Chapter 520: Confidence
Seeing Manchester City's starting lineup, Mourinho said to his assistant Faria, "Rui, we have a better chance of winning this match."
Faria looked at Mourinho in surprise. The match had just started, and the opponent was the formidable Manchester City. Wasn't Mourinho being overly confident?
Meanwhile, on the visitors' bench, Guardiola smiled confidently and said to his assistant, Mikel Arteta, "Good, everything is under control."
Manchester United had practiced specific tactical drills for different possible City lineups. When the players saw Fernandinho starting as a lone defensive midfielder, they knew what to do.
According to Mourinho's plan, United's response was straightforward: concentrate all their attacking efforts on exploiting Fernandinho's position.
This didn't mean Fernandinho wasn't strong; he was a formidable player. However, in this City lineup, the Brazilian as a lone defensive midfielder was identified by Mourinho as a point of vulnerability.
The match had been underway for more than ten minutes, and so far, Mourinho's strategy was working. From the start, United had launched attacks focused on Fernandinho, applying constant pressure in midfield.
City seemed unprepared for this. They hadn't expected United to play so aggressively and proactively. This lack of preparation left Fernandinho exposed, with David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne forced to assist him, causing City's midfield to struggle defensively and unable to support their forwards.
This was Guardiola's second season in charge of Manchester City. After a disappointing trophyless campaign last season, City's management had invested heavily in new signings, hoping for better results. Despite nearly dropping points in their opening match against newly promoted Brighton and a draw with Everton in the second round, City then found their rhythm. They won 13 consecutive league matches, showcasing their attacking prowess with big wins against teams like Liverpool and Stoke City.
These victories boosted City's confidence, especially Guardiola's belief that teams playing attacking football against City would suffer.
So when United came out attacking and playing aggressively, Guardiola was initially surprised. He had expected a more conservative approach. Seeing United's aggressive start, he felt confident, thinking United's boldness would lead to their downfall.
Even though United's pressure on Fernandinho was causing issues, Guardiola remained confident. He believed that once City weathered this storm, they would teach United a lesson.
However, Guardiola overlooked a crucial point: his lack of direct experience with this revamped United team. Despite watching numerous match recordings, seeing United's new signings and tactical changes up close was different.
Mourinho's United had also made significant signings, essentially overhauling half the squad. Guardiola didn't have a complete understanding of this new United.
Facing United's relentless attacks, City began to struggle. Fernandinho, as the lone defensive midfielder, found himself overwhelmed. This forced David Silva and De Bruyne to drop back, making City's midfield extremely passive.
Mourinho, observing from the sidelines, clenched and unclenched his fists. He felt tense, knowing that only a goal would ease his anxiety.
"Turnover!"
Fernandinho, under pressure from Bruno, passed to De Bruyne. However, Gündoğan anticipated this and intercepted the ball. Kante then took control and quickly passed to Bruno.
"Well done!" Mourinho clapped from the sidelines, pleased with his players' coordination.
Bruno adjusted the ball, surveyed the field, and executed a direct pass.
"Bruno's through ball! Mbappe! Speed! Speed! Speed! So fast! He passes wide, Luke Shaw crosses! Otamendi tries to clear... he misses... Harry Kane—GOOOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!"
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLL!!!!!! Harry Kane! He scores! 1-0! United lead City 1-0, goal by Harry Kane!"
As the commentators shouted, Old Trafford erupted in cheers. Kane, with arms outstretched, ran towards the corner flag, followed by ecstatic United players.
United took the lead, and Guardiola frowned. The goal displeased him, though he acknowledged its brilliance. From Bruno's pressing to Gündoğan's interception, then the swift counterattack—City's defense struggled to cope.
"Fernandinho as the lone defensive midfielder faces immense pressure," Arteta noted.
"I know," Guardiola nodded. He understood the risks but believed in his team's offensive capabilities. He intended to win through attacking football, not defense.
Arteta realized Guardiola's strategy: outscore United through relentless attacks.
However, City's second goal concession came sooner than expected.
In the 31st minute, Bruno's long pass found Rashford, who feigned a shot to trick Otamendi before passing to Kane. Kane's initial shot was blocked by Ederson, but Bruno pounced on the rebound, slotting it home.
"GOOOOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL!!!!!!"
"Bruno! 2-0! United lead City by two goals," Andy Gray shouted. "This is incredible! City seem unable to handle United's onslaught, and their stars are failing to threaten United's goal."
Gray was right. City's forwards, including Sterling, Sané, and Jesus, struggled without midfield support. Frustrated, they often had to drop deep to collect the ball, but faced strong United defense.
As United celebrated, Sterling stood hands on hips, staring at the grass. Nearby, Sané spat on the ground in frustration, and Jesus shook his head.
City's attacking trio felt stifled and ineffective. With Silva and De Bruyne preoccupied with defensive duties, they received little support.
Mourinho's tactical plan was working perfectly, and United's confidence grew with each passing minute.
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