Cristiano Ronaldo's perfect Champions League comeback, especially his two brilliant assists and a brilliant free kick, has solidified his indispensable core position in Manchester United's squad.Media attention has shifted dramatically once again, with the Manchester Evening News even running the headline "Evolution complete!Manchester United's number 7 has entered the ranks of superstars."
Within the team, those subtle dissenting voices had completely vanished.Keane's strictness and Van Nistelrooy's demanding nature had transformed into unwavering trust.In training, when he received the ball, his teammates would naturally make runs, anticipating his next magical move.In the locker room, his opinions began to be genuinely valued.
However, as the English season entered its most intense month of April, the air was thick with the smell of gunpowder.Manchester United were closing in on Arsenal in the league, but the points gap with league leaders Arsenal remained.The FA Cup campaign, meanwhile, brought these two fated rivals back to the semi-finals.
This was more than just an FA Cup semi-final; it was a pivotal match that determined the fate of the season, a direct and brutal challenge to the "undefeated myth." All of England's attention was focused on it, and media hype reached its peak, portraying the game as "the second chapter of A Song of Ice and Fire" and "a decisive battle that would change the dynasty."
At the final tactical meeting before the match, Sir Alex Ferguson's expression was more serious than ever before.The tactics board was covered with arrows and circles.
"Kids, remember how it felt at Highbury!" Ferguson's voice echoed in the quiet conference room."They're strong, but not invincible!Vieira will be like a shadow around you, Cristiano." He looked at Ronaldo, "But remember, your job isn't just to get rid of him, it's to draw him out and create space for others!Use your running to tear apart their defense!"
He then looked at the whole team: "Their unbeaten record is an honor, but also a burden!The pressure is on them!What we need to do is go up and beat them!Beat them from the first minute!Let them remember Old Trafford.no, let them remember at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff (the venue for that season's FA Cup semi-final) what the blood of the Red Devils is!"
After the meeting, Ronaldo remained alone in the empty conference room, staring at the red number 7 tile representing himself on the tactics board, and took a deep breath.He felt even greater pressure than when facing Highbury, but even more so, a peculiar fighting spirit mixed with excitement and composure.
He knew this would be the most crucial game of his season, and perhaps the early part of his entire career.
That evening, he received a call from Mendes.
"Cristiano, how are you feeling?All of Portugal is watching you!"
"Very good, Jorge," Ronaldo said calmly."I'm just thinking about how to celebrate after the game."
Mendes on the other end of the phone paused for a moment, then burst into laughter: "Good!That's the spirit we need!"
But after hanging up the phone, Ronaldo didn't smile.He walked to the window, looking at the Manchester night.Celebrate?That would require a victory, a clean, undisputed victory.
He knew Arsenal wouldn't make the same mistake again.Wenger and his players would come with a more meticulous plan and a more determined resolve.
A storm is brewing.
He was fully prepared to face the storm.