Chapter 49

In the 71st minute, Manchester United still trailed Arsenal 0-1. Van Persie was struggling, and his poor form was affecting the team's attack.

Scholes turned to Jin Taige. "Should I try Icardi?"

Jin Taige shook his head. "No. If you take Van Persie off in front of his former club, it'll hit him hard, and you'll have problems later. Don't worry I have a plan for Arsenal."

Jin Taige made a tactical adjustment. He replaced Giggs, who was tiring, with Valencia and brought on Icardi for Carrick. As soon as they stepped onto the pitch, the two substitutes relayed Jin Taige's latest instructions, and vice-captain Vidic immediately led the tactical shift.

Manchester United's formation changed: Martial moved to the left, replacing Giggs. Valencia took the right flank to add attacking pressure. Rooney dropped deeper to partner with Kanté in midfield and help control the play. Up front, Icardi took the lead striker role, while Van Persie played slightly behind him, roaming inside the box.

Sky Sports commentator Morris analyzed the change. "In the 71st minute, Jin Taige made his final two substitutions, bringing on Valencia and Icardi to strengthen the attack. Now we're in the 78th minute, and United still haven't equalized. The situation is getting desperate."

His co-commentator, Lyman, disagreed with the decision. "I think Jin Taige got it wrong. The player he should've taken off is Van Persie. He's been invisible today. Against his old club, he's completely outshone by Giroud. Giroud's been brilliant scoring a spectacular overhead kick and creating multiple chances for teammates. Strikers who can both pass and finish like that are rare. Compared to Giroud, Van Persie looks like a shadow of his former self. Wenger must be feeling pretty confident right now his veterans are fading, and his younger players are thriving."

Arsenal's assistant coach nodded in agreement. "Van Persie is completely out of it today. Looks like we're taking three points from Old Trafford."

But Wenger wasn't so sure. He knew Van Persie well. Even if he'd been quiet all game, all he needed was one moment. A single chance. That's the kind of striker he was. So Wenger didn't let his guard down. He made defensive substitutions, bringing on Cazorla for Wilshere, who was struggling, and Gibbs for Monreal to reinforce the backline.

With only ten minutes left, Arsenal dropped deep, defending in numbers. Only Giroud stayed forward for counterattacks. If United won a set piece, even Giroud would track back to help. Wenger's only goal now was to protect the lead and leave Manchester with all three points.

Malcolm Glazer and Sir Alex Ferguson watched from their seats.

"Sir Alex, the team is about to lose four straight games," Glazer said. "You were always great at finding young talent, but I think you misjudged when it came to choosing the manager."

Ferguson remained calm. "There's still time. The game's not over yet."

"Do you really think we can win?"

"I do," Ferguson said firmly. "If we lose, even if you fire Jin Taige immediately, I won't object."

Glazer smiled. He didn't care much about this game's outcome he'd been worried that Ferguson would oppose him if he decided to sack Jin Taige. That would have made choosing the next manager difficult. But hearing Ferguson's words put his mind at ease.

Glazer turned to Woodward. "Ed, start thinking about new manager candidates."

Woodward hesitated but followed orders. "Understood. I'll look into it."

"And remember we're not hiring another rookie with no first-team experience!"

"Got it," Woodward said, jotting down a few names in his notebook.

Glazer glanced at Ferguson, but the former manager was expressionless, his eyes locked on the game.

United continued to push forward.

Jin Taige instructed Icardi to tell the attacking players to be aggressive in and around the box, forcing Arsenal into dangerous situations and winning free kicks. Icardi, Valencia, Martial, Rooney, and Van Persie all threw themselves into the attack. Within ten minutes, they had already won two free kicks.

Now, Martial made a darting run down the left, cutting inside toward the penalty area. Alonso was sprinting forward to support. Martial could pass wide, cross, or take a shot. Arsenal's center-back Vermaelen had no choice he lunged in with a desperate slide tackle.

Martial crashed to the ground, rolling in pain.

Van Persie was the first on the scene, shoving Vermaelen. "You nearly broke his leg, you !"

His face was blank, devoid of any friendship toward his former teammate.

For these 90 minutes, they were enemies.

Vermaelen wasn't backing down. He stepped up and barked, "This is football, not a tea party! If you're scared, get off the pitch!"

The two locked heads, seconds away from a full-blown fight.

Players from both teams rushed in.

"Martial was taken down on a dangerous run! He looks badly hurt!"

"Van Persie and Vermaelen are in each other's faces! The situation is getting heated both teams are swarming in!"

"I didn't expect this match to get this fiery in the final minutes!"

"The referee is stepping in, reaching for his pocket… Will Van Persie and Vermaelen be sent off?"

At this time, the referee rushed up and stopped the players of the two teams. The team doctor entered the field to check Martial injury. Martial was not seriously injured and was able to continue the game. The referee called Vermaelen and Van Persie in front of him, and each of them gave a yellow card for their involvement in the conflict.

Jin Taige took a breath out of the market: Martial was fine, Van Persie was not sent off, thank God. Now that he had run out of his three substitutions, if there were another accident, this game would really become troublesome.

Manchester United scored a free kick in front of the penalty area. This was the third free kick Manchester United had earned in just ten minutes.

Normally, Manchester United's free kicks were generally taken by Giggs. But with Giggs off the field, the free kick was handed to Rooney, who also had good footwork. Rooney was very active in the game and had been the biggest threat for Manchester United throughout.

"This is Manchester United's third consecutive free kick, and Rooney is taking the penalty. Let's see if he can tie the score!"

"The ball is high! It's a shame! Manchester United missed another chance to equalize."

Rooney's shot was not well controlled, and the ball flew over the goal, sailing into the stands behind it. He kicked the turf angrily.

Van Persie patted his shoulder: "It's okay, maybe the next one will go in."

Rooney shook his head. "I don't feel good about free kicks today. I haven't had much luck with them. If we get another, you should take it. I remember you used to take the free kicks at Arsenal."

Van Persie smiled. "Alright, watch me next time."

The two exchanged a bitter smile, silently acknowledging that it was becoming unlikely they would have another good free kick opportunity.

The game continued.

Wenger, from the sideline, shouted instructions to his defenders: "Don't foul in the penalty area easily! We can't afford to give them another great shot!"

Arsenal's players were on edge. They were worried that another free kick like Rooney's could result in an equalizer. Listening to Wenger's command, the defenders were extra cautious as they retreated, hoping to deny Manchester United any chances.

Manchester United continued to push forward with everything they had.

In the 81st minute, Icardi received the ball. He made a quick turn and shot from inside the penalty area, but the ball lacked power and was easily gathered by Arsenal goalkeeper Szczęsny.

In the 83rd minute, Rooney took control in midfield, shook off Arteta, and attempted a long-range shot from about 30 meters outside the penalty area. The shot was powerful but was blocked by Koscielny, sending the ball out for a corner kick.

In the 84th minute, Manchester United took the corner kick. Valencia delivered the ball, and Vidic, who had advanced forward, tried to head it in. However, his effort was too far wide, and despite the power, the shot was off-target.

With the final minutes quickly ticking away, Jin Taige grew more and more anxious. He stood on the sideline, eyes fixed on the action, while his assistants, Ferran and Scholes, were also intensely watching the game unfold.

Wenger, too, was on edge. He believed that if Arsenal could just hold on for a few more minutes, the three points would be theirs.

Not only were the coaches nervous, but the fans in front of their TVs were also captivated, on the edge of their seats. One side was hoping for a miracle, while the other side was eager for the final whistle to blow.

In the VIP room above the observatory, Malcolm Glazer asked Woodward, "Who do you think is more appropriate?"

Woodward glanced at the names he had written in his notebook: "Several options are fine, but it's only November, so it's difficult for us to sign the right coach."

"Then pay high prices!" Malcolm Glazer exclaimed. "Tell them, as long as they come to Manchester United, I'll give them at least 100 million in transfer fees during the winter window."

Woodward thought to himself: If we had given Jintaige 100 million in the summer, this team might not be in this mess right now.

The two continued their conversation, while Sir Ferguson, sitting nearby, said nothing. He kept his gaze fixed on the field, remaining calm and expressionless as the game progressed. The afternoon sun filtered into the VIP room, casting fragmented shadows across the floor.

Meanwhile, in the Sky TV commentary booth, Raman was predicting the end of Jintaige's tenure: "Jintaige will definitely be the first Premier League manager to be dismissed this season. I can guarantee it. We have just five minutes left, plus a bit of injury time only about 10 minutes. Manchester United are about to suffer a four-game losing streak. This disaster will fall squarely on Jintaige's shoulders. His rigid tactics and stubbornness are the reasons for his downfall. Wenger is about to walk away with all three points from Old Trafford with ease."

As Raman continued speaking, Morris suddenly shouted, "Look at this ball!"

"The situation on the field is changing quickly. Monreal just got the ball. He hesitated for a moment, and Valencia cut it off!"

"Valencia has gone into the penalty area! He makes a low cross!"

"Arsenal players are afraid to stretch their legs!"

"Icardi's push!"

"Blocked by Szczęsny! Manchester United waste another good opportunity wait, someone is coming in from the back!"

"It's Van Persie! A tackle! The goal has been scored!!!"

"In the 86th minute of the game, Manchester United have equalized! Van Persie has scored! He slipped behind the defenders and had already anticipated Valencia's cross. He was in the perfect position to score the equalizer! Van Persie! Incredible!"

As Van Persie's goal hit the back of the net, the substitutes on the bench Giggs, Carrick, Evra, and others leaped up from their seats, roaring in celebration. On the sidelines, the coaching staff, too, erupted with joy, embracing each other in excitement.

"We've equalized!" Giggs shouted.

The players on the field were equally ecstatic. Vidic, Manchester United's captain, sprinted forward from the back and tried to find Van Persie in the crowd. But the Dutch striker was already surrounded by his teammates, celebrating wildly.

"Robin, amazing!" one player shouted.

"This is the power of a Premier League golden boot! Arsenal are shaking!"

At this time, the fans were roaring with excitement, chanting Van Persie's name.

"Van Persie is amazing!"

"Van Persie, the Premier League golden boot is still yours!"

Among the fans, the warmest cheers came from the North Stand. Under the leadership of President Cook, the "King of Devil" fan club led the chants, their voices rising in unison, drowning out the noise of the crowd.

The Manchester United players were ecstatic. They surrounded Van Persie, celebrating the goal like a mad rush, and it took a long time before they began to break apart, allowing Van Persie to stand out in the middle.

Despite the wild celebration from his teammates, Van Persie remained motionless. He did not join in the celebration. In fact, he hadn't celebrated any goal scored against Arsenal ever since he moved to Manchester United. Even last season, when he scored in both games against Arsenal, he didn't celebrate. His expression was always subdued, his smile barely noticeable, as if the goal was not something he took pride in.

When Van Persie had first joined Manchester United and faced Arsenal, he had told reporters: "If I score against Arsenal, I will not celebrate."

As he slowly walked back toward the center circle, he avoided making eye contact with Arsenal's players, ignoring their presence entirely as if they were not there. They, however, could not help but watch him closely. His former teammates his former captain couldn't hide the emotion they felt as they saw him stand there, impassive.

At the center circle, Giroud stood waiting for the game to restart. He stared at Van Persie, who was looking down at the pitch, refusing to acknowledge him. The sight made Giroud seethe with anger. Van Persie, you look down on me, don't you? Just wait, I'll make you notice me soon!

As the game resumed, Giroud ran forward, but Ozil, noticing his intent, grabbed his arm and said, "Giroud, have you forgotten what the professor just told us?"

Giroud stopped in his tracks. Wenger had taken advantage of Manchester United's goal to make tactical adjustments. He had instructed his team to retreat, hold onto the draw, and prevent any more chances for Manchester United to move forward. Giroud's frustration was evident, but he knew better than to argue with Wenger's orders. He reluctantly dropped back into the defensive line, focusing on preserving the point.

Although Giroud couldn't score, he was determined to keep Van Persie in check. As he returned to defend, he positioned himself right beside Van Persie, marking him closely, his gaze never leaving the Dutchman.

Meanwhile, in the VIP room of the Beibei Grandstand, Malcolm Glazer and Woodward were thrilled. They had witnessed their team score the equalizer, and both jumped to their feet in celebration. Glazer looked at Ferguson, who remained calm, even indifferent, to Van Persie's goal. Confused, Glazer asked, "Mr. Sir, we just equalized why aren't you celebrating?"

Ferguson smiled gently. "I'm old now, Malcolm. I don't have the energy to celebrate every goal. Wait until we score the winner. Then I'll celebrate with you."

Glazer looked at the clock, then glanced at Ferguson. "With just three minutes left, scoring another goal seems impossible."

Ferguson's smile deepened. "Malcolm, let's see what happens."

Although Wenger's team had adopted a more conservative strategy, preferring to hold the draw, Jintaige, now equalized, had no intention of settling for a point. He signaled to his players to keep attacking. "Keep pressing! Let's win this game!"

With just a few minutes left, Manchester United pushed forward with everything they had.

As the game entered the 90th minute, the fourth official held up the injury time board three minutes of stoppage time.

"Continue to attack, hurry up!" Jintaige shouted from the sidelines, urging his team forward.

Wenger, watching his counterpart, thought, Does Jintaige really believe there's still time for a win? Even a draw will see Arsenal remain ahead of Manchester United in the standings, keeping us in fourth.

The final minutes were ticking down. With the 90 minutes up, the game entered stoppage time.

Despite being physically drained, the Manchester United players refused to give up. Marshall, nearly cramping, had been substituted for Alonso. Jintaige placed Alonso on the wing, knowing that his physical strength would be key for the final push, while Marshall, injured and in pain from an earlier tackle, stayed on the field, unwilling to leave in such a critical moment.

In the first minute of stoppage time, even Van Dijk had pushed forward, while Vidic, exhausted, couldn't follow him into the box. Instead, he sent Van Dijk forward, leaving himself to cover the defense alone. With all of Arsenal's players now entrenched in their own half, even the thought of a counterattack was long gone.

Van Dijk surged into the penalty box, immediately drawing the attention of Koscielny, who followed him closely. Vermaelen, however, remained on Icardi.

As stoppage time entered the second minute, Alonso and Valencia on the wings struggled to find space for crosses, limiting Van Dijk's threat in the penalty area.

The final moments arrived, with just under a minute remaining. Manchester United players, unable to find a clear opening, continued to pass the ball around the perimeter. No decisive crosses, no long shots just passing in the hopes that something would materialize.

The third and final minute of stoppage time arrived.

With everyone thinking the match would end 1-1, something unexpected happened.

Rooney received the ball from midfield and passed it to Van Persie. Giroud, tightly marking Van Persie, had no idea what was about to unfold. With a swift move, Van Persie pushed the ball backward, right between Giroud's legs.

Van Persie smoothly passed Giroud and sprinted toward the goal, heading into the penalty area. Giroud, stunned and unable to react in time, watched helplessly as Van Persie broke free.

If Van Persie reached the penalty area, Arsenal's goal would be in serious danger!

In a desperate move, Giroud reached back with his leg, attempting to trip Van Persie. As Van Persie fell to the ground, Giroud silently prayed to the sky: Please, just don't let this be a penalty.

For a split second, the stadium fell silent...