Chapter 539: A Different Bruno
Bruno had no objections. He thought it over and realized this was the only way. As the core of Manchester United, he was well-known and thoroughly studied by opponents.
"We need to pass quickly, move quickly, and make our wingers more active. If Tottenham can push their full-backs forward to assist, why can't we? By attacking from the wings, we can force Tottenham's midfield to cover the flanks more, which will ease the pressure in the middle."
Mourinho was scribbling on the tactics board, explaining the changes for the second half to every player, ensuring they knew what to do when the game resumed. When he finished speaking, there were only three minutes left before the second half started.
"Looks like I talked a bit too much, but I hope you remember every word I said," Mourinho told the players. "We're trailing, and if we want to win, we need to give our all in the next 45 minutes. I don't want to see a repeat of our reaction after conceding in the first half."
As he spoke, he glanced at Van Dijk and Luke Shaw, who both lowered their heads.
...
When the second half began, Tottenham quickly noticed the changes in United—they weren't the same as in the first half. Previously, United players would always pass to Bruno to organize attacks or control the tempo. This made Tottenham's defense easy; they just needed to tightly mark Bruno and apply pressure, stifling United's attack, which allowed them to dominate for 45 minutes and score.
However, in the second half, United adjusted their tactics, reducing Bruno's central role. They began emphasizing wing play. United always had full-backs who were good at assisting and wingers who were fast and skillful. Why not use them?
With Bruno, United often played a meticulous style, with frequent passing, movement, and impressive combinations. In the past two seasons, United's style was regarded as the most attractive in the Premier League, surpassing even Guardiola's Manchester City and other strong teams like Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham.
United's goals typically involved many passes, which initially dazzled but eventually led to aesthetic fatigue. The process was so complex that opponents could find ways to counter it. Regardless of their strategy, United's attacks always went through Bruno, who decided whether to pass or shoot.
When opponents focused on Bruno, United's threat diminished, although Bruno's individual brilliance often meant they couldn't fully neutralize him. Over six years of systematic training, Bruno had honed his skills to perfection, making every move instinctive.
In the first half, Tottenham succeeded in neutralizing Bruno, possibly due to his off day or Tottenham's exceptional form. Mourinho's adjustment targeted this:
"You think United's attacks must go through Bruno, so you mark him tightly, right? Well, I'll make Bruno less pivotal in our attacks. You're guarding a mere decoy."
...
Though Bruno didn't organize attacks as much, he directed the team with gestures and shouts. Tottenham could mark his body but not his mind.
"Pass to Mbappe!" "Direct pass to the gap ahead!" "Pass back! No options ahead!" "Good, good… long pass to the right, there's space!" "Pass to me, hard! Good…"
When the ball did come to him, Bruno let it go between his legs, fooling the Spurs players who tried to intercept. Thus, Bruno was more like an on-field coach, waving his arms and shouting.
Tottenham couldn't adapt quickly, and United seized the opportunity. Eleven minutes into the second half, United launched an attack. De Gea booted the ball forward. Bruno, outjumping Mousa Dembele, headed the ball to Kante, then directed him to pass to the advancing Luke Shaw.
Shaw advanced, drawing defenders, then made a sharp pass. Rashford received it, dribbled to the baseline, and crossed. In the middle, Harry Kane and Vertonghen contested the header, but neither connected, and the ball flew to the far post.
Valencia was there, ready for the volley.
...
"Valencia! A thunderous volley!"
The ball rocketed into the near corner. Lloris got a fingertip to it but couldn't stop it…
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLL!" the commentator roared. "United equalize! Antonio Valencia! The Ecuadorian blasts it past Lloris! Wow! Brilliant! Simply brilliant!"
"Valencia's goal reminds Spurs that they're up against the reigning champions!"
Valencia, ecstatic, tore off his shirt and threw it into the stands, creating a ripple of excitement. His teammates swarmed him, slapping his back and shouting:
"Great job, Antonio!" "What a goal! A world-class strike!" "I thought the attack was over, but there you were… haha!" "Did you see Lloris's face? He couldn't believe it!"
Valencia, amid the celebration, declared, "Isn't this expected? We're here to defend our title!"
"Exactly! Defend our title!"
...
Valencia received a yellow card for his celebration but didn't care. He faced the stands, waving to the United fans, feeling the yellow card was a small price for such a crucial goal.
With the score tied, United's morale soared. Following Tottenham's restart, United launched another fierce attack. Before the kick-off, Bruno had told them, "We need more goals—1-1 isn't enough. 2-1 isn't safe. Let's aim for 3-1, 4-1!"
...
Tottenham, seeking to regain the lead, were quickly repelled by United's renewed aggression. Bruno continued to play a less central role, letting the ball bypass him and directing attacks vocally. However, if Spurs loosened their grip on him, he would call for the ball and make decisive, dangerous passes.
Spurs struggled against United's new approach. Mousa Dembele, tasked with marking Bruno, found himself idle and unable to assist in defending the frequent gaps that appeared. Moving up would mean leaving Bruno free to organize attacks, creating a dilemma.
Tottenham's coach Pochettino had two choices: solidify the defense and settle for a draw or press for a win.
After some thought, Pochettino chose to attack. If they could beat United, why not go for it? Moreover, the 1-1 scoreline wasn't secure enough.
Pochettino stood up, went to the sideline, and whistled to signal his players to push forward.
However, to attack effectively, they needed a key player to lead the charge, much like a train needing a powerful engine to start moving. Among his players, Eriksen was tightly marked by Kante, and Dembele was occupied with Bruno. The usual reliable players seemed less effective today…
Looking around, Pochettino decided on Alli.
Using cupped hands to amplify his voice, Pochettino shouted, "Alli! Alli!"
Alli looked over.
"Take the ball more, make more runs!" Pochettino gestured.
Alli nodded, understanding. This was exactly what he wanted.
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