The Premier League Matchday 14 fixture between Leeds United and Manchester United, held at Old Trafford, was scheduled for 4:30 PM.
This was prime time for football.
Not only was it the preferred viewing time for British fans, but also the most convenient for fans across the globe.
Even those in Asia wouldn't have to stay up too late to watch.
Naturally, the Rose Derby between Manchester United and Leeds United had already created massive global buzz. With the combined promotional efforts of both clubs and the Premier League, the match had drawn attention from countless fans.
Tickets for the Old Trafford showdown had long been sold out.
Gao Shen lived in Cheshire, not far from Manchester.
He wasn't in a hurry to leave. After making all the necessary preparations in Cheshire, he brought Su Qing and their son to Manchester.
As usual, Manchester United hosted a luncheon for Leeds United's management on matchday, but Gao Shen did not attend.
Instead, he hosted a separate lunch in Manchester for his own guests, including Wenger, Sacchi, and Valdano.
Ferguson didn't show up, given the sensitivity of his current position.
Truth be told, Ferguson was going through a tough time.
Over the phone, he had vented to Gao Shen about how many of Manchester United's current decisions were baffling and unacceptable to him.
For instance, the system that owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe claimed Manchester United was building.
In fact, Gao Shen already knew about it even without Ferguson mentioning it.
Why?
Because the core technical staff behind it had been poached from Leeds United.
Manchester United's so-called system had cost a fortune, but it was a complete disaster. It couldn't even function properly.
The equipment had been purchased, the system implemented, and all sorts of high-tech claims had been made, but what was the outcome?
Absolutely useless.
Ratcliffe was a master at capital operations. He knew exactly how to boost share prices, placate fans, and draw media attention.
And if he could somehow involve Leeds United in the hype, all the better.
In reality, Solskjaer and the coaching staff completely ignored the club's "system." They didn't even bother reading its reports, instead purchasing analytics from third-party data firms like Sky Sports' OPTA.
It was easy to imagine how ineffective this so-called system really was.
Yet despite all this, Manchester United's stock price had gone up.
Especially with Ratcliffe painting a grand vision of focusing on sports medicine, merging football with health and wellness... It was all just marketing.
Gao Shen truly realized how easy it was to fleece investors in the stock market.
...Although Leeds wasn't far from Manchester, Leeds United still arrived in the morning and checked into a hotel.
This was part of the club's routine, designed to help players rest better during the day.
Given that the match was in the afternoon, the players' meal schedules had to be adjusted accordingly.
They couldn't be too hungry during the match, but they also couldn't be too full.
Every detail, including dietary plans and meal timing, had been meticulously arranged.
Leeds United had now established a comprehensive and highly scientific system to ensure the players performed in peak condition.
After lunch, Gao Shen went to the hotel to visit the coaching staff and players.
"Hey, Erling."
Gao Shen gripped Haaland's outstretched hand tightly, and the two shared a warm hug.
Haaland now towered over Gao Shen, much bulkier too, but his speed and footwork hadn't declined. This was another testament to Leeds United's high-tech development program.
In contrast, take Martial, the French player. When he was still at Leeds United, he was slimmer, his footwork quick, his pace explosive. Many even compared him to Henry.
But after moving to Manchester United, who knew how the Red Devils had developed him?
Now Martial was stronger, but his speed had dropped, and his footwork had become clunky.
This was a typical case of focusing too much on physical strength training while ignoring a player's technical characteristics and strengths.
Gao Shen had complained to Ferguson about this more than once, believing United were wasting a talent.
But what could be done?
Martial had already been bought by Manchester United. His physical development was already set. Even if Leeds United wanted to buy him back now, would he be the same player as before?
Not a chance.
Once an arrow is released, it cannot be taken back. Some things, once done, cannot be undone.
This was why Leeds United remained extremely cautious in youth development.
Manchester United, on the other hand, seemed overly reckless.
"Today, they're out to destroy me, so you guys better protect me," Gao Shen said with a smile, patting Haaland's arm.
The surrounding players burst into laughter.
"Don't worry. I've got this!" Haaland replied confidently.
This kid had grown more and more self-assured. He was starting to show a commanding presence.
A rare quality indeed.
"Hey, Enzo." After letting go of Haaland, Gao Shen turned to greet Enzo Fernández.
He was Leeds United's central midfielder this season.
Both Wenger and Ferguson had commented that watching Enzo play, you could immediately sense his potential. He had the presence of a top-class midfield orchestrator.
"Good to see you, Gao," Enzo smiled, hugging him.
"Good luck today."
"Don't worry."
"Oh, Federico, it's been a while since you scored," Gao Shen said as he hugged Valverde.
The Uruguayan midfielder looked slightly embarrassed. "Only two games. I scored just before that."
"Really? It's been so long, I must've forgotten," Gao Shen said, feigning surprise.
Everyone laughed again.
Valverde had started the season well, and Gao Shen had high expectations for him.
The young Uruguayan was well aware of this and was putting in maximum effort.
This season, Leeds United's starting midfield duo consisted of Valverde and Enzo, with Camavinga and Pedri providing support off the bench. Their performances had also been solid.
The current front three were Rashford, Haaland, and Sancho. But Vinicius, Rodrygo, Foden, and Ansu Fati had also played well.
It was worth mentioning the left winger signed from Rubin Kazan for 3.5 million euros. His name was Kvaratskhelia.
Though still adapting after just joining, his dribbling ability was already turning heads in training and cup appearances.
How to describe him?
At first glance, he had the feel of Messi and Hazard. But upon closer inspection, there were differences.
The biggest one was height.
Messi is 1.7 meters tall, Hazard 1.75 meters, while Kvaratskhelia is 1.83 meters.
Don't underestimate the difference of a few centimeters. For technically refined players, it makes a significant impact.
Technically speaking, the key difference between Hazard and Messi is just those 5 centimeters.
Of course, Hazard's lack of discipline and work ethic also sets him apart from Messi. He's just too lazy.
Still, the changes in center of gravity, strength, and movement patterns brought by height differences make seemingly similar players perform very differently on the pitch.
Borell, who had once developed Messi, commented that if Kvaratskhelia were 10 centimeters shorter, he might have become the next Messi.
Unfortunately, he was 10 centimeters taller.
Even so, he remained an incredibly rare talent, and Leeds United planned to nurture him carefully.
After meeting with the players, Gao Shen then sat down with Pochettino and the coaching staff.
While the outside world was hyping the so-called Rose Derby, Gao Shen had been trying to ease pressure on Pochettino.
"It's alright. It's just one match. Even if we lose, we're still top of the league."
But after listening to Pochettino's tactical ideas and match plan, Gao Shen realized that not only did they align with his own thoughts, but Pochettino's targeted strategies were even more detailed than he had imagined.
This wasn't surprising.
Leeds United now had in-depth opponent analysis reports. The data and tactical support Pochettino had access to was far more precise than anything Gao Shen could produce alone.
That was the true strength of Leeds United's system.
Gao Shen could access those reports too, but he wasn't the head coach, so there was no need to get involved.
After discussing tactics with Pochettino, Gao Shen suddenly felt this match had great potential.
"To be honest, I was a bit worried before. But now that I've heard your plan, I realize I was overthinking," Gao Shen said with a smile.
Pochettino and the others immediately felt relieved.
Initially, they had been concerned Gao Shen might disagree with their approach.
"Stick with your plan. I'm confident we'll win tonight," Gao Shen said, full of belief.
He wasn't just offering empty words.
To show his support, Gao Shen thought for a moment, then pulled out his phone and called Lucas.
"Please arrange seats in the executive box for us this afternoon. Yes, somewhere close to Sir Jim Ratcliffe. I want to see the look on His Lordship's face when he loses."
When Pochettino and the others heard this call, their spirits were lifted.
What could better express Gao Shen's trust and support than that?
Everyone knew Gao Shen and Ratcliffe didn't get along.
If Gao Shen weren't fully confident in Leeds United, would he deliberately sit in the executive box?
"Gao, don't worry. The players and I won't let you down!" Pochettino promised solemnly.
He made up his mind to tell the players this in the locker room later to inspire them.
No matter what, they had to crush Manchester United at Old Trafford today.
A minister gives his life for his lord's humiliation.
Pochettino and the Leeds United players were not Gao Shen's subjects, but their respect for him was unparalleled.
To Leeds United, Gao Shen was a god.
Anyone who tried to humiliate their god had to be punished.
"Alright. I believe in all of you. Don't feel pressured. Just give it your all."
Gao Shen offered one final round of encouragement before turning to leave.
Everyone in the room felt fired up, as if they had just taken a dose of adrenaline.
(To be continued.)