As the derby drew near, the tension continued to mount, and even the air above Manchester seemed thick with gunpowder.
In the past, the Manchester derby had always been a one-sided affair. No matter the final result, Manchester City—win or lose—was merely a supporting act to their crosstown rivals. Hardly anyone paid attention to them.
But now, everything had changed.
After two seasons of massive investment and with Gao Shen at the helm, Manchester City had become a rising star in the Premier League, even in all of European football. They were now a major threat to the traditional Big Four.
Five consecutive wins and top of the league table, this was a first in Manchester derby history.
With media coverage ramping up and fans around the world waiting eagerly, the most anticipated Manchester derby in history was about to kick off.
The day before the match, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson publicly stated at the pre-match press conference that under his tenure, United had thoroughly dominated all competitions against City.
Ferguson claimed that although Manchester City had received heavy investment from a Middle Eastern consortium, they remained crude and unrefined, and the players Gao Shen had brought in were not truly world-class stars.
"Suárez? Sure, he's top of the scoring charts right now, but that's just temporary. Believe me, Rooney is much better than him. He'll overtake him soon!"
As for Robben and Robinho, Ferguson dismissed them as past their prime.
"Look at Valencia's performance in Turkey midweek—City doesn't have a winger with that kind of sharpness. Robben no longer has the speed or threat."
Ferguson was clearly determined to push his psychological warfare to the limit.
When discussing City's hot start to the season, Ferguson admitted they'd done well.
"But let's be honest, we've had poor starts in recent seasons, always needing to catch up. Yet we've still won three titles in a row."
"So falling behind early doesn't bother us. We know how to make up ground."
He didn't stop there, Ferguson even refused to call the upcoming match a derby.
"To me, our rivalry with Liverpool will always be the real derby because of the history between the clubs."
His words continued to mock Manchester City's lack of heritage.
Ferguson recalled that when he first took over Manchester United, Liverpool were true champions, winners of four European Cups and numerous league titles, the undisputed giants of English football.
"It was incredibly tough to write a new chapter in history with Liverpool so dominant but we did it."
To Ferguson, Manchester City weren't even qualified to be considered rivals.
"It'll be a tough match, no doubt. But I'm looking forward to seeing him there," he added, referring to Gao Shen.
He still wasn't willing to acknowledge City as true opponents.
"I'll say it clearly and confidently: our opponents are nothing to fear. They're not qualified to surpass Manchester United in the league. As long as I'm alive, that will never happen!"
…
The two clubs' training grounds are separated by just a wall.
No sooner had Ferguson finished speaking at the press conference than Gao Shen received word.
At his own pre-match press conference, Gao Shen responded with a smile, saying he could understand Ferguson's state of mind.
"Has anyone noticed that Sir Alex Ferguson has a pattern to the things he says before games?"
The moment he said that, all the reporters perked up.
Everyone knew Ferguson loved mind games, but a pattern?
"Any team he praises is usually a team he sees as no threat. The more he praises, the less concerned he is. On the other hand, the teams he criticizes, the ones he targets are the ones he truly sees as challengers. The more he scolds, the more uneasy he is."
Gao Shen concluded, "I don't exactly enjoy being insulted, but let me just say this: when your opponent starts getting scared, it's a good sign."
He also pointed out that United had taken a big hit after losing Ronaldo and Tevez.
"Two world-class scorers are gone. I don't know how United can make up for that loss. Just look at how much worse they've been this season compared to last."
Finally, Gao Shen issued a direct challenge.
"I want to say this: the era of Manchester United is over. The era of Manchester City is coming!"
…
The verbal sparring between two of the world's most high-profile managers lit up media coverage across Britain, Europe, and even around the globe.
The Daily Mail even published a feature on the 128-year history of the Manchester derby.
Interestingly, nearly twenty years ago to the day—September 23rd, City hosted United and won 5–1.
That was the most painful derby defeat of Ferguson's career and United's worst loss in 50 years.
The only consolation goal that day? Scored by Mark Hughes, who would later become City's manager.
But fifteen years ago, in November, United had thrashed City 5–0 at Old Trafford. Russian winger Kanchelskis scored a hat trick, with Mark Hughes and Cantona adding goals of their own.
That same season, United beat City 3–0 away, completing a league double.
Historically, Manchester City had no edge in this rivalry.
But this season, based on recent form, Gao Shen's side clearly looked stronger and that had City fans dreaming big.
On match day morning, as Gao Shen left for Carrington, he took out his phone, snapped a photo, and posted it to Twitter with a message:
"Look, what colour is the sky in Manchester?"
It was indeed a rare, clear day—perfect football weather.
Gao Shen's tweet went viral, sparking discussion and reposts from fans, pundits, and media outlets alike.
…
September 20th, 13:00, Old Trafford, Manchester.
There were still thirty minutes to kickoff.
Players from both teams had returned to their dressing rooms for final preparations.
Gao Shen received Manchester United's starting XI.
Goalkeeper: Foster
Defenders: Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand, O'Shea
Midfielders: Sneijder, Carrick, Fletcher
Forwards: Giggs, Berbatov, Rooney
It was hard to say whether United were lining up in a 4-3-3, 4-4-2, or 4-2-3-1.
It would depend on the actual positioning when the match began.
But one thing was clear, this was the strongest lineup Ferguson could put out.
The only surprise was the use of Giggs on the wing. Would it have been Nani or Valencia instead? Or even Park Ji-sung?
In contrast, Manchester City's formation was much more straightforward.
Goalkeeper: Neuer
Defenders: Gareth Bale, David Luiz, Kompany, Zabaleta
Midfielders: Javi Martínez (deep), David Silva, Rakitic
Forwards: Robinho, Suárez, Robben
The formation Gao Shen set for Manchester City was a 4-3-3.
The only surprise was at left-back, Gao Shen had chosen Gareth Bale over Felipe, leaving the Brazilian on the bench.
This decision was bound to stir controversy.
After all, Felipe had clearly performed better than Gareth Bale so far this season.
Everyone knew that the Welsh full-back was infamous in the Premier League, he once went 24 games without a win while at Tottenham Hotspur. Although he broke that streak after joining Manchester City, his performances had not exactly been stellar.
Gao Shen arranged the starting lineups for both teams on the tactical board and began highlighting the key areas for attention.
For example: pressuring Carrick, watching out for Sneijder's passes, Evra's overlapping runs on the left, and Giggs' forward support, these were all crucial threats.
How to respond to each had already been repeatedly drilled into the players during the past week's training sessions.
There was no need to repeat it now.
"I want to say this—everyone here understands just how important this match is."
"This isn't just a derby. It's a pivotal battle that could shape the course of the Premier League season. Let me say it clearly: only by defeating Manchester United can we prove we truly have the strength to challenge for the title!"
"They are the grindstone and I believe we are ready to be sharpened!"
"Go out there and crush them from the first minute! Don't hold back, release your firepower and your passion. Show those former champions, who once ruled the Premier League our strength, and tell them loud and clear: the Manchester United era is over!"
…
While Gao Shen was in the dressing room firing up his squad, Ferguson had just received Manchester City's starting XI.
His first reaction was: Is Felipe injured?
For the past three days, City had trained behind closed doors. Even though United's base was just next door, they hadn't been able to gather any intel. They didn't even know what City had been rehearsing.
Gao Shen had done a brilliant job keeping everything under wraps.
Now, seeing Gareth Bale in the starting lineup over Felipe, Ferguson could only draw one conclusion: Felipe must be injured, and Gao Shen didn't want to take the risk.
"City's left flank could be our breakthrough point. Everyone—pay attention!"
After saying this, Ferguson looked at Rooney, who nodded with conviction.
"Don't worry. I'll handle him."
If it had been Felipe, things might've been more difficult. But Gareth Bale? Rooney had faced him before. The kid was quick, sure but he'd never made much of an impression.
Rooney was confident: getting past Gareth Bale wouldn't be a problem.
(To be continued.)