"Siuuuuuuuu——!"
That earth-shattering roar not only echoed throughout Old Trafford but also spread to every corner of the world via television.Cristiano Ronaldo's face, contorted with extreme release yet brimming with power, made headlines in major sports media outlets worldwide.
"Manchester United's New King Ascends the Throne!" "Mr.One Hundred Million?He's Worth Two Hundred Million Now!" "The Ronaldo Phenomenon: A Youthful Storm Sweeping the Premier League".The media spared no praise, almost elevating him to godlike status.
His jump and roar at the corner flag quickly became an object of imitation for fans, especially children.On the streets of Manchester, you could see teenagers wearing Manchester United's number 7 jersey everywhere, trying to replicate that magnificent turn and passionate shout.
He even earned his first nickname – "The Phenomenon", which was the highest affirmation from fans and the media of his terrifying talent and immediate impact.
The storm has already formed.And Cristiano Ronaldo is right at the eye of the storm.
Despite being at the center of the storm, he remained unusually calm.He was still the first to arrive at Carrington and the last to leave.His training schedule was even more rigorous; the sweat in the weight room and the extra practice of free kicks and shots on the training field testified to his insatiable demands on himself.
"Fame comes and goes.But the ability and trophies that remain in you will never stay," he said in a brief interview, his tone mature beyond his eighteen years.
This maturity beyond his years earned him even more respect in the locker room.Even Gary Neville, who initially had doubts about him, is now completely impressed and publicly stated, "I have never seen such a focused and eager-to-succeed young man; he is special."
However, the taller the tree, the more the wind will blow against it.Behind the extreme praise lies quietly growing hostility and even more severe challenges.
The next opponent, when facing Manchester United, adopted an extremely uniform and "ugly" tactic: solid defense, and then at all costs, even resorting to fouling tactics, to lock down Manchester United's number 7.
In the match against Everton, Ronaldo encountered the first real "woodcutter" tactic of his career.Everton's players, especially their midfield tough guy Lee Carsley, practically turned defending into a wrestling match.Pulling, shoving, kicking ankles from behind.all sorts of actions that could easily get him a card were used.
In a fierce scramble, Carsley made an extremely vicious sliding tackle from the side, his studs landing directly on Ronaldo's supporting leg!
"Ah!" Ronaldo cried out in pain, fell to the ground, and rolled on the grass, clutching his leg.
The entire Old Trafford was instantly engulfed in angry boos.
"Red card!Damn it!That's definitely a red card offense!" Sir Alex Ferguson roared at the fourth official from the sidelines.
Manchester United players immediately surrounded him, with Keane charging directly at Carsley, his forehead almost touching Carsley's nose, his eyes blazing with anger, and the scene briefly spiraled out of control.
The team doctor quickly entered the field.Fortunately, the cleats only scraped off a layer of flesh, leaving a few horrifying bloody marks, without damaging the bones or ligaments.However, the intense pain and the psychological impact of this malicious foul were very real.
With the help of the team doctor, Cristiano Ronaldo limped to his feet.His face was contorted with pain, but there was no fear in his eyes, only cold anger and a kind of savage ferocity.
He refused the request to leave the field immediately for treatment and insisted on staying on the field.
A few minutes later, Manchester United were awarded a free kick from about 30 meters out.
This position is somewhat far, and it's usually not the first choice for a direct shot.Both Giggs, the primary penalty taker, and Van Nistelrooy, who gradually took on more responsibility after Beckham's departure, were positioned in front of the ball.
But Ronaldo, dragging his still bleeding calf, walked step by step with determination to the ball.
He glanced at Casley, who was behind the opposing wall of players and still had a hint of relief on his face, and then at the opposing goalkeeper.
An incredibly strong premonition, an absolute confidence stemming from the soul at its peak, surged into my heart.
"I'll take this ball." His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an undeniable determination.
Giggs and Fanny exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes, but even more so, trust.They silently made way for each other.
The entire Old Trafford stadium held its breath.Everyone stared at the young number 7, at the blood on his legs, at the fire burning in his eyes.
His approach run was precise and powerful.
He takes the shot!It's not Beckham's signature curveball, nor is it a pure, powerful volley; it's his future signature "tomahawk" free kick—a body leaning extremely forward, striking the lower half of the ball with the instep, giving it immense power and an unpredictable downward trajectory!
Like a red rocket defying gravity, the ball roared up from the ground, soaring over the heads of the wall at an astonishing speed, before plummeting violently at its highest point, crashing into the absolute top right corner of the goal with a deathly whistle!
Everton's goalkeeper made a desperate save, but his fingers couldn't even touch the ball!
"Whoosh!"
The crisp sound of the net hitting the ball, like the most melodious music, echoed in the silent stadium.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!Cristiano Ronaldo!" The commentator's voice trembled with emotion."He did it!He did it!After being maliciously fouled!He responded perfectly in his own way, in the most manly way!This is a heroic goal!"
After scoring, Ronaldo didn't rush towards the corner flag.He limped straight towards the center circle, and as he passed the stunned Carsley, he didn't even glance at him, but simply ran.He pounded the team badge on his chest, his gaze sweeping across the entire arena!
That look in his eyes seemed to say: You can't defeat me!You'll only make me stronger!
At this moment, he was no longer the genius who needed skill and wisdom to prove himself; he was more like a gladiator clad in red armor, rising from blood and fire, defending his dignity and territory in the most primal and bloodthirsty way!
The Manchester United fans went absolutely wild, chanting Ronaldo's name so loudly it seemed they were trying to lift the roof off the stadium.
This goal and this response solidified his status within Manchester United and even throughout the Premier League.
He emerged from the storm, and instead of being swallowed up, he became the one who rode the storm.
He knew that the challenges ahead would only be more numerous and brutal.But he was fearless.
Because he is Cristiano Ronaldo.
His path was a path of conquest.
And all of this is just the beginning.