The Rise of Millwal

Following the setback, Manchester United adjusted their game, making it much harder for Millwall to create chances with long balls. Top teams rarely get caught the same way twice. Once they spot a weakness, they fix it quickly and effectively.

What unfolded on the pitch was a scene that left commentators in a mix of amusement and bemusement.

Both teams adopted a four-defender formation with a deep-lying midfielder, but neither committed enough resources to press effectively in the midfield's box-to-box zone.

Millwall struggled without Nedved, a key player whose defensive contributions often made a significant impact in midfield. On the other hand, United hesitated to press forward too aggressively, wary of leaving spaces behind for the likes of Henry and Larsson. Even the slightest gap could lead to devastating inside cuts, making United tread cautiously.

"Andy, have you noticed how today's match deviates drastically from what we expected? Millwall isn't playing like Millwall, and United doesn't resemble the team we're used to," Martin observed.

"Martin, this is a testament to the meticulous preparation on both sides. By enhancing their defensive measures, both teams have been forced to adapt their playing styles," Andy replied.

"In such an uncomfortable stalemate, which side do you think will adapt better?"

"That's hard to predict. Football judges heroes by results. Even a dominant team can lose. But at this moment, United's situation seems to be worsening."

"Why's that?"

"During the first half, United executed a well-rehearsed, fluid, and effective game plan. However, in the second half, they were forced to make adjustments to counter Millwall's shifts. Just look at Keane's positioning or Beckham's growing discomfort. United are now reacting rather than controlling, which shifts them to a defensive stance. With Millwall's momentum climbing and Hall potentially having more tricks up his sleeve, the tide may continue turning against United."

Despite the intense play, neither side managed to create truly threatening opportunities, leaving the goalkeepers relatively untested.

Keller went through an adjustment period, shaking off his poor performance after his unexpected first-half appearance.

Beckham started the match in a right-central midfield role to limit Ronaldinho's influence, which worked well in the first half. However, in the second half, Beckham's position became ineffective, as Henry, though a left winger, no longer attacked down that side. Instead, he made inside runs into the center to pose a threat. Beckham, often left trailing during his defensive runs, was unable to cope, and his defensive efforts were ineffective. This forced him to push forward, but he couldn't afford to drift too far out of position, so he shifted to defending Ronaldinho, who had moved centrally.

Ronaldinho, shifting to a more central role, thrived in the open midfield. Though Beckham continued to press him, the Brazilian wizard now had the freedom to exploit both flanks, keeping Beckham perpetually on edge.

Sir Alex Ferguson's expression grew increasingly grim on the sidelines. Millwall's adjustments seemed to unfold like a masterful chain reaction.

Keane dropped deeper to prevent long balls, inadvertently reducing United's midfield intensity. This allowed Ronaldinho to dictate play, particularly on counterattacks. Supported by Pirlo's precise orchestration, Millwall began tilting the game in their favor.

In the 69th minute, Ronaldinho and Pirlo executed a slick one-two to evade Scholes. Ronaldinho then surged forward, leaving Beckham in his wake, and unleashed a pinpoint through ball to Larsson.

Larsson, stationed on the right edge of the box, sent a horizontal pass to the left. Henry, cutting in, wasted no time returning the ball to Ronaldinho, who had continued his run into the box.

United's defense was now in disarray. Ronaldinho's next pass, a deadly through ball, sliced past Wes Brown, leaving the defense scrambling.

Klose struck the ball with power, aiming for a powerful shot. However, he mis-hit it, Barthez was caught off guard, his weight shifting as he tried to cover the near post, expecting Klose to aim for the top corner on the near side. After all, to shoot for the far post, Klose would have had to twist his body even more, making it a harder shot. But Klose had mis-kicked it, and the ball, with a sharp spin, rolled slowly toward the Manchester United goal.

Barthez, realizing what was happening, lost his balance and sat straight down, reaching out desperately to stop the ball.

"Shit!"

It was rolling towards the far post after all.

Barthez stretched out his hand, but it came up short. Stam, having been focused on Larsson's run, was racing toward the goal when Klose unleashed his shot. He halted for a brief moment, then pushed himself forward once more, sliding in an attempt to catch the ball with the tip of his foot. Alas, it was in vain—the ball had already crossed the line, and Stam slid helplessly into the net.

"2-2! 2-2! Millwall delivers a masterclass in intricate passing play among their forwards. Ronaldinho's pinpoint through ball from the edge of the box sets up Klose for the equalizer! What a lad Klose is! He's been a revelation in the second half, assisting Larsson for the first goal and now scoring this crucial one himself! It's worth noting that Nedvěd's absence has granted Klose more opportunities, and he's made tremendous strides this season. Not only has he caught up to his teammates' rhythm, but he's also shown exceptional talent in seizing chances. Could he be Millwall's next superstar?"

Klose's shot was somewhat mishit, and he fell to the ground after taking it. But as he saw the ball unexpectedly find the back of Barthez's net, his excitement knew no bounds.

A crucial goal against Manchester United!

He scrambled to his feet, ready to dash to the sidelines for a wild celebration. However, midway through, Henry hooked an arm around his neck, slowing him down. Next, Ronaldinho leapt onto his back. Forget a celebratory backflip—Klose couldn't even free his hands now. Instead, he clung to Ronaldinho's legs as the Brazilian pumped his fists in a celebration that looked more like he was the one who'd scored.

On Millwall's bench, the assistant coach jumped up, punching the air in jubilation, while the substitutes stood and applauded Klose's goal.

And Aldrich?

The famed young coach, renowned across Europe for his trophy-laden career, showed no restraint at all!

With arms outstretched like an airplane, Aldrich let out a wild roar and performed a celebratory lap around the visitors' technical area.

Millwall had key players missing and others not in their best form. And it was an away game.

But so what?

As a team of European champions, even under adverse circumstances, they refused to crumble!

Old Trafford erupted, but only with cheers from the Millwall fans. The Red Devils' supporters sat in stunned silence, their worst fears realized.

2-2.

Inevitable. Absolutely inevitable!

Manchester United's die-hard fans now found themselves echoing last season's frustration when Keane lost his composure.

Why?

Why couldn't Millwall be beaten?

Ferguson was disappointed about the second goal but also found himself at a loss. With the score now tied, and playing at Old Trafford, what adjustments could he make?

At 2-0, the focus had been on stifling the opponent's attacks. As long as they didn't concede, victory was assured.

But now? Manchester United had to rethink how to regain the lead.

Millwall left Ferguson with an overwhelming sense of powerlessness.

They seemed capable of everything.

From quick passing combinations to long-range precision balls, they had it all. Need a target man? They had one. Their forwards were equally skilled with their heads and feet. Their organization was tight, their dribbling sharp.

If you took away one attacking method, they would simply switch to another.

This was the mark of a great team—versatility in attack, adapting to the ever-changing demands of the game with an almost supernatural ease.

In contrast, Ferguson admitted that Millwall had a type of player his Manchester United lacked.

It wasn't just about comparing forwards; the systems were different, serving distinct tactical purposes.

United had Giggs, versatile in both dribbling and crossing. Millwall had Ronaldinho.

Beckham was unparalleled, but tactically speaking, Millwall's lineup had no shortage of players with pinpoint passing or crossing abilities. From Ronaldinho to Schneider, and even Pirlo making overlapping runs, their deliveries were consistently lethal.

In other areas—defensive midfielders, fullbacks—the gap wasn't significant unless you considered the likes of Roberto Carlos, an otherworldly talent.

What Does Manchester United Lack?

A playmaking midfielder.

Scholes is best defined as an attacking midfielder. Similarly, Millwall's mainstay for years, Nedvěd, also plays that role.

But Millwall has Pirlo. The Italian maestro's ability to organize attacks ensures that Millwall can consistently unleash their devastating power.

Manchester United, on the other hand, does not have such a player.

Even if Scholes were pulled back to play as a deep-lying playmaker, they would lose an attacking midfielder. Besides, both Ferguson and Aldrich, when coaching the England national team, shared the same opinion: deploying Scholes purely as a playmaker would be a waste of his talent.

As Ferguson's thoughts wandered, it became evident that internal development wouldn't solve the problem. The only solution was to bring in reinforcements—elite players ready to perform immediately.

That summer, Florentino Pérez took over at Real Madrid, and the Spanish giants were set on signing a marquee midfielder. Three names emerged in the rumor mill.

The first was Zidane from Juventus. The second, Figo from Barcelona. The third, Verón from Lazio.

There was even a fleeting moment when rumors suggested Real Madrid would break the bank to sign Ballon d'Or winner Nedvěd. But even Real Madrid's socios dismissed it with a laugh and a shake of their heads.

It was utterly impossible—unless Real Madrid first bought Millwall, then orchestrated the transfer.

Zidane's signing encountered significant obstacles. Between Verón and Figo, Real Madrid made their choice. Verón ultimately stayed at Lazio, while Madrid triggered Figo's release clause, bringing him to the Bernabéu.

There was no doubt Verón was a capable playmaker who had already proven himself in Serie A. If he had moved to Real Madrid for a record-breaking fee that summer, no one would have questioned the investment. Whether he would turn out to be a flop, however, was a story for another day.

Ferguson's thoughts lingered on Verón, spurred by the endless headlines the Argentine had generated in the latter half of the year.