On January 3, 2023, in the 19th round of the Premier League, Manchester United defeated Bournemouth 3-0 at Old Trafford. Gao Nuo came on as a substitute in the 50th minute and contributed one assist.
On January 6, 2023, in the 3rd round of the FA Cup, Manchester United beat Everton 5-1 at Old Trafford. Gao Nuo came on as a substitute in the 55th minute, scoring one goal and assisting another, performing excellently.
On January 10, 2023, in the English League Cup quarter-finals, Manchester United easily defeated Charlton 3-0 at Old Trafford. Gao Nuo started and played the entire match. Although he didn't score or assist, his performance of 8 attempted dribbles with 6 successful ones was impressive.
Gao Nuo had an astonishing record of 4 goals and 4 assists in 6 consecutive matches. Ten Hag finally couldn't hold back the media interviews. At the post-match press conference for the English League Cup quarter-finals, Gao Nuo gave his first interview as a player.
Daily Report: "Hello, Gao Nuo. You didn't score in today's match. Are you satisfied with your performance?"
Gao Nuo: "I'm very satisfied with today's match. Compared to my own statistics, I'd rather the team win, and we did very well, executing the coach's tactics, scoring goals, and getting the victory."
Three Days Two Reports: "Can you talk about your girlfriend?"
Gao Nuo smiled: "You've misunderstood. That's not my girlfriend. She's a very good friend of mine. She has some things to do here and is temporarily staying at my place."
Football Weekly: "Hello, Gao Nuo. Congratulations on your recent excellent performance. You're currently receiving a lot of attention in China. Can you directly address the issue of dual nationality?"
Gao Nuo: "Thank you for your praise. Regarding the French nationality. Firstly, the French national team has not contacted me. Secondly, as you can see, I am Chinese. Although I am grateful that French nationality provided me with the convenience of signing with Manchester United, I love my homeland."
After Gao Nuo briefly answered three questions, the press conference concluded. Ten Hag looked at the young man beside him, so composed, and couldn't help but raise his estimation of him a few more points. Gao Nuo indeed showed a maturity and steadiness beyond his age in training, matches, and even off the field.
.........
On January 14, 2023, Manchester United played their fourth consecutive home match, with their city rivals, Manchester City, coming to challenge them.
Manchester City boasts numerous star players, led by renowned coach Guardiola.
The goalkeeper is the world-class Brazilian national goalkeeper, Ederson;
The defense features the increasingly formidable Walker, the in-form Ruben Dias, and Cancelo;
In midfield, the world's best midfielder, De Bruyne, partners with Rodri and Bernardo Silva to form the Premier League's most luxurious midfield combination.
Upfront, Haaland, who joined this season, leads the scoring charts with an average of one goal per game, while the hundred-million-euro man Grealish and rising star Foden also possess considerable strength.
Manchester United's previous eight-game winning streak was against relatively weaker opponents. This challenge against Manchester City would be the true test.
After half a month of practice, simple dribbling was no longer an issue for Gao Nuo. As for more advanced fancy moves, the intermediate virtual coach's abilities were limited, and Gao Nuo could only slowly try them himself.
In short, as the system said, Gao Nuo is currently highly competitive at the right-wing position and has firmly entered the rotation.
The day before the match against Manchester City, Gao Nuo and Wang Qing had dinner together after completing their training tasks.
This lovely older sister, every day besides arranging Gao Nuo's meals, collected data to complete her research project. Her happiest time of the day was eating with Gao Nuo.
In half a month, the two had reacquainted themselves. Gao Nuo enjoyed Wang Qing's care, being able to speak familiar Chinese. In a foreign land, they comforted and encouraged each other.
"Xiao Nuo, tomorrow's match against Manchester City won't be easy, will it?" Wang Qing said as she poured Gao Nuo a glass of lemonade.
"Yeah, this is my first time playing against such a powerhouse, and it's our city rival. The atmosphere at Old Trafford tomorrow should be explosive." Gao Nuo diligently ate his nutritious (but not tasty) dinner. "Oh, right, Sister Qing, I'll get you a ticket tomorrow. Go and experience it. It's so boring staying at home all day."
Wang Qing smiled and agreed: "Okay, even though I don't know much about football, it'll be nice to go and cheer you on."
Gao Nuo finished his last piece of chicken breast, his expression a little unnatural: "I might not play tomorrow, it depends on the coach's arrangement. It's crazy to think I actually have the chance to be Manchester City's opponent."
Wang Qing looked at this big boy and suddenly felt that Gao Nuo had it tough. He always seemed to face everything calmly, but in reality, no one truly understood him.
Gao Nuo had a good background, a mansion, luxury cars, a group of teammates, and the support of his parents, playing the football he loved. Everything seemed beautiful, yet at this moment, Wang Qing saw a kind of loneliness on Gao Nuo's face.
She was very familiar with this loneliness, just like when she skipped grades to go to university. Although the people around her were friendly, she always felt a sense of distance. This indescribable feeling might be the loneliness of a genius.
Every day, facing others' envy, jealousy, and even many people hoping to see the downfall of a genius, the pressure of early fame cannot be easily relieved. Look at how many football stars frequent nightclubs, indulging in a life of debauchery.
Wang Qing's heart softened.
Gao Nuo had no idea that in that instant, Wang Qing had inexplicably thought so much.
Although he had indeed felt lost, Wang Qing always managed to offer guidance at the right time.
Gao Nuo was indeed lonely, but it was also because he had to keep the system a secret.
His momentary distraction was entirely because the system had issued him a new mission: "Win the Manchester Derby."
Mission Reward: "Designated Star Player Upgrade Card (can upgrade any virtual coach to any star player)."
Mission Failure: "Two intermediate virtual coaches deducted."
Gao Nuo was completely unaware that Wang Qing had developed a slightly different opinion of him. He just said hello and hurried upstairs. He wanted to quickly enter the friendly match instance to adjust his state to the best before the game.
And this reaction, in Wang Qing's eyes, further solidified her thoughts, making her feel even more sorry for Gao Nuo.
.........
"System, check attributes."
"host: Gao Nuo, 19 years old.
Height 192cm, Weight 90kg
Ball Control: 13
Passing: 11
Shooting: 11
Positioning: 12
First Touch: 11
Strength: 13
Stamina: 12
Speed: 16
Explosiveness: 16
Willpower: 18
Comprehension: 13
Decision Making: 11
Concentration: 17
Maximum attribute value is 20. Other attributes are currently hidden attributes."
As the system said, the attributes had slightly increased. In the past half month, including the friendly match instance, Gao Nuo had essentially played 5 matches. At his age, improvement indeed requires sufficient playing time.
.........