Chapter 439: Manchester City in Dire Straits
"I feel like I'm dreaming!"
Returning to the locker room with a three-goal lead, Rashford couldn't believe what he was seeing.
The sweat-soaked Manchester United prodigy stripped off his jersey and shorts, walking around the locker room in just his underwear, too excited to sit still. If it weren't for the fact that there was still a second half to play, he might have stripped down completely and danced.
"Hey, do you guys think it's weird how weak City looks tonight?" Rashford asked in confusion.
In recent seasons, City had been a nemesis for United. The Red Devils often found themselves at a disadvantage in both gameplay and results against the Blue Moon. Since City's rise in the 2011-2012 season, excluding this season, United had faced them ten times in the Premier League, with a record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 6 losses, clearly at a disadvantage.
Among those six losses was the infamous 1:6 defeat at Old Trafford in the 2011-2012 season, as well as the double defeats in the 2013-2014 season, losing 0:3 at home and 1:4 away.
Though Rashford made his first-team debut for United last season, he had been aware of the team's struggles against City during his time in the youth academy.
In his memory, United had never managed to dominate City.
...
Faced with Rashford's question, everyone in the locker room exchanged glances, falling silent. No one knew how to answer. Was City weak? Definitely not. But tonight, they seemed unusually fragile against United.
What was going on? Why was the usually formidable Manchester City playing so poorly?
It wasn't just United's players who were puzzled; fans and media around the world were likely asking the same question.
"I think Bruno's direct free-kick was a huge morale booster for us and a heavy blow to them," De Gea said, looking at Bruno.
De Gea was now very grateful to have Bruno as a teammate, remembering all too well the trouble Bruno caused him last season. In the Champions League group stage, United faced Udinese, and De Gea conceded three goals to Bruno in each of the two matches, leading to a six-goal humiliation that nearly shattered his confidence.
Football is unpredictable. A successful tackle, a sudden shot, or an unintentional action can change the game's course. That unpredictability is what makes football so thrilling.
...
"I agree. City has been under immense pressure recently. Plus, they were exhausted from their FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal, only to be eliminated in extra time. Their fitness can't match ours, and they're destined to end the season trophyless. With their Champions League qualification at risk, they were desperate to secure an advantage in the first half. But when we scored first, it made them even more anxious, leading to more mistakes," Carrick analyzed.
Everyone nodded in agreement, finding the analysis reasonable.
Before entering Etihad, United already had the upper hand.
Despite Chelsea winning their Premier League match against Southampton the day before, United still held a four-point lead with two games in hand, giving them confidence against City. Even if they lost, they would still be ahead of Chelsea by four points with one game less played.
But City couldn't afford to lose. The battle for the top four in the league was intense, with City competing closely against Arsenal and Liverpool. Any defeat could see them miss out on a top-four finish, something City simply couldn't accept.
In many ways, this was a must-win game for City.
Realizing this, United's players felt even more grateful for their recent hard work.
...
Mourinho, with his usual robotic, expressionless face, pointed out the team's first-half mistakes and gave some lackluster praise for their performance. But when he mentioned Bruno, a smile finally broke through. He expressed his satisfaction with Bruno's performance and hoped he would continue it in the second half.
"In the second half, we'll continue to focus on counter-attacks. If I'm not mistaken, City will try to stabilize the game and use their possession to create chances. We'll maintain our defensive posture and wait for opportunities to counter."
"Remember, we may be three goals ahead, but at Etihad, this lead is not safe. I need you all to stay fully committed and focused on the game."
At this point, Mourinho hesitated before continuing, "Guys, many of you might not remember, but in the 2011-2012 season, we suffered a humiliating 1:6 defeat to City at Old Trafford. It was one of the worst defeats for United in over a decade, a shameful memory for any player who experienced it."
...
As Mourinho spoke, his gritted teeth and passionate delivery made everyone feel his deep connection to United's legacy. Although he wasn't the manager during that defeat, his words conveyed a shared sense of humiliation.
If they hadn't dared to dream before, now they had every reason to aim higher.
Tonight was a golden opportunity.
With a three-goal lead at halftime, United had a rare chance to avenge that humiliating defeat from five years ago. This was a sentiment shared by Carrick, De Gea, and Valencia, who had all experienced that defeat, as well as the rest of the United players.
"I want us to repay City for that humiliation tonight!" Mourinho declared emphatically.
Bruno and his teammates felt the coach's desire, especially those who had lived through the 1:6 defeat. They were all fired up, ready to fight for their pride.
...
Meanwhile, they were unaware that the second half would unfold exactly as Mourinho predicted, with City attempting to control the game.
But no one expected that within five minutes of the second half, referee Martin Atkinson would issue a red card.
"City attack down the left. Sterling again on the left, combining with Sane."
"One-two, Sane passes diagonally to the edge of the box, looking for Sterling..."
"Maguire quickly steps in, intercepts, and passes to Carrick."
"United launch a swift counter-attack. Bruno and Gundogan are already sprinting forward at high speed."
"Carrick with a diagonal pass behind..."
"The referee blows his whistle, signaling a handball by Yaya Toure. The crowd boos, protesting the decision."
"Remember, Yaya Toure already has a yellow card from the first half. If this is deemed intentional handball, he'll get a second yellow and be sent off."
"City's players are visibly upset, surrounding Atkinson, trying to get him to change his decision."
"But that's highly unlikely, especially for a major decision like a red card. Changing it would undermine the referee's authority."
...
"Let's look at the slow-motion replay!"
"United's counter was lightning fast. If Carrick's pass had gone through, it would've been three-on-two with Bruno and Gundogan capable of creating real danger. Rashford was also in a great position."
"From another angle, it's clear—it was intentional handball. Yaya Toure, realizing he couldn't reach the ball, deliberately used his hand to block Carrick's pass."
"Atkinson separates the City players and shows Yaya Toure the yellow card, which turns into a red. Toure is sent off early in the second half, a disaster for City, already three goals down."
"Guardiola looks furious on the sidelines, whether at the referee's decision or Toure's reckless foul, it's hard to tell."
"While Toure's handball stopped United's counter-attack, it left City a man down for the remaining half-hour, killing their comeback hopes. Toure had taunted Bruno before the match, but today he failed to back up his words."
"Earlier this season, Toure was sidelined by Guardiola but fought his way back into the team. Yet, in such a crucial game, his mistake might cost him Guardiola's trust again."
"United now have the advantage in both score and numbers."
"The crowd is booing Atkinson's decision, but the replay shows it was the right call. Toure's handball was clear, and City must now play with ten men for the rest of the match."
(End of Chapter)
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