After the fifteen-minute halftime break, both teams coincidentally sent on more reserve players.
The violent fouls disappeared, and the match became much more entertaining from a footballing perspective.
But the audience still seemed to prefer the atmosphere of the first half.
After all, it had satisfied humanity's hidden desire for chaos.
In the end, Manchester United defeated Tottenham 3–2 and secured their second victory of the tournament.
According to Tottenham's official post-match announcement, Son Heung-min's injury was somewhat serious and appeared to be a groin strain.
Ling, on the other hand, was completely fine.
He even participated in the post-match autograph session.
...
With that, Manchester United's International Champions Cup China leg came to an end, and the team boarded a flight to the United States.
The final match was against AC Milan.
The current AC Milan were far weaker than Inter Milan and no longer possessed the dominance of the old red-and-black giants.
"Zlatan."
Ling gave Ibrahimović a strong hug. "What made you think of moving to Serie A?"
"I feel Serie A suits me better, and my previous experience at Milan was very good," Ibrahimović explained.
He held deep affection for AC Milan.
Back then, if not for the club's financial issues, he would not have been sold to Paris Saint-Germain along with Thiago Silva.
"Thiago, long time no see. You really know how to pick a team."
Ibrahimović teased, "It's much easier to win titles with Manchester United, especially with Ling here. You have no idea how surprised I was when I first saw him and realized his playing style resembled Ronaldo's."
"I can understand," Thiago said with a nod. "Ronaldo was your idol, after all. You even had his poster at home back then. Don't tell me you've replaced it with Ling now."
"Get lost! My walls are covered with my own posters now!"
Ibrahimović punched Thiago playfully.
This match was not as chaotic as the one against Tottenham.
Both teams played a proper friendly with perfect tacit understanding.
In the end, Manchester United won 2–1.
After three International Champions Cup matches, Manchester United's new squad had gelled fairly well and returned to Manchester ahead of schedule.
...
Next came the highlight before the season opener.
The Community Shield.
As an annual match organized by the English Football Association, its prestige was not especially high.
But it was still a competition Tottenham had never won.
The Premier League champions faced the FA Cup winners.
Since Manchester United had won both competitions last season, the opponent was changed to the Premier League runner-up.
Manchester United versus Manchester City!
The two sides met once again.
As the saying went, when enemies met, their eyes burned with fury.
Manchester City had been waiting for revenge for a long time and had never stopped thinking about settling the score.
So they fielded a full-strength starting lineup.
Manchester United, however, had the UEFA Super Cup coming up in just five days, so Mourinho opted for rotation.
📰 Sky Sports: Manchester Derby Returns at Wembley as City Seek Community Shield Revenge
📰 BBC Sport: Mourinho Rotates Heavily With UEFA Super Cup Looming
📰 Manchester Evening News: Guardiola Names Strong Side as City Look to End Losing Run Against United
📰 The Athletic: Community Shield Offers City a Chance to Reset After Seven Straight Defeats to United
"Is it because the Community Shield has no prize money and all match revenue is donated to charity that Manchester United are so indifferent?" Carragher asked on Sky Sports.
"Don't think so poorly of Manchester United," Neville replied, clearly displeased. "United are strategically abandoning the Community Shield because of schedule conflict. If we're talking about prize money, the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, and the other titles already brought in more than enough last season."
While speaking, Neville did not forget to mock others.
Sure enough, Carragher's face darkened, and he fell into a long silence.
Manchester United did indeed have the right to abandon the Community Shield.
Meanwhile, on the sidelines, Mourinho and Guardiola shook hands, though Guardiola's face was full of reluctance.
He wanted to defeat Manchester United at full strength.
Not this rotated Red Devils side!
"I didn't expect Manchester United's management to sell Pogba and the others so decisively," Guardiola said casually. "I thought that matter would drag on for a long time."
Since the match had lost some suspense before kickoff, he might as well sit down and chat.
"They're capitalists, not fools," Mourinho said with a light chuckle. "Who brings more benefits? Isn't that obvious at a glance?"
"I heard a Chinese company wants to invest and has offered a substantial price?" Guardiola asked curiously.
If a Chinese company really took over, Ling's influence at Manchester United might reach an unimaginable level, like Beckenbauer in the last century.
A true football tyrant!
Back then, Beckenbauer had practically controlled both club and national-team dynamics.
Anyone who did not listen was shown the door.
"I think you know Ling better than I do," Mourinho said. "If he really wants someone gone, it means that person isn't up to standard."
Mourinho did not mind his authority being reduced slightly.
Of course, if he were still his younger self, he definitely would not have tolerated it.
But he was older now.
Besides, he trusted Ling's character and believed he would not act recklessly.
"That's true," Guardiola said with a nod. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have entrusted my daughter to him."
"Hey, did you introduce your daughter to Ling?" Mourinho asked, his expression changing.
Guardiola raised an eyebrow, looking a little proud.
See?
Even if Mourinho had beaten him five times in a row, Ling would be his son-in-law in the future!
As the saying went, a son-in-law was half a son.
That relationship spoke for itself.
No matter what, Mourinho was only Ling's coach.
"Hmph."
Mourinho forced out a smile.
Suddenly, the situation on the pitch changed.
Foden dribbled past Dalot and Tuanzebe before curling a shot into the far corner from the edge of the box.
Manchester United 0–1 Manchester City!
Foden excitedly ran toward the camera and performed a passionate knee slide.
He and Ling, as products of Manchester City and Manchester United's youth academies, were often compared by fans.
But could they really be compared?
Of course, they could not be mentioned in the same breath, unless you found the right angle.
For example, Ling had more trophies and better footballing ability.
Meanwhile, Foden had married earlier, had more children, and spoke better English.
Each had his own strengths.
Watching the overly excited Foden, De Bruyne cleared his throat softly.
He still cared about dignity.
After scoring, Manchester City displayed the level of a five-time runner-up.
They began tearing apart Manchester United's defense with quick passing and control.
Finally, in the 38th minute of the first half, they changed the scoreline again.
De Bruyne faced Manchester United youngster Gomes, created space, and delivered a sweeping low cross with a wide curve.
The ball accurately found Sergio Agüero, who had surged into the box.
Poor Romero was once again beaten at his near post!
After Manchester City scored two goals, the match became somewhat dull.
There was no helping it.
Manchester United's rotated squad could not really fight back, so even winning did not bring City much satisfaction.
"At least you could have fielded a few key players," Guardiola complained.
"Wasn't this to boost your morale?" Mourinho smiled like a fox. "Let's settle it in the Premier League."
When the referee blew the final whistle, Manchester City defeated Manchester United 3–0 and lifted the Community Shield.
At least it ended their seven-match losing streak against Manchester United.
📰 Sky Sports: Manchester City Beat Rotated United to Lift Community Shield
📰 BBC Sport: Foden and Agüero Strike as Guardiola Ends Losing Run Against Mourinho's Side
📰 Manchester Evening News: Mourinho Keeps Stars Fresh as City Claim Wembley Win
📰 The Athletic: City Win the Shield, But United's Rotation Shows Where Mourinho's Priorities Lie
📱 @CityZenBlue ✔
We finally beat United again! I don't care if they rotated. I don't care if Ling didn't start. I am celebrating shamelessly!
| ↳ 📱 @StretfordEndTom
| Reply: Congratulations on beating our group project squad. See you in the league.
📱 @NeutralPremWatch
City needed this psychologically. United clearly cared more about the UEFA Super Cup, but ending a seven-match losing streak still matters.
📱 @FodenHive
Foden scored in a Manchester derby at Wembley. I will now compare him to Ling irresponsibly for the next 48 hours!
| ↳ 📱 @UnitedStand ✔
| Reply: Ling has seven trophies from last season alone. Please have a shame.
📱 @PepTacticalCam ✔
City's first team looked sharp. United's rotation makes the result hard to judge, but Guardiola will still take the emotional reset.