Chapter 351: A Good Start
This can't be deduced just from watching over twenty minutes of game footage.
When Mourinho first watched Bruno's game tapes, he thought Bruno was running aimlessly. He believed Bruno had good stamina, so he could run a lot, and by sheer luck, he would stumble upon opportunities to make crucial plays during the ninety minutes of a game.
Later, Mourinho realized he was entirely wrong after analyzing Bruno's extensive game footage. He discovered that although Bruno was constantly running, he ran with a purpose. Every movement had a clear goal, directly targeting the game's critical moments.
It seemed like a natural talent; Bruno had an innate sense of how to act during the game. This kind of player surpasses the level of ordinary players. If ordinary players are like chess pieces on a board, such a player is like a chess player.
To become a true "free man" on the field, one must first become a chess player. You must transcend the game itself, overlook the match from above, and have a broad perspective to know how to dominate the game and lead the team.
In Bruno, this quality shone brightly. Initially, at Udinese, this brilliance was faint. But as Guidolin trained him and he gained more experience, this brilliance grew stronger and its influence expanded.
Now at Manchester United, in Mourinho's eyes, Bruno was no longer just a player. He was like a radiant light illuminating most of the field. Mourinho believed that one day, this light would cover the entire field.
In the 25th minute, Bruno made a pass from the center to Mata. Mata crossed from the right, and Martial, who was at the far post, shot directly. However, due to insufficient power, Boruc, the Bournemouth goalkeeper, saved it by diving.
Although they didn't score, the attack still earned applause and cheers from Manchester United fans. Bournemouth fans, however, were furious that their team was being dominated by Manchester United.
"We want to see your attack! Show some spirit!" the Cherries' fans shouted, urging their players to be more courageous.
In the midst of their fans' roars, Bournemouth finally showed some fight. Perhaps they were confused by Manchester United's earlier fierce attack, thinking they were already several goals behind. But seeing they were only one goal down, they realized the game wasn't over.
They launched an attack, causing some trouble for United's defense. However, the backline, led by Maguire and Van Dijk, performed excellently. Bournemouth couldn't break through United's defense until the end of the first half.
During halftime, Mourinho praised the team's performance. He didn't single out any player, but everyone knew Bruno's first half performance deserved a perfect score.
Bruno signaled Mata to pass to him, attracting Bournemouth's defenders' attention. When Mata passed the ball, Bruno successfully drew out a central defender, then turned and made a seamless pass. Such performances are rare even in the Premier League.
It seems this newly appointed core truly has the ability and qualifications to lead the team.
Mourinho made no tactical adjustments, only reminding everyone to be more vigilant in defense. United's first-half performance was excellent, aside from some chaos at the end. There was no need for adjustments.
After the second half began, Manchester United continued to dominate the game. With Bruno's support, Mata became more active.
In the 51st minute, Mata crossed from the right. Martial, unmarked at the far post, shot but missed, drawing sighs from the stands.
Mourinho also sighed in disappointment.
Every United attack seemed like it would result in a goal, but the outcome always fell short, leaving everyone feeling regretful.
The Sky Sports commentator exclaimed several times. If one only listened to the commentary without watching the game, they might think United were already up by at least four goals.
Two minutes later, United attacked again. Bruno was fouled on the wing, and the referee awarded a free kick.
Mata took the free kick, sending it into the box. Young defender Maguire's shot was too direct, and Boruc saved it.
United's continuous attacks left Bournemouth unable to lift their heads. They had no thoughts of equalizing at that moment.
Their players felt relieved they hadn't conceded another goal, thinking it would be hard to play if they were two goals down.
Just a minute after that attack, Bruno received the ball on the right wing and suddenly made a long pass. Even though his teammates hadn't moved forward yet, he sent the ball to the left side.
There, Martial received the ball but didn't pass it to Ibrahimović on the other side. Instead, he forcefully broke through Bournemouth's central defender, Steve Cook.
Seeing Martial break through, Boruc abandoned his goal and rushed out.
Facing the oncoming goalkeeper, Martial didn't try to dribble past but shot directly!
However, Martial's shot was weak. The ball bounced awkwardly but ended up assisting Rooney, who headed the ball into the left bottom corner from five meters out.
2:0!
This was Rooney's 246th goal for Manchester United in all competitions, just three shy of Bobby Charlton's club record.
"Rooney scores! A beautiful and precise assist from Bruno! Look at how few Bournemouth defenders were around when Martial received the ball… The timing was perfect! Though it seems Martial forgot his shooting boots in Manchester today; otherwise, Bruno would have recorded his first assist for United."
But the game wasn't over. Manchester United's shock to Bournemouth fans and the entire British audience wasn't finished.
Bournemouth tried to fight back, but under Bruno's command, United continued to press them.
After the chaotic end to the first half, Bruno realized that this team inherently loves to attack. Despite Mourinho, the defensive master, trying to strengthen the defense, the players couldn't focus solely on defense.
So instead of passive defense, they actively attacked, using offense as a defense.
Against a weaker opponent, this strategy was effective. It prevented the opposition from organizing effective attacks and created opportunities to score more, making both the scoreline and the game look good.
Bruno dared to do this partly because Bournemouth wasn't strong and partly because he had Kante behind him. This French defensive midfielder had grown into one of the top defensive midfielders in the world after three years in Serie A and the Premier League. The football world already circulated the saying, "There's no obstacle you can't pass, only Kante you can't pass."
Under Bruno's drive, United's attacks came wave after wave, each one making Bournemouth fans nervous.
In the 76th minute, Bruno received the ball in the attacking half. While Bournemouth players and the commentator speculated about whom he would pass to, Bruno suddenly shot!
From 23 meters out, Bruno took a long shot. The ball flew toward the far corner of the goal, and Boruc made a save.
But Mata, caught off guard by the shot, was in its path. He tried to duck but was too slow. The ball deflected off his head and into the goal.
"3:0! Mata deflects Bruno's shot into the net! This is incredible!"
Mata was stunned for a moment before spreading his arms in celebration.
He hadn't expected Bruno's shot to be deflected in by him… But first, celebrate!
Bruno didn't mind; he ran to hug Mata.
On the sidelines, United's substitutes and staff raised their arms and rushed out together.
The United fans in the stands went crazy, jumping around like children, with no one appearing sane.
For United fans, this victory reminded them of the dominant era under Ferguson in the Premier League.
When United easily defeated Bournemouth 3-0 away, few expected such a result for their first league match.
And after the final match of this Premier League round ended, people were surprised to see United at the top of the table!
For the Premier League giants, being at the top isn't unusual.
But that was under Ferguson. In the three years since his retirement, United hadn't topped the table after a full round of matches.
Even last season, under Van Gaal, United had a two-win start but never topped the table after a round, only briefly leading due to starting the matchday early.
(End of Chapter)
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