Starting With Real Madrid

Gao Shen still remembers that the first book he read in the tactical library after traveling back in time was about Ferguson.

Whether in his past life or this one, Ferguson has always been a role model in his mind.

Even his coaching style bears a deep imprint of Ferguson's influence.

For instance, both of them love to change the course of a game through real-time tactical adjustments.

Gao Shen has studied Ferguson's matches meticulously. He can seamlessly switch between multiple tactical setups—4-3-3, 4-4-2, and 4-2-3-1—all within the same match.

As everyone knows, these formations are merely a reference to player positioning. The setup itself is rigid, but the game is fluid, and players are in constant motion, leading to increasingly complex variations.

It's easy to imagine Ferguson utilizing so many different tactical combinations in a single game. The real marvel is that Manchester United's players execute them so effectively, it's almost unbelievable.

Leaving aside the past, let's just focus on this season.

Manchester United's situation hasn't exactly been ideal, yet Ferguson has still managed to bring out the best in the Red Devils.

Take Darren Fletcher, for example.

What can be said about this player? On the surface, he doesn't seem extraordinary, but he is incredibly effective.

Within Manchester United's midfield system, he is irreplaceable.

From breaking up play in midfield to tracking back into the penalty area, whether shielding the center-backs or providing cover for the full-backs, he is everywhere. In the early part of the season, when United's attacking players were struggling to find form, he was even the team's top scorer.

And Ferguson molded him into this role.

Then there's Wayne Rooney.

A few years ago, United's brightest young talents were Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Over the past two seasons, Ronaldo has ascended to new heights.

There's no doubt about the Portuguese star's ability and impact. He may not have the same raw talent as Messi, but his versatility and attacking threat make him just as formidable. He's the only player in world football who can currently rival Messi.

But that doesn't necessarily mean he is the most important player in this Manchester United side. In fact, even in United's attacking system, he might not be the focal point.

Beckenbauer once said: The strongest is often the weakest.

Take Ronaldo as an example. He is incredibly powerful, a game-changer, and a prolific scorer, but he also squanders many chances.

Over the past few seasons, he has been transforming his game to focus more on goal-scoring.

If he wants to score more, he can't allow himself to be easily marked by defenders. That means he has to improve his movement and physical strength. So, he has trained relentlessly, building muscle, enhancing his endurance, and increasing his running output.

As a result, his physicality has improved, but his agility and technical finesse have declined. The delicate footwork that once defined him has faded, and he is evolving into a pure goal-scorer.

This isn't a question of right or wrong, it's about the choices made by both the player and the coach.

As the saying goes:

No matter where Ferguson places Ronaldo at the start of a match, he will always push forward as the game progresses.

So eventually, Ferguson simply started deploying Ronaldo as a central striker, adopting a 4-3-3 formation with him at the focal point.

Ronaldo is obsessed with scoring, and Ferguson has granted him complete attacking freedom. Naturally, this means he wastes a lot of chances, earning a reputation for being wasteful in front of goal. He also contributes little defensively, which is where Rooney becomes essential.

Beyond that, Rooney's dribbling and ability to beat defenders are unique, and his long passes to find Ronaldo are highly accurate. He is a vital weapon in Manchester United's attack.

There's another issue: when Ronaldo plays on the right, he hardly tracks back to defend. This puts immense pressure on United's right-back.

So, Ferguson adjusted the system, shifting to a 4-3-3 with Ronaldo in the center, Rooney on the left, and Park Ji-sung on the right.

The message was clear: We'll handle the defensive responsibilities at the back, and you can focus entirely on attacking.

With a deep-lying passer like Michael Carrick, United's approach became direct, win the ball, launch a quick counterattack, and let the attackers play with freedom.

At its core, Ferguson's tactical philosophy remains grounded in defensive solidity.

This is, in essence, a counter-attacking strategy.

Watching this current Manchester United side, one can see Ferguson's masterful tactical ability and control over his squad, truly at a level of perfection.

Gao Shen has often said that the manager he admires most is Ferguson, and he has always dreamed of competing against him.

But now that the moment has finally arrived, he feels nervous and uneasy.

For years, he has studied Ferguson, and his coaching style has been profoundly influenced by him.

So, facing Ferguson feels like a student going up against his teacher, an overwhelming sense of awe and powerlessness.

It's as if all his knowledge has been "taught" by Ferguson, and nothing he does can escape Ferguson's grasp.

This kind of mindset is unacceptable.

Gao Shen knows that.

But he can't deny that it's real.

---

"You look exhausted. Why don't you head back and rest? We'll keep things running here."

At the Castel Volturno training ground, Carlo, Zidane, and the others noticed that Gao Shen wasn't in the best state.

To put it bluntly, the pressure of the upcoming match was weighing on him.

Facing an opponent like Ferguson, any coach would feel the pressure.

Especially someone like Gao Shen.

Because the entire world knows Ferguson is his idol.

Gao Shen shook his head. "No, I just need to adjust myself."

Carlo and Zidane exchanged a look but said nothing more.

Often, the stress a head coach endures is something outsiders can't fully understand or share.

It's like Guardiola in his past life. Many people questioned why he changed tactics right before a Champions League final. Didn't he know it was risky? Didn't he understand that last-minute tactical overhauls are a huge gamble?

Of course, he knew.

But sometimes, the pressure becomes overwhelming, leading to overthinking, a vicious cycle.

I predict that you will do this, so I'll make adjustments.

But wait, what if you predict my adjustments and counter them? Then I have to counter your counter.

But what if you anticipate that as well?

It's an endless loop.

No matter what decision is ultimately made, looking back later, one might think:

Damn, did I really overthink this into oblivion?

It happens to both regular people and legendary managers alike.

The only difference is that the great ones have the mental resilience to resist overthinking.

"Fernando," Gao Shen suddenly called out.

Lucas, standing nearby, immediately walked over.

"In the next two days, compile all of Manchester United's matches and stats from this season. I want the most detailed data possible—passing patterns, accuracy, key passes, defensive actions—everything."

Lucas nodded. "The team is already working on it. I'll get it to you as soon as possible."

"Also, assign people to closely monitor the Premier League, especially United's FA Cup match against Everton. We need to track their every move. If possible, get our own footage of the match."

"Understood. I'll take care of it."

After agreeing, Lucas looked up at Gao Shen and suddenly grinned.

"You nervous?"

"Nervous?" Gao Shen was momentarily stunned, then smirked. "Afraid of your nonsense, maybe."

"Come on, it's Ferguson—your idol. Didn't you always say you wanted to test yourself against him?"

Of all the people he had grown close to since traveling back in time, there were two who understood him best—his girlfriend Su Qing back in China, and Fernando Lucas.

Gao Shen exhaled, then turned to Lucas with a grin.

"Don't worry. I'm not the same guy I was back then. After years in European football, I'm one of the top managers now. I want to prove myself against Ferguson."

Lucas nodded. "You're not alone. We've got your back. Just tell us what you need, we believe in you."

Gao Shen smiled, clapping Lucas on the shoulder. Then, suddenly, he chuckled.

"Guess this is like taking another college entrance exam."

"After years of preparation, the final test is here. Let's see if I'm a top scholar or just an average student."