freeallnovels Chapter 71: Stunning Start
Chapter 71: Stunning Start
Chapter 71: Stunning Start Old Trafford was plunged into an eerie silence.
Manchester United fans were in shock, with many latecomers still wandering around in
It wasn't until ten minutes into the game that Millwall began to grasp the speed and strength of Premier League teams. Nedved discovered he couldn't turn with the ball at his feet in midfield; such openings had vanished since Manchester United hit their stride.
After Makélélé intercepted the ball from a cutting Giggs, he didn't pass to Nedved, as Keane was already lurking behind him, aiming for an interception. Instead, Makélélé switched the ball to the left flank.
Young Neil received the pass, clearly aware that since the ball reached him rather than Nedved, Millwall's counterattack had to change.
Before Beckham could press forward, Neil passed the ball to Pires and made a swift run.
Just like in the previous season when Beckham faced Millwall against Middlesbrough, he turned to tackle Pires but soon found himself outdone as Pires and the advancing Neil executed a simple two-on-one, leaving him bewildered.
Neil's forward run surprised United, Beckham was left trailing, and Keane had to abandon his post beside Nedved to track back. Neil and Pires combined expertly along the flank, with Keane unable to touch the ball as he watched Pires carry it into United's half.
Neville rushed in to block, but Pires passed the ball across to Neil just as Keane prepared to slide in. However, Neil's deft touch allowed the ball to slip past him into the waiting feet of Nedved.
Before Barth could intercept, Nedved sent a precise through ball into the box.
As Millwall entered United's half, Bruce closely shadowed Trezeguet. He wouldn't make the same mistake twice.
But just as Nedved's pass arrived, he pulled to the left, which instinctively drew Bruce with him. To his shock, he saw the ball pass behind him into the box, and out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a deep blue shadow.
Trezeguet and Larsson's coordination was nothing short of mesmerizing. They never occupied the same space nor overlapped positions, with one always drawing defenders while the other struck decisively.
This time, Trezeguet drew Bruce's attention while Larsson made a sharp run into the box, with Palister following closely behind. Yet Larsson was known for his decisiveness, executing the attack in the simplest way possible.
He met Nedved's through ball without breaking his stride, swinging his leg for a powerful shot just as Palister rushed in to block.
Schmeichel dove the right way, fully extending his body, but his fingertips couldn't reach the ball.
Turning his head, he witnessed, to his astonishment, the ball hit the back of the net.
With twelve minutes gone, Millwall led 2-0 against the mighty Manchester United!