The Rise of Millwal

Chapter 78: The curtain falls on a classic.

Steve Bruce's last-minute goal sealed the score at 5:5 in this thrilling clash between the Red Devils and the Lions. While it might not have made up for his poor performance throughout the match, it served as a form of self-redemption.

The Manchester United players excitedly surrounded Bruce, elated by the goal that earned them a last-minute draw.

On the other hand, the Millwall players looked dejected. Schneider even fell to his knees, sorrowfully biting his lip and closing his eyes.

Why couldn't they win?!

Someone bent down and placed a hand on his shoulder to help him up. When Schneider opened his eyes, he saw the calm face of captain Southgate. Southgate softly said, "Stand up, lift your head. We need to thank the fans for their support."

Schneider regained his composure and stood up. He noticed that his teammates had also shaken off their disappointment, and together they walked toward the East Stand, applauding the Millwall fans in gratitude.

"What an unbelievable match, Andy! This is the most exciting game I've ever commentated on. From the very first minute—or rather, from the sound of the referee's whistle to the end, this match was absolutely spectacular and will be forever etched in memory."

"This is the Premier League! This is our most cherished, most beloved Premier League. The speed of the game, the intensity of the competition, and the tactical brilliance on display were all phenomenal. Even with ten goals scored, the overall quality of offense and defense was exceptionally high. Each goal was spectacular. Close your eyes and you can picture the players making their debut on this grand stage, with Millwall's players leaving a lasting impression. The new generation of Manchester United players proved they are worthy of the red legacy. Martin, this was a football feast. Although the pitch was only graced by a few names famous in Europe, the performance of these young men today makes me confident that they will shine on even larger stages in the future. We are fortunate to have witnessed this entire match."

"I wholeheartedly agree with you. If I were to grade the players on the pitch, I think most would receive high marks. Ferguson might be resentful that Cantona couldn't play, and the young Hall will be disappointed that his team lost three points at the last moment. But I'd like to say thank you to both head coaches: this match will undoubtedly become a classic in the Premier League. Anyone who missed the live broadcast has lost out, because this was a football feast you could enjoy from the very first second to the last. Alright, viewers, this live broadcast of Manchester United versus Millwall comes to an end. See you at the next match!"

At Old Trafford, after referee Dugin blew the final whistle, the entire crowd stood and applauded, the ovation lasting for several moments.

Perhaps Manchester United fans believed their team would win from start to finish.

Yet at the final whistle, there was a tinge of regret in their hearts—not due to the draw, but because this thrilling, rollercoaster match had come to an end.

On the field, players from both teams began to exchange pleasantries, with many swapping jerseys.

Schmeichel approached Larsson. Though they hailed from different countries, geographically, they were both from Northern Europe. They exchanged jerseys, laughing good-naturedly.

"Hey, you should come play for Manchester United. You score, I'll defend, and we'll win tons of trophies together."

Schmeichel shamelessly tried to recruit Larsson, acknowledging his talent and potential.

Larsson smiled without saying a word.

Roy Keane actively sought out Nedved. The two tough guys stood face-to-face, their jerseys soaked in sweat and caked with mud. Without needing to say anything, they exchanged jerseys and draped the other's over their shoulders. The two men shook hands, let go, and turned to leave without uttering a single word.

Aldrich stood in the stands, feeling a bit guilty after the match concluded.

However, this wasn't the time to dwell on regret. He turned to fulfill his promise of getting an autograph for a young Manchester United fan, only to see the boy's father giving him a thumbs-up.

"Your team is remarkable."

Aldrich smiled noncommittally.

The man's compliment felt like a double-edged sword.

Saying Millwall is remarkable is just saying they managed to secure a draw at Old Trafford. What it really implies is: Manchester United is strong, and getting a draw shows Millwall isn't weak either.

Taking the colorful marker the young fan handed him, Aldrich signed his name on the boy's cap and then smiled as he walked away.

Ferguson was already waiting below. The old man had looked red-faced before the match ended, but now he was looking a bit better.

"Aldrich, Manchester United might have just lost two crucial points in the title race!"

Ferguson's tone was half-serious teasing.

But perhaps it was true, as the memories of last season's title slip were still fresh.

Who knows?

In any case, Aldrich didn't really care.

He shook Ferguson's hand and smiled, "Alex, Millwall may have just earned the most critical point in their fight against relegation."

Ferguson widened his eyes and pointed at Aldrich, saying, "If you keep saying Millwall is a relegation team, I'll think you're mocking Manchester United!"

If they couldn't take all three points off Millwall at home, how could they contend for the title?

Deep down, Ferguson had to admit that Manchester United had only outplayed Millwall for a brief stretch during the entire match.

Aldrich chuckled and dropped the argument.

"I'll be waiting for you in the office. Today is worth me pulling out my collection."

"Alright, see you soon."

Aldrich separated from Ferguson, then returned to the locker room to chat briefly with the players. After completing the away match, they would be heading home.

At the post-match press conference, reporters couldn't hold back their questions.

The journalists who watched the entire match had so many queries, their emotions still in turmoil.

What kind of match was this?

The championship contender, Premier League powerhouse, and traditional giant Manchester United, facing off against the promoted side and relegation-strugglers Millwall, produced an unpredictable match no one could have predicted.

Manchester United fell behind first, then came back, only to be reversed again, drawing level, falling behind again, and finally equalizing again.

Millwall led, was overturned, reversed again, equalized, took the lead again at the end, and in the last second, were leveled!

F---!

The match was not only full of ups and downs but also packed with passion!

Ferguson appeared, a typical calm expression on the Scottish veteran's face. When a reporter asked, "Manchester United clearly lost control of the match today and the protagonist's position at Old Trafford. What do you think the reason is, as the manager?"

Ferguson shrugged and chuckled, "The reason is simple: this is the Premier League. Anyone who watched the match knows neither team was looking to test the other. From the first second of the match, both teams went all out on the offense. Millwall is strong. Anyone who thinks they are relegation fodder is an idiot. They can operate at a very fast pace, and Manchester United initially struggled with that. But then I realized that if we couldn't hold them back, we could only see who could score more. In the end, we produced a classic match."

"So, do you think Millwall is a strong contender for the championship this season?"

Ferguson nodded seriously. "Of course. Who can tell you the last time Manchester United conceded five goals at home? And this was against a team coming off consecutive league titles and a runner-up finish. Isn't Millwall's performance enough to stake a claim for the championship?"

...

When Aldrich took to the stage for interviews, the journalists in the press conference couldn't help but laugh.

Aldrich found it strange and asked once seated, "What's so funny?"

Richard from the *Daily Mail*, an old friend of Aldrich, raised his hand, and Aldrich allowed him to go first.

"Mr. Hall, earlier Mr. Ferguson stated that Millwall is one of the championship contenders. Do you agree with his view?"

Aldrich did not hesitate to respond, "Absolutely not. Millwall is still very young; being able to avoid relegation this season would already be lucky."

He didn't want his team to become the target of criticism.

"But you scored five goals at Manchester United's home ground and nearly won the match, with Manchester United being behind for a significant period!"

Aldrich replied with exaggerated seriousness, "Of course! This is the Theatre of Dreams! What team wouldn't want to showcase their talents here? If you can play here, you've got to seize the opportunity. I believe other teams like Middlesbrough, Southampton, and Queens Park Rangers would also come to Old Trafford with zero percent motivation, only to leave with their heads held high after the match."

The seated reporters stifled smiles.

Ferguson and Aldrich, the two coaches both wear smiles that conceal their sharp intentions.

Ferguson wanted to put pressure on Millwall. Aldrich was praising Manchester United while reminding other teams that battling the giants here was an honor.

Perhaps the Premier League had just given birth to an evenly matched rivalry.

"Millwall conceded the equalizer in the last moment. How do you feel about that? Are you disappointed in your players?"

Aldrich pondered for a moment before replying earnestly, "I feel very sad and disappointed because I have let my players down. My players performed exceptionally, but I couldn't help them secure the win. The responsibility lies with me."

At first, the reporters were excited, thinking Aldrich would criticize the players, but they were taken aback when he took all the responsibility.

It was odd—while Millwall was equalized in the end, it felt like they had exceeded expectations. Didn't Aldrich feel unhappy about not securing three points?

"Mr. Hall, would you care to explain? Why do you feel guilty?"

Aldrich candidly replied, "I should have used the last two substitutions to stop Manchester United's final push, but I was sent to the stands, and I forgot to remind my assistant. It was all my fault. The players were fantastic, and I performed poorly."

The reporters were left speechless. Despite suspecting that Aldrich's words were aimed at winning the crowd's favor, it was still something to hear him so openly take responsibility in front of over forty media members. The players would surely be loyal to him; who wouldn't think it was worth it?

The match between Manchester United and Millwall in the 1995-96 English Premier League's first round, held at Old Trafford, was later rated as the best match since the inception of the Premier League. Furthermore, it was still listed as a classic match during the 10th and 20th anniversary celebrations of the Premier League—not only because of the thrilling excitement and tactical richness but also due to the extraordinary emergence of several young stars from both Manchester United and Millwall, signifying the dawn of a new era.