Chapter 416: Liverpool's Frenzied Counterattack
"Ah, what an incredible goal! In the 71st minute, Manchester United capitalized on a midfield interception, launched a swift counterattack, and Rooney finished it off!"
"This is the first time in this match that Manchester United has taken the lead! And it's against a team like Liverpool! Klopp's Liverpool!"
"Rooney! Rooney! This is his fifth goal in the Premier League this season! Since his debut at Everton in 2002, this is the season he has scored the fewest goals. This season, the Manchester United captain has gradually lost his starting position, appearing in only 13 of the first 21 league games, starting just eight times! Although Rooney's goals have been few, they've been crucial. For example, in the first Manchester derby of the season, he scored a goal to help United beat their city rivals 3-2. And now, in the second leg of the Red Derby, he's scored again to give his team the lead."
"But even more critical was Bruno's brilliant performance leading up to the goal! He completely drew Liverpool's defenders towards him, fooling everyone with a superb pass!"
"When Jordan Henderson lost the ball, he had no support around him. Maybe Henderson and his teammates didn't expect Bruno to be so fast, appearing next to him so suddenly. This was a duel between two midfield maestros, and Bruno won!"
"Fantastic! Fantastic! Ninety percent of the credit for this goal goes to Bruno! If it weren't for his interception and initiating the attack, if it weren't for his series of passes with Ibrahimovic that drew the attention of Liverpool's players, Rooney wouldn't have had such an easy scoring opportunity."
"I recall Di Natale once saying, 'As Bruno's teammate, scoring is an easy task. He always considers your needs and delivers the ball perfectly to your feet. All you need to do is put the ball in the net, whether with your head or foot.' Rooney's goal perfectly illustrates Di Natale's point!"
...
Bruno raised his arms to celebrate, just as Rooney rushed towards him and leapt into his arms. Bruno quickly caught him. Ibrahimovic also ran over.
Behind Liverpool's goal was the stand where Manchester United's most die-hard fans gathered. When Rooney scored, they all jumped up, raising their arms in celebration.
"Long live Manchester United! Long live United!"
Old Trafford turned into a sea of joy. Cheers first erupted from behind the goal and quickly spread throughout the stadium. The stands were filled with fans waving their arms and celebrating.
On the sidelines, Mourinho couldn't contain his excitement. He ran onto the pitch and did a lap before returning, where he was embraced by assistant coach Faria and other members of the coaching staff.
"We're in the lead! We're ahead of them!"
United's substitute players and coaches cheered loudly.
Although the match wasn't over, at that moment, it felt like they had already won.
Their joy was understandable. They were in a favorable position by leading Liverpool and for the first time in the match.
Liverpool had scored first. United equalized and now had finally taken the lead. This boosted their confidence, making them ecstatic.
...
Klopp didn't throw anything this time. He spread his hands and complained to his assistants, "This goal is just too..."
He didn't know what to say. He was just extremely frustrated, as Bruno seemed to be his nemesis.
Mignolet picked himself up and angrily kicked the ball away. Other Liverpool players shook their heads in frustration.
In the first Red Derby of the season, they had lost badly to United at home. If they lost again today, it would mean being defeated by United twice in one season and falling 17 points behind them in the title race, effectively ending their championship hopes.
So this match was crucial!
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson shouted at his teammates to quickly bring the ball over for the restart.
He hadn't been this anxious when the match was tied. There was still plenty of time then. But now, with only 19 minutes left excluding stoppage time, they needed to score at least once. They had to act fast.
Coutinho was also eager.
United's celebration lasted a bit too long, prompting Liverpool players to urge the referee to intervene.
The referee stepped in and separated the celebrating United players, indicating they should return to their positions to avoid receiving yellow cards for time-wasting.
United players, not wanting to risk yellow cards, quickly returned to their positions. Liverpool players had already placed the ball in the center circle, ready to restart the match.
...
The referee blew the whistle, and the match resumed.
United continued with their 2-1 lead. If they could maintain this scoreline for the remaining twenty minutes, they would secure the win.
Klopp stood on the sideline, calling out to Henderson and Coutinho. In his view, these two were key to turning the tide. Mane had been thoroughly studied and marked. Apart from his first-half goal, his performance had been lackluster. His dribbling and passing were good, but his shots lacked luck. Henderson and Coutinho, on the other hand, might still have opportunities.
Though a loss wouldn't drop Liverpool out of the top four, they weren't a team satisfied with just a Champions League spot. Losing the Red Derby would be a huge blow to their morale, so this match was vital!
Sturridge's introduction added more vigor to Liverpool's attack. His dribbling and breakthroughs were sharp, forcing United to focus more on defense and dampening their newfound enthusiasm.
But United didn't mind. They were leading, not Liverpool.
United fans continued singing, cheering their team on. Defeating Liverpool at home was worth celebrating for a week. For any United fan, beating Liverpool felt like Christmas!
"Come on, United!"
"Go, United!"
...
Despite the fans' wishes for United to keep attacking, the reality was that Liverpool had taken control. United faced significant defensive pressure, with Bruno dropping back to join Kanté and Gundogan in a three-man midfield.
Bruno took it upon himself to mark Mane in defense.
After executing their plan, Kanté returned to his original position to mark Coutinho, while Bruno remained flexible, repeatedly challenging Mane defensively.
Although defending, United's counterattacks were sharp, forcing Liverpool to leave players back. Whenever Bruno had a chance in defense, he would send long passes to Ibrahimovic, relying on his ability to create opportunities. Hence, Ibrahimovic stayed forward.
Being one forward short didn't matter, as Bruno's work rate made up for it. Even at 35, Ibrahimovic couldn't single-handedly carry the ball all the way anymore.
Commentators noted, "If these were a few years ago, Ibrahimovic would have scored a hat-trick by now..."
...
Sturridge's introduction stretched United's defense. The agile forward's dribbling and running were challenging for United's left-back Darmian.
Noticing this, Bruno decided to assist Darmian instead of marking Mane.
When Sturridge used a feint to bypass Darmian and cut inside, Bruno arrived just in time, making a forceful clearance that nearly hit Sturridge's chin with his knee.
Startled, Sturridge leapt to avoid the impact and immediately complained to the referee.
The referee awarded Liverpool a free kick and verbally warned Bruno.
Bruno nodded in acknowledgment but paid little mind to the warning. His focus remained on Sturridge, ensuring the forward felt the pressure.
Sturridge indeed felt it. He sensed someone watching him and, upon turning, saw it was Bruno.
Seeing Bruno reminded Sturridge of the near collision, causing a twinge of pain under his chin.
This was precisely Bruno's goal. As Kanté mentioned to Mourinho, the aim wasn't necessarily to steal the ball but to make the opponent constantly fear it. Applying psychological pressure on the newly energetic Sturridge was sufficient.
Next time they clashed, Bruno's presence alone would cause Sturridge to hesitate, achieving Bruno's objective.
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