"Oooooooh, woooooooh!"
The live television broadcast cut to the stands, where the fans, wearing New Manchester United's red and green-gold striped home shirts, waved the team's huge flag and sang the club anthem in unison. Many of them even had their faces painted.
"Viewers at home, don't be surprised. This is not Old Trafford, because it is difficult to see scenes like this at Old Trafford anymore. That place is full of gentlemen now. This is New Manchester United, the home of the Red Rebels, City Stadium!"
Andy Gray, Sky TV's famous football commentator, introduced the scene on the live broadcast with a smile.
"Many people say that whenever Manchester United win, you can always run into the Red Devils choir on the streets of Manchester. Well, this afternoon, the passionate atmosphere at City Stadium and the stirring club anthem give us reason to believe that in the future, the streets of Manchester will also have a Red Rebels fan choir no less impressive than the Red Devils choir."
As Andy Gray's partner for this match, Martin Tyler was clearly visiting New Manchester United's home ground for the first time, and he seemed a little surprised.
"In the North West Counties League Division Two, the Red Rebels already had a reputation for having a hellish home ground. Last summer, after being promoted to the National League, the Red Rebels were forced to arrange their home matches at Gigg Lane in Bury, far from Manchester, but their attendances were still good. Now, the Red Rebels have come home, back to Manchester, and they are being greeted by the cheers of more than eight thousand fans!"
"I heard that two weeks before the match, the home tickets had already sold out. Many fans couldn't even buy a ticket at three times the market price. This is a very memorable match, not only because it is the first match at City Stadium, or because the opponent is Arsenal, or even because today is January 1st, 2000."
At this point, Andy Gray laughed. He had said so much just to emphasise that this was truly a significant and memorable match.
"Before the match started, New Manchester United specially organised a stadium inauguration ceremony, inviting a band from near Newton Heath to perform that passionate club anthem on stage. This immediately ignited the atmosphere among the fans present, but the real highlight is obviously the FA Cup third round that is about to take place."
"This is the second consecutive year that New Manchester United have met Arsenal in the third round. Last year, they were guests at Highbury. In that match, although Arsenal won by luck, they were forced into an embarrassing position by New Manchester United. Now that they are back at home, everyone is wondering, can New Manchester United be as tenacious and spirited as they were last year?"
"Before the match, many people criticised the FA for manipulating the draw for promotional purposes. But I have to say, as a neutral fan, I am quite happy to see New Manchester United meet Arsenal. In fact, I suspect the FA seems to be deliberately avoiding a clash between Manchester United and New Manchester United. When the Red Rebels visit Old Trafford, what a spectacular match that would be. At that time, which team would the fans at the stadium support?"
Andy Gray laughed heartily at his own words, and many viewers watching at home were probably also intrigued by what he said.
When the Red Rebels, who champion rebellion and represent the spirit of Newton Heath's green-and-gold army, visit Old Trafford, will Manchester United fans boo these former companions just as they do other opponents?
"Of course, the best shows are always deliberately saved for last. I even suspect that if New Manchester United really defeat Arsenal in this match, the FA might actually consider arranging for New Manchester United to visit Old Trafford!"
Andy Gray's comment was clearly a jab at the FA's addiction to manipulating draw results, but he had to admit that, for promotional gimmicks, such manipulation was indispensable.
"Hey, the live broadcast has cut to the stands. Let's see... wow, look, look! Isn't that Mr. and Mrs. Beckham? They have actually appeared in the stands of New Manchester United. Look at how happily David is chatting with New Manchester United owner Ethan Yu. If New Manchester United weren't just a National League team, I'd really be worried that tomorrow's national newspapers would put rumours of Beckham transferring to New Manchester United on their front pages!"
"And look at the beauty chatting intimately with Victoria. Isn't that Eva, who was just voted the most beautiful woman in the UK by an authoritative British magazine? Before the match, rumours about her and Ethan were everywhere. Now, she has come to City Stadium without avoiding suspicion, and even sat with Ethan on purpose. This really makes the imagination run wild!"
"According to our staff on-site, this match has attracted at least over a hundred media outlets. Clearly, this FA Cup match between New Manchester United and Arsenal alone could not have such great appeal. Could they have come for the rumours between Eva and Ethan off the pitch?"
"Well, as a fan of The Matrix, I have to say that, for me, this is more attractive than this FA Cup match!" Martin Tyler laughed heartily.
Although it was a joke, it indirectly proved that Eva had extraordinary appeal in the UK, especially after filming several Hollywood productions in succession. With an entire team behind her promotion, her fame in the UK had even surpassed Victoria's.
...
As the players from both sides gradually entered the pitch, Andy Gray first announced the starting lineups for both teams. They were much the same as what the outside media had guessed, except Arsenal had replaced Sylvinho with Ashley Cole, clearly placing more value on the latter's attacking ability.
New Manchester United, on the other hand, once again used Olić as a left midfielder, while the right flank was given to Alexander Hleb, who was very comfortable with both feet. As for Krzynówek, who had been widely favoured before the match, he missed out on the starting lineup.
Due to the absence of Marginson, Schmeichel, and Darren Lyons, the captain's armband for this match was worn by Juninho. This Brazilian player was the oldest and most famous player on the pitch. He had even been selected for the Brazil national team at one point, though he was now criticised by the outside world for sinking into the National League for money.
He viewed this match against Arsenal as a battle to prove himself, to prove that his transfer to New Manchester United was by no means only for money, but also to escape the Brazilian mire and enter a broader world.
"Ribeiro, this match will be very tough. Arsenal are very, very strong. They won't give us many opportunities. In fact, they might not give us any opportunities at all. But I hope you can create and seize opportunities for our team, using your superb free kicks and your sharp, accurate passes to tear gaps in Arsenal's defence."
Before leaving the dressing room, Bruce pulled Juninho aside and gave him solemn instructions.
Juninho tightened the captain's armband on his arm. This was his first time serving as the team captain. He felt the responsibility on his shoulders become heavier, but at the same time, he felt more confident.
Guys, we will definitely defeat Arsenal!
...
Because Juninho won the coin toss against Adams, Arsenal kicked off first.
"Look, New Manchester United have clearly made up their minds to defend in this match. Look at their three lines. From the very first minute, they have all retreated into their own half, setting up a deep defensive block!"
"Parlour has the ball on the right wing. Olić and Evra are closing him down, one in front and one behind, not letting him pass easily. Parlour is forced to pass back to Vieira in the middle. Vieira has the ball... foul! New Manchester United's number 19, the young Danish player Poulsen, has tripped Vieira."
Vieira stood up from the pitch, his eyes full of anger as he glared at Poulsen. Poulsen, who was constantly retreating toward the defensive line, looked at him with a completely expressionless face and deliberately revealed a faint, mocking smile, which made Vieira even more annoyed.
"The match restarts. We can see that Arsenal have absolute control on the pitch. From the first minute, New Manchester United have been pinned in their own half by Arsenal and cannot get out. Even striker Žigić has returned to the area near the penalty box to defend. It looks like New Manchester United intend to defend to the death in this match!"
With Kanu as the spearhead, Arsenal players such as Henry, Bergkamp, and Parlour took turns attacking New Manchester United's defence. Henry, in particular, was very active on the left flank, using his incredible speed to escape Stenson's marking several times and create danger. Fortunately, goalkeeper Almunia, who started in place of Schmeichel, performed excellently, preventing New Manchester United from conceding.
"Henry dribbles to the edge of the penalty area... shoots! Almunia reacts quickly and parries the ball away. Because the shot was too powerful, he couldn't hold it... Bergkamp, the Ice Prince, has read the rebound after Almunia's save and follows up with a shot!"
"It's Almunia again! The young Spanish goalkeeper uses his foot to block the ball away from goal. Abidal, tracking back, kicks the ball out for a corner!"
"Bergkamp takes the corner, but the delivery is too close to the goalkeeper. Almunia claims the ball steadily before Adams can get to it!"
"Less than 5 minutes into the first half, Arsenal have already been bombarding New Manchester United's goal. They have had several good opportunities, but unfortunately for them, New Manchester United's Spanish goalkeeper Almunia is performing heroically, repeatedly resolving crises for his team."
Seeing these thrilling scenes from the coaching bench, Bruce could not sit still for even a moment. He came to the touchline and kept waving, signalling Poulsen, Essien, and Juninho to protect the defensive line in the middle and not let Arsenal players face goal easily. The individual ability of Arsenal's players was outstanding, and even a small chance could be turned directly into a goal.
Hleb and Olić were also required to track back. Judging from the match, they did not look like wingers, but more like full-backs.
It was precisely because New Manchester United's two wingers had withdrawn so deep that Arsenal's two full-backs gained more space to push forward. Ashley Cole, who already liked to join the attack, frequently moved up to provide support. On one occasion, he even sent a sharp cross to Kanu, which was fortunately headed out of the penalty area by Abidal. Otherwise, New Manchester United would likely have conceded.
Amid Arsenal's frantic attacks, New Manchester United's defence was swaying, as if it could be swallowed up by this storm at any moment!
(To be continued.)