Chapter 434: The Second Season of Guardiola vs. Mourinho
This goal greatly boosted Tottenham's morale, making them realize that Manchester United's defense had many exploitable weaknesses. Spurs launched a fierce counterattack, creating several dangerous chances that had United fans breaking out in cold sweats.
However, United often found their opportunities amidst the opponent's aggressive pushes. Bruno remained calm, observing the situation even when their goal was under siege.
In the 44th minute, he finally seized such an opportunity. Bruno initiated a long pass from the back, which Rashford headed down to the oncoming Lingard. After receiving the ball, Lingard drove it down the wing before crossing it into the box. Rashford used his body to hold off Tottenham's center-back, Vertonghen, and then half-turned to shoot, sending the ball through goalkeeper Lloris's legs.
2-1, United regained the lead!
Scoring just before halftime allowed United to play a more relaxed second half, while the pressure mounted on Tottenham.
Three minutes into the second half, United extended their lead. In the 48th minute, Tottenham's young midfielder Dele Alli, under pressure from two United players, lost the ball in midfield. Carrick intercepted it and passed to Bruno, who then delivered another cross. This time, Rashford met it with a header, making it 3-1!
The game's outcome was now beyond doubt.
Bruno later added another goal to seal the win for United, while Alli also scored, but it was too late.
In the end, United beat Tottenham 4-2 and advanced to the FA Cup final, where they would face Arsenal for the trophy.
...
United's 4-2 victory over Tottenham and their advance to the FA Cup final greatly boosted the team's morale.
After the match, the locker room was filled with laughter and jokes as the players ate and recovered their energy. The harmonious atmosphere returned to the team, and no one mentioned the supposed curse anymore—even Lingard now saw it as a joke.
Advancing to the FA Cup final was good news, but it also meant United's upcoming schedule was even more packed.
In the next month, they had 7 Premier League matches, 2 Europa League semifinals, and 1 FA Cup final.
Despite the Premier League having completed 34 rounds, United still had 7 matches left. This was due to the English football schedule, where league games are postponed to accommodate the FA Cup. United had 3 postponed league matches: Round 26 against Manchester City, Round 28 against Southampton, and Round 34 against Burnley.
...
Three days after defeating Tottenham to reach the FA Cup final, on the evening of April 26, United faced Manchester City away in a rescheduled Round 26 match.
City were currently fifth in the league, 3 points behind fourth-placed Liverpool but with two games in hand, giving them a chance to secure a Champions League spot.
However, such a position was unsatisfactory for both Guardiola and City, especially after spending over 200 million euros in the summer transfer window. Their aim wasn't to end the season empty-handed.
By now, City had been eliminated from the Champions League, League Cup, and FA Cup, and with only 6 league matches remaining, they were 20 points behind United, completely out of the title race.
Guardiola's first season at City was destined to end without silverware. If they couldn't secure a Champions League spot, Guardiola's job might be at risk.
After a four-game winless streak in late March and early April, City had improved in their last two league matches, beating Hull City 3-1 at home and Southampton 3-0 away, boosting their confidence.
As the two wealthiest clubs in European football, led by two of the most renowned managers, Mourinho and Guardiola, the Manchester Derby was a globally anticipated event.
...
Neither side could afford to lose this match.
For United, Chelsea's 4-2 win over Southampton last weekend had cut United's lead to just 1 point. Though United had two games in hand, points not yet earned were always uncertain.
If United failed to beat City, they wouldn't secure any points from this match.
For City, the stakes were even higher. Their quest for a Champions League spot was challenging, and losing to United at home would not only mean being swept by United this season but also losing control over the Champions League race.
In a season destined to be trophyless, failing to secure a Champions League spot would be disastrous for both City and Guardiola.
Before the match, both managers talked about Bruno.
Mourinho praised Bruno, calling him the team's core and expressing satisfaction with his performance and role throughout the season. This wasn't the first time Mourinho had publicly praised Bruno, and there was no jealousy or dissatisfaction from the team because everyone knew he deserved it. He earned the praise, the accolades, and the media attention. They also knew that behind these compliments was the responsibility and pressure of being the team's core.
Guardiola also mentioned Bruno, praising his performance but focusing more on how to deal with him.
"We have a plan for him, but I can't disclose it here."
...
Everyone knew what that plan likely was: using rough tackles and fouls to disrupt Bruno's play, preventing him from controlling the ball well. Without protection, Bruno would lose possession, allowing opponents to directly face United's defense. This often made Bruno hesitant in attack.
Many teams had tried various methods to neutralize Bruno, but no tactic had been foolproof. A clever coach could only achieve temporary success with such strategies.
Whether City's approach would follow this pattern was uncertain. However, City were confident about winning at home.
City midfielder Yaya Touré spoke dismissively of Bruno: "He often hides at the back, organizing play where no one pressures him. If he dares to confront me head-on, I'll show him what I'm made of!"
Bruno didn't respond angrily to Touré's blatant provocation. In an interview, he said, "Everyone has the right to express their opinions. I have nothing to say about that. After all, football isn't played with words; let's see on the pitch."
Though Bruno spoke calmly, he remembered Touré well. Touré was instrumental in City's rise, and Bruno had followed his career closely. Despite Touré's declining form due to age, he clearly wasn't ready to concede his place.
So, this would be a test.
No matter how much you talk, football is decided on the pitch. Psychological warfare doesn't work on me; if the entire British media couldn't unsettle me, neither can a 34-year-old veteran!
...
In training, Bruno scored a beautiful goal past De Gea during a five-a-side match, drawing applause and cheers from the fans.
"Bruno is in great form. Looks like we have a good chance of winning this match!" fans excitedly discussed.
Before crucial matches, there were always various comments, and the most notable one before the City match was Touré's challenge to Bruno. It was unclear whether Touré acted alone or if it was part of City's psychological tactics. Regardless, Touré's words had thrust both him and Bruno into the spotlight.
This Manchester Derby now had an additional subplot: how would Bruno respond to Touré's provocation?
"Hey, Bruno. Be careful of that Yaya Touré during the match," De Gea warned, patting Bruno's shoulder with a smile.
Everyone knew about Touré's challenge, and many in the team were indignant, feeling Touré was too arrogant and deserved to be taught a lesson.
Older teammates advised Bruno to watch out for Touré's tricks.
Though grateful for their concern, Bruno wasn't afraid of confronting Touré, whether physically or dealing with his tricks.
Having played in Italy, where fouls and tricks were common due to inconsistent refereeing, Bruno had survived without major injuries, so he wasn't worried about Touré's tricks.
Physically, thanks to years of specialized training, Bruno was now capable of standing up to any player without being at a disadvantage. Touré, despite his prowess, was an aging player.
So, there was nothing to worry about.
But he still thanked them: "Thanks for the warning, David."
Kanté, confident in Bruno, interjected: "Don't worry, David. That old guy can't beat Bruno."
(End of Chapter)
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