsenal's lineup has changed today, with Dembele, who cost nearly 100 million euros, being benched by Wenger.

Cazorla is back in the starting lineup.

Because he is equally adept with both feet, there is little distinction between left and right, so he can play as an attacking midfielder or a winger.

It's just that his style is different from Qin Ming's.

They prefer to control the tempo, waiting for the full-backs to make quick forward runs, or to coordinate with their midfield teammates.

The effect is also very good.

"Alexis!"

Qin Ming continued to pass the ball without stopping it, and the ball drew an outside arc, bypassing Herrera and finding Sanchez.

Chilean player receives the ball and challenges Valencia.

He withstood the pressure and delivered an inverted triangle pattern from the bottom.

Qin Ming followed up and unleashed a powerful shot!
Snapped!
De Gea remains the most reliable member of the Manchester United squad, making a crucial save at the last second.

Morata tried to follow up but was a fraction too slow, and Smalling cleared the ball first, giving Arsenal a throw-in on the left flank.

"Qin, your shooting touch wasn't great today. You missed from such a good position!"

Cazorla raised an eyebrow and smiled.

Although he knew he was going from being a starter to a rotation player, he remained quite calm, after all, he knew his own body best.

His right foot has been injured many times.

As the intensity of Arsenal's matches increases, if he continues to push himself too hard, he will eventually collapse.

Injuries and ailments accumulate over time.

"David is a bit too strong."

Qin Ming gestured with his chin toward De Gea.

De Gea's goalkeeping skills are arguably better than any goalkeeper he knows, including Neuer, Sommer, and Cech.

"Watch me later."

Cazorla patted his chest.

After the match restarted, Arsenal continued to penetrate the defense, and after the International Champions Cup, they found the rhythm of their new lineup.

That is, more refined passing and control.

Then, using Qin Ming as the catalyst, a sudden change in direction seeks an opportunity to move forward.

"Move over here!"

Qin Ming waved to Kante. After playing against Manchester United for more than ten minutes, he had figured out Mourinho's tactics.

There have been some changes compared to last season.

The defensive formation has a more complete dynamic defense, but Pogba is still a weak point. When he was at Juventus, he partnered with Pirlo, Marchisio and others, and he consciously took on defensive responsibilities.

At Manchester United, he might have felt like the big brother and unknowingly become complacent.

Cazorla received the ball and passed it back to Roberto, who then played a diagonal pass, opening a gap in Manchester United's flank defense.

Qin Ming received the ball and charged forward.

It tore the opening open in an instant.

Wenger gave a mysterious smile. Besides nurturing young players, developing a new set of tactics and putting them into practice in matches can be very satisfying.

Moreover, Qin Ming's adaptation to the new position exceeded his expectations.

Amidst gasps from the Philip II Arena, Qin Ming dribbled past Smalling with a simple step, like a whirlwind.

Like a sharp blade piercing straight into Manchester United's penalty area.

"Qin Ming is not just a simple attacking midfielder!"

"He will switch to the role he needs to be as time and space change!"

"He's now a fake Nine!"

Morata made a skillful forward run and created space, preventing Lindelof from covering immediately and giving Qin Ming a brief one-on-one opportunity.

enough!
Knowing that De Gea was skilled at goalkeeping, Qin Ming's upper body swayed violently like a pendulum.

Dangdang Dangdang!
Each sway was like a dull bell tolling in De Gea's heart.

K-shaped blockade!
When making saves in one-on-one situations, he uses his feet with unparalleled skill, achieving a higher save rate than using his hands, which is unique in the football world.

At this moment, he couldn't discern Qin Ming's true intentions.

Getting closer and closer.

What's the next step: dribble, spike, or shoot?
There's no trend to be seen from the foot shape!
Whoosh! De Gea knew that hesitation would only lead to trouble, and if he waited any longer, Qin Ming could shoot directly at the goal.

He decisively lunged at Qin Ming's left foot!
Because there is more space on the left side of the goal.

The next second, an astonishing scene unfolded: Arsenal's number 10, as if by magic, smoothly and lightly flicked the ball to the right.

Suddenly it becomes clear.

A shot into the empty net changed the score.

1-0! ! !

"A textbook example of a one-on-one attack!"

"Can't score?"

"If you can't score, just get past the goalkeeper and push the ball into an empty net. How could you possibly miss?"

"Qin Ming's pendulum dribble is different from Da Luo's; it lacks the tank-like impact but has more delicate agility!"

"Each one has his own merits!"

Zhan Jun exclaimed in admiration.

Arsenal fans around the world cheered at this moment.

They've come one step closer to their first UEFA Super Cup title, a disappointing one in 1994. If they can win the Super Cup and then the Club World Cup in December, they'll be a prestigious six-time champion club.

Perhaps there's a chance to climb the Mount Everest of football.

Seven-time champion!
It's just not possible this year.

Because they lost the FA Cup to Manchester City.

But just thinking about it, you know it will be extremely difficult.

The league relies on stability; even if mistakes occur occasionally, there are opportunities to make up for them.

But in those cup competitions, a storm, a stroke of luck, can take away victory or destroy dreams.

The seven-time champion is more like a hidden challenge in the world of football.

Not only do you need to give it your all, you also need to rely on luck.

Moreover, strictly speaking, Barcelona has already achieved a "seven-title haul," meaning they have won all the continental and domestic titles.

If it were a Premier League or Ligue 1 team, then it would become a seven-time champion.

On the field, Cazorla ran towards Qin Ming and gave him a hug, while Morata waved to the fans from the sidelines, as if he had scored the goal himself.

"Qin, that move was awesome! Teach me sometime!"

Morata was so envious he was practically drooling.

"Alvaro, you should just give up. Don't trip over your own feet and fall down before you've even ridden a few pedals."

Cazorla chuckled.

The Arsenal players all laughed.

"Have you forgotten that goal in the Champions League final?"

Morata retorted defiantly.

The team playfully walked towards their own half of the field, and De Gea also got up, glancing helplessly at the back line.

He knew he couldn't blame his teammates for being weak.

It was Qin Mingqiang.

After switching from winger to attacking midfielder, he adapted so successfully in less than a month.

The threat has also increased significantly.

Whether it's an unexpected pass or a sudden burst of forward momentum.

They are all impossible to guard against.

Pogba seemed to want to say something, his thick lips moved, but he ultimately swallowed it back.

The game starts again.

There were the most Arsenal fans at the stadium, most of whom were Qin Ming's supporters, and they were cheering enthusiastically.

Mourinho's brow was so furrowed it could trap a fly.

Manchester United's problem for the new season has already become apparent: they lack a suitable left winger.

Martial is in poor form and is quite troublesome, currently embroiled in a conflict with the club over his jersey number.

Rashford is similar; he's too young and inexperienced.

Lingard, on the other hand, is hardworking but lacks the most important talent, and often gets distracted by managing his personal social media accounts.

Mourinho has considered the possibility of having an excellent winger.

That would greatly improve Manchester United's situation.

However, he searched through youth academies and the transfer market but couldn't find the kind of player he wanted.

We can only hope that Lingard, Rashford and Martial can improve in the new season.

I don't expect them to be like Qin Ming; I'd be content with half of what he has.

the other side.

Wenger silently noted down the shortcomings of the new lineup.

Like many Arsenal fans, he also dreamed of the seven titles that no club in England had ever achieved.

Why can't Arsenal be the first?
This intense longing restored his aged heart to its youthful state.

Just like when he first arrived at Arsenal, facing countless media ridicule and criticism from many coaches, he wanted to create his own era.

Pat Rice clenched his fist and looked toward the field.

Arsenal are still dominating Manchester United, showing no signs of letting up; the 1-0 mentality is the Gunners of the past.

The gunmen's motto now is: Forward! Forward! Forward!

"Sanchez is in great form lately!"

"He scored two goals in the International Champions Cup and just got past Valencia. If Herrera hadn't made a timely defensive save, the score would probably have been changed again!"

"Monreal makes a run down the flank and crosses!"

"Morata's header, De Gea's brilliant save!"

Suddenly Arsenal launched an attack, sending a chill down the spines of Manchester United fans, who almost cried out.

But before they could even breathe a sigh of relief...

Qin Ming appeared in the frame like a ghost, bursting into the shot from the edge.

How did he end up there?
Before the questions in the hearts of countless people could be answered, they saw Qin Ming take a volley shot, and Smalling gritted his teeth and fell to the ground to block it, risking being kicked in the head.

Snapped!
However, the expected explosion did not occur; instead, a crisp sound rang in my ears.

The light, nimble flicks and dreamlike footwork captivated the fans.

Bang! The next second, the football flew like a cannonball, shattering the hopes of Manchester United fans, and their second UEFA Super Cup became increasingly distant.

"Pretty!"

"In again!"

"Qin Ming was like he was back in his living room in the Manchester United penalty area; he still dared to dribble past his opponent under those circumstances!"

"No wonder he's a player with a big heart!"

"In the 39th minute of the match, Arsenal scored again, making it 2-0 against Manchester United!"

The camera followed Qin Ming to the corner flag area, where he held up two fingers to the audience and flashed a carefree smile.

Then he was overwhelmed by his teammates.

The background of the video shows a dejected Manchester United player, who conceded two goals to Arsenal without even managing to create a few threatening attacks.

Is the gap between them really that big?

Mourinho still hasn't learned to control his emotions in the last two seasons. He tugged at his collar to make it easier to breathe.

The absence of a veteran in Manchester United makes a world of difference.

However, Ibrahimovic's injury is expected to keep him out for two months, which happens to coincide with the crucial early stages of the league.

Mourinho's goal this season is to win the league title.

He doesn't want to witness Arsenal's three-peat, and he certainly doesn't want people to forget him.

Moreover, after a round of reinforcements, Manchester United's squad should theoretically be fine.

"Damn Glazer."

Mourinho recalled how Manchester United's management refused to make signings according to his wishes, such as Pogba.

Management's blind purchase of Pogba at a high price failed to achieve the desired results.

Mourinho could understand that Ed Woodward wanted to establish his own system of authority and completely move Manchester United out of the Ferguson era, but he failed to establish the coach's absolute authority in the dressing room.

Mourinho glanced at the next room as he pondered.

Wenger has always been the undisputed leader at Arsenal, and he still holds considerable authority even during the club's worst periods.

At least no player dared to openly question it.

He could understand that without deep involvement in a club, how could one gain sufficient authority?
Even with all his honors, he couldn't do it.

The referee quickly blew the whistle to end the first half, when the two teams returned to the pitch.

The tactics have undergone significant changes.

Trailing by two goals, Manchester United had no choice but to press high up the pitch in hopes of creating a possible chance for a comeback.

Arsenal, on the other hand, maintained firm control of the game.

In the 67th minute of the match, Cazorla was substituted by Dembele, who immediately received a through pass from Qin Ming, combined with Morata, and fired a shot into the near corner of the goal.

Only a few more minutes passed.

Roberto and Fabinho made a passing error, which was intercepted by Lingard who then crossed from the byline, allowing Lukaku to head the ball into the net at the near post.

Arsenal ultimately defeated Manchester United 3-1 to win their first-ever UEFA Super Cup title.

(End of this chapter)