In the visiting dugout, Ferguson's calmness, composure, and confidence were all just a front put on for the players. In reality, he was an absolute nervous wreck inside.
He couldn't even stop himself from wondering, "If I had promised to sell Rooney last summer, would Wang Shuo have agreed to join Manchester United?"
This tantalizing thought grew wildly in his mind. Gradually, it morphed into an endless, agonizing regret.
"It's all that damn Wenger's fault!" he thought. "Someone give me a gun and a bullet!"
53.5% to 46.5%. A difference of seven percentage points. These were the first-half ball possession stats for both teams.
When Wenger saw this data, he laughed in sheer excitement, clenching his fists and cheering, "Yes!"
Pat Rice was equally thrilled. "It actually worked!"
