Chapter 352: Getting Better and Better
After the game, Bournemouth's coach Eddie Howe admitted in an interview that his team did not perform up to their potential, making slow and error-prone movements.
"They scored too early, which caught us off guard..."
Eddie Howe also praised Manchester United's performance, saying they played very well and deserved the victory.
In the post-match press conference, Mourinho said the team played like a cohesive unit, and the outcome was beautiful. After a tense first ten minutes, Ibrahimović's goal opened the game for the team.
Speaking of Ibrahimović's goal, he had to mention United's most expensive signing this summer.
"I know many people find it unbelievable that we spent 200 million euros on one player, but I think today's game perfectly demonstrated why we were willing to spend that amount on him. And in the coming season, we will continue to prove how cheap those 200 million euros were."
"I am extremely satisfied with Bruno's performance. He proved his worth. Although Bruno has nothing left to prove, as he is already a Ballon d'Or winner, he still works very hard. He is a player full of ambition and fighting spirit, and such a player deserves success. Having such a player is also our team's luck."
Mourinho's high praise for Bruno surprised many in the media.
A week later, Manchester United won 2-0 at home against Southampton.
In the first half, Ibrahimović scored the opening goal for Manchester United, and shortly after the second half began, Bruno finally scored his first Premier League goal.
This goal was scored from a penalty. In the 51st minute, Bruno passed the ball to the left wing. Luke Shaw received the ball and charged into the penalty area, where Southampton midfielder Clasie fouled him, giving Manchester United their first penalty of the season.
Before the season began, Mourinho had designated Bruno as the primary penalty taker because he had never missed a penalty in his career, with a perfect record of 9 out of 9.
Despite having other excellent penalty takers like Ibrahimović and Rooney, Mourinho decided to make Bruno the first-choice penalty taker after careful consideration.
Bruno did not disappoint, calmly placing the ball into Southampton's net, extending the lead to two goals.
This was also the final score of the match.
After two rounds, four teams remained undefeated in the Premier League: the two Manchester clubs, Chelsea, and surprise package Hull City.
Among these four teams, Manchester United led the table thanks to their 5 goals scored and 0 goals conceded, with a goal difference advantage over Guardiola's Manchester City.
Manchester City also performed strongly under Guardiola, dominating both their matches with a 2-1 win against Sunderland and a 4-1 victory over Stoke City.
Conte's Chelsea secured two hard-fought 2-1 victories against West Ham United and Watford.
The most surprising were the newly promoted Hull City, who won both their matches, first upsetting the defending champions Leicester City 2-1 and then defeating Swansea City 2-0.
Leicester City, who created a miracle last season, disappointed this season after losing their defensive core Kante, with only 1 draw and 1 loss in the first two rounds, ranking 15th on the table.
On the afternoon of August 27th, local time, a key match of the third round of the Premier League kicked off at the KCOM Stadium, with Manchester United visiting newly promoted Hull City.
After this match, at least one team would no longer maintain a perfect record.
"Hull City started aggressively at home, creating several chances."
"Look at this, Huddlestone tries to send the ball into the box again. Kante intercepts at the edge of the box, and Manchester United launches a counterattack."
"Mata quickly steps up to receive the ball, turns, and makes a low pass directly to the front."
Bruno made a quick diagonal run through the gap between two Hull City defenders. Clucas was left trailing behind Bruno almost immediately, and Curtis Davies could only chase Bruno towards the goal but was always a step behind.
Bruno, having taken the lead, let the ball come to his feet, then smoothly moved it forward and directly charged into the penalty area.
Despite Curtis Davies's desperate chase and Hull City's goalkeeper Jakupović rushing out to block Bruno's shot angle, Bruno was prepared. About fifteen meters from the goal, he flicked the ball with his left foot, sending it over Jakupović's head. Although the Hull City goalkeeper raised his hands high, he could only watch the ball sail over him into the empty net behind.
Bruno knew the moment he flicked the ball that it was going in.
"Oh my god! Manchester United's quick counterattack..."
"Bruno... goal!!!"
"Unbelievable! So fast! Hull City's defenders didn't even have time to react!"
Amidst the boos at the KCOM Stadium, Bruno quickly ran to the stand where United's fans were. Behind him, United players also rushed forward in celebration.
This goal not only caught Hull City off guard but also surprised the Manchester United players. No one expected the goal to come so suddenly.
Mata's seemingly desperate pass was perfectly controlled by Bruno, who then created a counterattack opportunity and scored, which was truly unbelievable.
"This was a very fast and simple counterattack, a style rarely seen from Manchester United in the past three seasons. Clearly, Bruno's arrival has made United's attack more diverse and threatening."
"From Kante's interception to Mata's pass, the whole process was very quick, and Bruno's ability to find space was once again impressive."
"Let's watch the entire goal process again. Bruno's control was fantastic, almost seamlessly controlling and moving the ball forward. Curtis Davies didn't even have a chance to touch the ball, and his speed couldn't match Bruno's. It's incredible how fast Bruno is!"
"Clucas has performed well this season, but tonight he was unfortunate to face Bruno, unable to keep up with his rhythm and pace."
"Hull City's initial aggressive attack failed!"
Bruno excitedly got up from the ground, turned around, and celebrated with his teammates, especially with Mata, who provided the brilliant pass. Laughing, Bruno hugged Mata.
"Thanks to your assist!" Bruno laughed.
Mata shook his head, "No, no, your goal was brilliant!"
Using speed to break through Hull City's defense, going solo, and calmly chipping over the goalkeeper under pressure showed Bruno's prowess.
In the first ten minutes, Hull City dominated with their aggressive play, causing Manchester United's defense some trouble. But Bruno's counterattack goal in the 13th minute was like a bucket of cold water, waking them up.
Both former United assistant coach and current Hull City manager Mike Phelan and players like Clucas realized they had underestimated Bruno.
Despite their caution, they hadn't fully grasped Bruno's danger.
After the first goal, United gradually found their rhythm, stabilizing and starting to press forward.
Mourinho fielded his strongest midfield trio for this game. With Kante at the back, and Mata and Bruno on the sides, this trio ensured United's midfield dominance, soon putting Hull City on the back foot.
Especially after taking the lead, United frequently launched attacks.
Bruno became the most active player on the field. In the 24th minute, he forced a foul from Clucas in the attacking third.
Although Bruno's direct free-kick was saved by the goalkeeper, his involvement was relentless. Just three minutes later, he took the ball on the left, evaded Clucas, and passed to Rooney, whose shot was saved by Jakupović.
But in the 28th minute, Bruno's activity paid off again. Kante's direct pass found Bruno on the left, creating a one-on-one opportunity.
Facing Clucas, Bruno simply pushed the ball towards the goal line and used his speed to bypass the Hull City midfielder. At the goal line, he crossed with his left foot.
Ibrahimović, who was in the center, easily headed the ball into the net, scoring again for United!
Less than half an hour into the game, and United were already two goals ahead!
(End of Chapter)
Friends, if you want to read chapters in advance, subscribe to my patreon.