The Red Devils' revival starts with retaining Mourinho

Later that day, Manchester United's official website updated two news: after being diagnosed by Manchester Hospital, the team's central defender Raphael Varane was diagnosed with a mild concussion and needed to stay in the hospital for observation and treatment, and would be absent for at least 2-3 weeks; another central defender, veteran Kepler Laveran Lima Ferreira (Pepe), strained his hamstring tendon during team training and is undergoing rehabilitation treatment, and will be absent for at least 1-2 weeks.

Once the news came out, it was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly stirring up thousands of waves among the fan community. Manchester United's official social media account was immediately flooded with messages from fans. Those comments were like the beating of worried hearts.

An old fan wrote on social media: "Varane, you are the mainstay of our defense. Seeing you injured is like a knife in my heart. I hope you can overcome this pain like you defeated your opponents on the court in the past and come back to us soon." His words are simple but full of affection, which is the result of his love for the team and trust in the players over the years.

A young female fan posted a picture of Pepe's wonderful moments on the court and left a message: "Pepe, you are so dazzling when you fight on the court. This injury is only temporary. We are all waiting for you to recover with full blood and run on the green field again with your enthusiasm and courage." Her words seem to make people see the tears flashing in her eyes.

The fans' blessings are not limited to words. Some people have made beautiful videos, editing the unforgettable defense, offense and celebration scenes of Varane and Pepe in past games. The passionate music in the video is accompanied by the subtitles of "Get well soon", conveying the fans' most sincere expectations.

Two days later, the other three quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League also came to an end:

German team Bayern Munich Club vs. English Manchester City Club: Bayern Munich Club won 1:0 at home in the first round, Manchester City Club won 4:3 at home in the second round, the total score of the two rounds was Manchester City 4:4 Bayern Munich, and Bayern Munich advanced with the advantage of away goals;

Two English teams in a civil war: Tottenham Hotspur Club vs. Liverpool Club: Tottenham Hotspur Club tied 0:0 at home in the first round, and the second round Liverpool won 3:1 at home, the total score of the two rounds was 3:1, and Liverpool advanced;

Portugal FC VS Italy Juventus Club: Porto FC tied 1:1 at home in the first round, and Juventus Club lost 1:2 at home in the second round, the total score of the two rounds was 3:2, and Porto advanced; This game surprised many people. No one thought that Juventus, which has superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, would be reversed by Portuguese Super League team Porto at home.

So far, the top four teams of the UEFA Champions League have all been decided, namely: Liverpool FC from England, Manchester United FC, Bayern Munich from Germany and Porto FC from Portugal. According to the draw rules completed at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on March 15, the semi-finals of this season's Champions League are:

Upper half: Manchester United FC vs. Bayern Munich FC;

Lower half: Liverpool FC vs. Porto FC

On the same day, UEFA also announced the match time of the two rounds of the Champions League semi-finals, as well as the list of referees for each match: Upper half, the first round will be held on April 30 at Manchester United's home Old Trafford Stadium, and the referee is from Spain: Antonio Mateu Laos; the second round will be held on May 8 at Bayern Munich's home Munich Olympic Stadium, and the referee is from the Netherlands: Bjorn Kuipers

In the lower half, the first leg will be held at Anfield, the home of Liverpool Club, on May 1, with the referee from Germany: Felix Brüch; the second leg will be held at the Dragon Stadium, the home of Porto Club, on May 7, with the referee from Turkey: Gunayt Cakir.

After the results of the Champions League semi-finals were announced, various sports reporters from England continued to gather at the Carrington training base. They were all eager to hear the views of Manchester United Club’s top management, head coach Mourinho and many players on the Champions League semi-finals; in the face of the reporters who flocked to the club, in order to ensure the normal operation of the Carrington training base, after seeking the opinion of head coach Mourinho, Manchester United Club simply held a press conference.

Mourinho walked into the press conference room with a steady pace, his iconic windbreaker fluttering slightly as he walked, and his cold faceThere was not much emotion, but his eyes revealed a subtle sharpness.

When the reporters saw Mourinho, they immediately raised their microphones and recording equipment, and the atmosphere on the scene suddenly became tense and warm.

A senior sports reporter asked first: "Coach Mourinho, congratulations to Manchester United for entering the Champions League semi-finals. How do you feel about drawing a strong opponent like Bayern Munich this time?"

Mourinho frowned slightly, as if he was sorting out his thoughts, and then said in his low and magnetic voice: "Bayern Munich is a great team, there is no doubt about it. It is a challenge and an opportunity to meet them in the Champions League semi-finals. I am excited because our players have the opportunity to prove their strength on such a big stage."

Another young reporter followed up with: "Coach Mourinho, what do you think are Manchester United's biggest advantages and disadvantages in the two-round match with Bayern Munich? "

Mourinho leaned back in his chair, crossed his hands on his chest, and after a moment of contemplation, he replied: "Our advantage lies in the team's unity and fighting spirit. We have experienced many difficult moments this season, but the players have always united and fought for victory. As for the disadvantages, Bayern Munich has rich experience in the Champions League, and their players also have top personal abilities, which may bring us some pressure. "

At this time, a female reporter stood up, her voice was crisp and loud: "Coach Mourinho, at the tactical level, how do you plan to deal with Bayern Munich's powerful offensive system?"

Mourinho's eyes became sharper, and he seemed to have begun to build a tactical blueprint for the battle in his mind. "We will be fully prepared for defense, which does not mean that we will just shrink and defend. We will look for opportunities to counterattack while defending, and use the speed and impact of our players to create trouble for Bayern's back line. At the same time, we will also strengthen the pressing in the midfield to limit their offensive organization. "

As the interview deepened, the reporters' questions became more and more sharp. A reporter asked: "Coach Mourinho, many people outside are questioning Manchester United's competitiveness in the Champions League. Do you think this is an opportunity to prove Manchester United's strength against Bayern Munich?"

Mourinho showed a hint of displeasure on his face, and he said firmly: "Manchester United has always been a competitive team. Those doubting voices are just because they don't see the efforts we have made behind the scenes. In this game against Bayern Munich, we will use actions to prove our strength and shut up those doubters."

At this time, a reporter from Germany stood up and asked: "Coach Mourinho, what do you think of Bayern Munich's coach and players?"

Mourinho nodded slightly and said: "Bayern Munich's coach is a very good tactician, and his tactical arrangements are always very sophisticated. And their players, each of them is a world-class star, whether it is offense or defense, they are at the top level. This will be a very difficult contest."

The interview continued, and the reporters asked questions about the team's injuries. Mourinho frowned and said: "Injuries are an inevitable problem for every team. Some of our players are recovering and we will do our best to get them back on the field as soon as possible. However, even if there are injuries, our other players will go all out to fill the gaps." As time went by, the interview lasted for more than an hour. A reporter asked: "Coach Mourinho, how much do you think the home advantage will play in this semi-final?"

Mourinho answered seriously: "Home advantage is very important in a game like the Champions League. Our fans are very enthusiastic, and their support can bring us endless motivation. At home, we will be more confident and more motivated. We will try to get a good result at home and lay a good foundation for the second round of the game."

The topic returned to tactics. A reporter asked: "Coach Mourinho, Bayern Munich's wingers are very good. How will you limit their performance?"

Mourinho gestured with his hands and said: "This is a secret. It won't work if I tell you now. On April 30, you are welcome to witness it at Old Trafford."

During the interview, Mourinho remained calm and steady. His answer showed both confidence in the team and respect for the opponent.

When the interview was coming to an end, a reporter asked: "MourinhoCoach Mourinho, what do you think about the other semi-final, the match between Liverpool and Porto? "

Mourinho smiled and said: "Liverpool is a very strong team, and they have always performed very well in the Champions League. Porto is also a team that should not be underestimated. They have their own characteristics and advantages. This will be a very exciting game. I believe that no matter which team enters the final, they will be a very strong opponent. "

Finally, Mourinho stood up, glanced at the reporters present, and said: "Thank you for the questions from all reporters. We at Manchester United will go all out to prepare for this Champions League semi-final. We look forward to the exciting match with Bayern Munich. "

In the following days, Manchester United players, led by Mourinho, began intensive preparations. They sweated on the training ground and constantly honed their tactics and skills. Mourinho was also busy in the office, studying Bayern Munich's game videos and formulating detailed battle plans.

The entire Manchester United club was immersed in a tense and exciting atmosphere. They were all looking forward to the arrival of the Champions League semi-finals and the peak showdown with Bayern Munich.