No one can underestimate how popular the Rose Derby is, just like the London Derby.
The conflict between Leeds United and Manchester United has a long history. If we can really trace it back, it can even be traced back to the War of the Roses in the 15th century, a series of English civil wars triggered by the throne of England.
The Battle of Taunton, which took place 24 kilometers away from Leeds United, can be said to be the bloodiest battle in English history. Just like a battlefield battle, the two teams were very competitive during the game.
The previous match between Manchester United coach Bart Busby and Leeds United coach Don Revie was the most exciting Rose Derby in the 1950s.
But for a long period of time afterwards, the two teams went up and down one after another, and it was rare for people to see tit-for-tat matches.
However, in recent years, the games between the two teams have become better again. Under the leadership of Ferguson, Manchester United is still unique in the Premier League. Although Arsenal and Chelsea are eyeing Manchester United's big brother in the Premier League, Manchester United can still be said to be the most successful team in the Premier League in the past 20 years.
Leeds United has gradually become stronger in the past five years due to the addition of George Lee, and has gradually become strong enough to compete with Manchester United. Won the UEFA Cup twice, and last season surpassed Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in one fell swoop to win the league championship, which can be said to be full of vigor.
Therefore, today's Rose Derby in the first leg of the Premier League held at Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, attracted the attention of countless people.
For example, Arsenal head coach Arsene Wenger, who did not have a game today, also appeared in the stands of Manchester United's home stadium to take a look at the specific strength of the two competitors.
For Wenger, Ferguson is considered an old rival and his tactics are familiar to him. Wenger believes that the tactics that Manchester United have been using are what others call "dogs holding Frisbees in their mouths", which is simply not the same as the artistic style of play he advocates.
Why is it called "dog holding a Frisbee"? This term was proposed by George Li in an interview. Ferguson always directly asked the team to pass the ball to the star, and then used the star's personal ability to solve the battle.
When Wenger first heard this statement, he found it very interesting. Although it sounds ugly, I can’t stand saying this directly.
Speaking of the originator of this statement, Wenger couldn't help but look at the young coach on the visiting team's bench who was slowly walking to the sidelines.
This young man not only has a unique eye for people, but is also talented. All kinds of novel playing methods and novel tactics are emerging one after another.
Wenger admired this young man very much and always felt that they were the same kind of people. Wenger's football is good-looking when played on the field, while George Lee's football is good-looking when played off the field.
The only flaw is that this young head coach is a disciple of the old man Ferguson.
Chelsea is not counted. Among the three teams of Manchester United, Arsenal and Leeds United, unless Arsenal wins the championship; otherwise, no matter who wins the championship from the other two teams, the media will praise Ferguson.
2 to 1, Wenger felt very disadvantaged.
^^^
Wenger's troubles were quickly forgotten, because it didn't take long for him to devote himself to watching the game. He even wore gold-rimmed glasses to better watch the game.
In the 6th minute of the game, Manchester United's midfielder Hargreaves, assisted by center back Vidic, intercepted Sneijder's advancing football.
Then Hargreaves immediately distributed the ball to Ronaldinho on the right.
Facing Baines, the Portuguese first stopped the ball, and then immediately started to accelerate and passed Leeds United's left back.
Although Baynes' speed is not slow, there is still a bit of a gap when facing Ronaldinho.
When he saw Ronaldinho about to break through from his side, Baynes quickly turned around and pulled the opponent with his hand.
If it were Xiao Luo from before, he would definitely have fallen to the ground. But after several seasons of training in the Premier League, he ignored the defensive players' small movements and tried to get rid of his opponents again.
One slows down, then speeds up.
The hem of the red Manchester United jersey broke free from Baines's hands and reattached itself to his owner.
Seeing that the situation was not good, Mathisen began to move to the left. Although Baines did not completely lose his defensive position, it seems that the Dutch midfielder had to block Ronaldinho's breakthrough and passing route in advance to prevent it from being too late after Baines was passed.
Although Ronaldinho is relatively independent in playing football, he is also afraid of his head coach's "hair dryer". When he saw that he had attracted the defense of the two opponents, he quickly passed the ball.
After passing the ball to Rooney on his left rear, Ronaldinho still chose to accelerate forward. If Rooney can pass a perfect through ball, Ronaldinho can counter offside.
However, Rooney did not pass the ball to Ronaldinho because Matteisen had been standing nearby in his passing route. Leeds United's center back cleverly guessed the opponent's offensive intention. At the same time as Ronaldinho advanced, he moved two steps to the right and stood still.
"Then since Ronaldinho can't do it here, let's pass the ball in another direction." Rooney thought to himself.
Seeing Tevez on the left making a diagonal pass behind Leeds United's centre-back from the wing, Rooney took advantage of the situation and sent a through ball with his left foot.
What he is looking for is the gap between Matteisen and Woodgate on the other side of Leeds United's defense.
If the ball is passed, Tevez will be alone.
However, Rooney underestimated Leeds United's two central defenders. When Woodgate saw the ball passing by him, he fell to the ground to steal the ball and shovel it down.
This tackle action was very standard. It not only stopped Manchester United's attack, but also successfully got the ball back to his feet.
Immediately, Leeds United began to switch offense and defense.
Matteisen, who was still defending just now, quickly pulled over and went to the left. This frees up space and Bynes can quickly step in.
Leeds United has three players on the left, Mattison, Baines, and Bell. As for Manchester United, Ronaldinho only has two players.
So Woodgate can always find a receiving point on the left side smoothly.
It is precisely because of this that Manchester United's two midfielders, Hargreaves and Anderson, consciously moved to the right after seeing Baines coming up.
This instead gave Woodgate an air attack to pass the ball to the center and right.
Parker, who retreated, received Woodgate's pass and without turning around, he passed it across to Black, who was already advancing.
As soon as Blake got the ball, he saw his fellow countryman Giggs.
A right-footed through pass, the ball was passed behind Giggs close to the sideline. Arneson caught up with the football when it was about to leave the baseline.
"JR!"
A small number of Leeds United fans who came to watch the game at Old Trafford excitedly shouted Arnesen's nickname. Just waiting for Arnesen to use his speed to get rid of Manchester United's defense and then launch an attack.
But Arnesen also met his opponent this time.
The breakthrough on the right was blocked by Evra, and there was no possibility of changing direction. He had to keep dribbling the ball close to the sideline.
Arriving near the baseline, Arnesen had no choice but to make a pass, but Evra used his body to block the ball from the baseline.
The wonderful defense of the Manchester United left back attracted a standing ovation from the Manchester United fans at home. Wenger, who was sitting among the Manchester United fans, also clapped his hands slightly after seeing it.
In just two minutes, the two teams each formed a very threatening attack.
Wenger has realized that in today's game, he can examine a lot of things. These things, at least, cannot be seen when Leeds United, Manchester United and other Premier League teams play.
