Chapter 355: The Manchester Derby
As they waited to enter the pitch, the Manchester United players barely spoke, while the Manchester City players chatted among themselves. Observing this scene, one might easily conclude that United players were nervous and clueless, while City players were relaxed. While it might be true that City's players were relaxed, it was certainly not the case that United's players were clueless.
Most City players focused their attention on Bruno. As United's midfield core, a crucial player, a FIFA Ballon d'Or winner, and the first player in football history to be transferred for 200 million euros, Bruno was a name they were all too familiar with. Guardiola had specifically emphasized Bruno's importance, glossing over other United players. He told his players that if they could freeze Bruno, they could freeze United, and if they could make Bruno underperform, the whole United team would underperform.
City players were curious about this highly regarded player. Among them, only Kevin De Bruyne had faced Bruno on the field before. They had seen many of his game tapes, but watching through a screen isn't the same as experiencing it firsthand. Now, they had the chance.
Among all City players, Fernandinho watched Bruno the most, as Guardiola had tasked him with marking Bruno during the match. City played a 4-3-3 formation, with three midfielders, two of whom were more focused on attack than defense. This left the defensive marking mainly to Fernandinho. He had to limit Bruno's influence, as his duel with Bruno could influence the game's outcome.
Fernandinho believed that Guardiola might be overly cautious. He thought City winning the game wasn't a tough task and that marking Bruno would only affect the scoreline but not the result. He knew Bruno was an excellent midfielder, good at both attack and defense and capable of scoring goals. However, he was just one player. If his connection with teammates was cut off, he wouldn't be able to cause much trouble.
Bruno didn't look at City's players. He stared straight ahead, waiting for the referee to call them out. When the players stepped out of the tunnel, the crowd erupted in cheers. Fans had been waiting for this moment. The stadium announcer introduced both teams' starting elevens.
With loud cheers and the Champions League anthem in the background, Bruno stood on the pitch with his teammates, lined up around the referee for media photos. After the ceremony, they moved forward to shake hands with the referees and their opponents. Bruno shook hands without lingering or chatting, even with De Bruyne or midfield maestro David Silva. From the moment he joined United, City became the enemy, and there was no need for pleasantries. He never smiled at or showed kindness to his enemies.
After the handshakes, the teams spread out, and the captains gathered around the referee for the coin toss. Rooney intentionally lost the toss to secure the kick-off. Against a team like City, starting the game well was crucial. Even if they didn't score, preventing City from gaining an early advantage was vital. Keeping possession at the start could ease pressure on their defense and even initiate an attack.
"Now the game is about to begin. Let me introduce the starting lineups for both teams!"
"First, Manchester City's lineup — they continue with a 4-3-3 formation. The goalkeeper is Bravo, center-backs are Otamendi and Stones, left-back is Kolarov, and right-back is Sagna. The three midfielders are Fernandinho, De Bruyne, and David Silva. Upfront are Iheanacho, Nolito, and Sterling."
"For Manchester United, they also line up in a 4-3-3. The goalkeeper is De Gea, center-backs are Maguire and Van Dijk, left-back is Luke Shaw, and right-back is Valencia. The defensive midfielders are Kante and Gündoğan, and the forwards are Rooney, Ibrahimović, and Rashford. Juan Mata, who started the previous three games, is on the bench today."
"Both Manchester United and Manchester City have fielded their strongest lineups. They both take this match very seriously..."
No kidding, who wouldn't take the Manchester Derby seriously?
With the pre-match rituals completed, the players took their positions, waiting for the game to start. The referee became the focus as he stood outside the center circle, checking the time.
The vast Old Trafford stadium gradually quieted down as everyone awaited the whistle.
The referee put the whistle in his mouth, checked that the players were ready, and blew it hard!
"Good evening, viewers! Welcome to the fourth round of the 2016-2017 Premier League season! Tonight, we have a match between two Manchester teams, United and City! The game has begun, with United kicking off..."
In the field, Ibrahimović passed the ball to Bruno. The United fans cheered as Bruno received the ball. His first touch was smooth, showing he was relaxed and composed.
Bruno dribbled sideways, not rushing his pass, while City's players charged at him.
"Iheanacho is clearly targeting Bruno! They want to intercept and launch a counter-attack right away!"
"Bruno will face a tough game today... he's past him! Great move!"
Seeing Iheanacho charge at him, Bruno faked a side pass, deceiving Iheanacho into shifting his balance, then cut the ball to his other side and shielded it with his body.
After bypassing Iheanacho, Bruno accelerated forward, making City players think he was launching an attack. Nolito rushed to intercept, but Bruno suddenly passed the ball diagonally backward to left-back Luke Shaw.
Bruno soon faced Fernandinho. After the ball circulated through the defense, it returned to Bruno, now in the center circle, where Fernandinho pressed him.
Unfazed, Bruno shielded the ball with his back, holding off Fernandinho, then passed it away.
Everyone expected Bruno to dribble past Fernandinho again, but Bruno played it safe, passing to maintain possession.
After passing, Bruno moved to another spot, distancing himself from Fernandinho. Fernandinho didn't follow, as he was City's only defensive midfielder. If he left his position, City's defense would face direct attacks from United.
Bruno knew Fernandinho by reputation and acknowledged his strength. Fernandinho could indeed cause him some trouble, but Bruno didn't consider him a significant threat. Bruno noticed Fernandinho wouldn't follow him deep into United's half, likely due to City's formation and tactical style. With only Fernandinho defending, leaving his position could spell disaster for City. So, Fernandinho's interference was limited, and Bruno wasn't worried.
Bruno was more concerned about City's attack than their defense. City's offensive lineup was potent, capable of deciding matches single-handedly. In their first three league games, City often decided the outcome in the first half, making the rest of the match seem almost unnecessary.
Aware of City's blitzkrieg ability, Bruno sought control from the start to ease the pressure and gain early dominance. With City's formidable attack, they couldn't afford to concede early goals. Keeping a clean sheet in the first 30 minutes, or even the first half, would be crucial.
(End of Chapter)
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