Chapter 436: Interference
Manchester City quickly created a threat as well. Zabaleta, advancing down the right flank, orchestrated an attack that saw Sané deliver a clever pass into the box. Agüero followed up with a shot, but it was too direct and De Gea caught it easily.
Manchester United tried to counterattack, but City's aggressive pressing in the front disrupted their passing through the midfield. Forced to play long balls, United saw Otamendi intercept a pass aimed at Gundogan, heading it back to midfield.
Fernandinho shifted the ball to the left, where Yaya Touré passed to De Bruyne. The Belgian controlled the ball, took a glance forward, and unleashed a long-range shot, which flew high over the bar.
City's pressing prevented United from organizing their attacks, but United's disciplined defense also stifled City's attempts to penetrate. Bruno and Gundogan maintained close marking on the wings, forcing City to channel their attacks through the center, where they ran into United's formidable double pivot of Kante and Fellaini.
Both teams started at a fast pace, with tactics clearly targeted at exploiting each other's weaknesses. City's aggressive pressing aimed to seize early control, nullifying United's initial attacking strategy. However, United quickly adapted, opting for a more defensive approach and waiting for counterattack opportunities.
Fellaini and Kante held their positions deep in United's half, even within their 30-meter area, forming a solid defensive line alongside the back four. United's attacks relied on the creativity and pace of Bruno, Rashford, Gundogan, and Carrick.
...
The match's tempo was exhilarating, with possession changing hands frequently and thrilling moments keeping both fans and viewers on edge. This was a high-level contest between top-tier teams, rich in tactical nuance.
City excelled in possession and control, while United was more dangerous on the counterattack. At the ten-minute mark, as both teams slightly slowed down after a frantic start, United orchestrated a promising attack.
Bruno made a quick run from the left, cutting inside. Receiving the ball from Carrick, he suddenly changed direction towards the box. Yaya Touré, tall but less agile, decisively tripped Bruno, bringing him down along with the ball.
Touré knew that allowing Bruno to get past would lead to a three-on-three situation with Bruno, Rashford, and Gundogan—an unpredictable and potentially disastrous scenario for City's defense.
"Yaya Touré's foul was smart. Letting Bruno through would have put their defense in serious jeopardy," commented the announcer. "This foul showcases the wisdom of the veteran midfielder."
"United's free kick is from 32 meters out—not usually a scoring threat. City should focus on defending against any set-piece routines."
...
Guardiola and Arteta seemed to share this assessment. A direct shot from 32 meters was unlikely to succeed; indirect play posed more danger. Guardiola gestured from the sidelines, instructing his tall players to stay near the box and mark United's aerial threats like Maguire, Fellaini, and Rashford.
Although City seemed to dominate possession, United's counterattacks were more menacing, often causing heart-stopping moments. The individual brilliance of players like Bruno and Gundogan, combined with Carrick and Rashford's support, kept City's defense on high alert.
"Thankfully, Yaya committed the foul," Arteta remarked. Despite the yellow card, it was better than letting Bruno advance.
"I think we should hold back Zabaleta. Neither Kompany, Otamendi, nor Fernandinho can match Bruno's speed and agility. Zabaleta pushing forward leaves too much space behind," Arteta suggested.
Arteta agreed, noting, "As long as we control possession and wear them down, we'll eventually create opportunities. They can't avoid mistakes all game."
This strategy mirrored Cruyff's possession philosophy: control the ball and deny the opponent opportunities. In Chinese terms, it was akin to the proverb, "As long as the hoe is wielded well, no wall can stand."
...
Mourinho noticed Bruno standing over the free kick and was puzzled. "What's he thinking? It's too far out. He should be in the box trying to head it in," he thought.
Normally, Bruno would take direct free kicks from closer range, while this one seemed better suited for a set-piece routine. With aerial threats like Maguire and Fellaini, United's height advantage was significant.
Faria, understanding Bruno's mindset, chuckled. "Maybe he feels confident. Remember, he scored a 35-meter free kick with Udinese."
Mourinho, though skeptical, trusted Bruno. Despite the low probability, Bruno's previous successes earned him this trust.
When Bruno stood at the spot, he felt confident. Years of practice had honed his free-kick abilities, with some even saying he could take free kicks like penalties—a bit exaggerated but indicative of his skill.
A 32-meter direct free kick wasn't a guaranteed goal, but Bruno felt the odds were in his favor tonight.
As he prepared, a sudden glare caused him to shield his eyes and turn away. He realized someone in the crowd was using a laser pointer to distract him.
"Hey, ref! A laser pointer!" Carrick shouted, alerting everyone to the interference.
The referee, Martin Atkinson, paused the game and reported the incident to the fourth official. Using laser pointers to disrupt players was both unsportsmanlike and illegal, and could result in heavy fines.
With Manchester City's rise, the Manchester Derby had grown increasingly intense. This match, featuring top managers and star-studded lineups, had become one of the most heated derbies, with fans often resorting to desperate measures.
...
"Are you okay?" Carrick and Rashford asked, concerned.
"Damn it! If I find out who did it, I'll tear him apart!" swore Fellaini, visibly angry.
"Calm down, we need to stay cool," said captain Carrick, remaining level-headed.
Bruno rubbed his eyes, nodding. "Michael's right. Getting angry means they win."
He wiped his eyes with his shirt, ensuring he could see clearly, and reassured his teammates. "Spread out. I'm taking the kick. Be ready for the second ball."
His teammates, including Maguire, found Bruno's confidence amusing but encouraging. They positioned themselves around the box, ready for the rebound.
After confirming Bruno was fine, Atkinson resumed play, noting the incident for his match report. As Bruno stood over the ball again, the stadium erupted in boos.
(End of Chapter)
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