Chapter 663: A Dominating Force
After the 12th round of the Premier League, the football world entered its final international break of 2018. Bruno Fernandes once again joined the Portuguese national team as captain.
During this international window, Portugal played two UEFA Nations League group matches, the last of the group stage.
Portugal's Progress
On November 17, Portugal traveled to Italy, where they played out a hard-fought 0-0 draw. This result secured Portugal's top spot in the group with a game to spare, while Italy was locked into second place.
Three days later, Portugal hosted Poland for their final group match.
With group positions already decided, coach Fernando Santos rested Bruno Fernandes, allowing him to return early to Manchester to prepare for upcoming league fixtures.
Despite missing both Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno, Portugal showed resilience. After conceding first and going down to ten men, André Silva equalized, earning Portugal a 2-2 draw and completing the group stage unbeaten (2 wins, 2 draws).
Portugal's group victory secured them a spot in the UEFA Nations League semifinals alongside the Netherlands, Switzerland, and England. These four teams also secured direct qualification for the 2020 European Championship.
Meanwhile, Germany, Iceland, Poland, and Croatia were relegated from League A to League B, while Ukraine, Sweden, Bosnia, and Denmark were promoted to League A.
Back to the Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Match: Premier League Round 13 – Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace
As the referee's whistle blew, the match began with Manchester United kicking off.
Harry Kane passed to Bruno Fernandes, who spun around and played the ball back to Kante. The ball quickly went to Maguire in defense, who spotted Bruno making a forward run.
Under light pressure from Crystal Palace's front line, Maguire launched a long ball forward.
Bruno, constantly scanning the field, quickly adjusted to the ball's trajectory. Timing his run perfectly, he positioned himself to control the pass. With a deft touch, the ball seemed glued to his feet.
A Palace defender moved in to challenge him, but Bruno feinted left before turning right, leaving the defender behind. With a burst of speed, he surged forward, breaking free from the opposition.
Bruno Shines
Bruno sprinted forward with the ball, drawing the attention of Crystal Palace's defenders. Two center-backs approached him nervously. Bruno's sudden acceleration disrupted their defensive shape, and he smoothly sidestepped a tackle.
Now at the edge of the box, Bruno saw Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey charging out. Without hesitation, he unleashed a powerful shot.
The ball rocketed into the net. 1-0!
Bruno, knowing it was in the moment he struck it, turned and sprinted toward the sidelines, arms wide open. Old Trafford erupted with chants of his name as his teammates mobbed him in celebration.
"GOAL! Just one minute in, Bruno Fernandes has put Manchester United ahead. What a start!"
"Bruno dribbled past three defenders with ease, showcasing his incredible skill."
"He's a cut above the rest—this is why he's the reigning FIFA Best Player!"
Crystal Palace Overwhelmed
With their confidence soaring, United pressed forward relentlessly. Kante and Herrera provided defensive stability, while Maguire and Van Dijk initiated attacks with precise passing. Bruno orchestrated the midfield, linking up seamlessly with Rashford, Mbappé, and Kane.
Palace, still reeling from the early goal, retreated into a defensive shell, struggling to regain composure.
In the 16th minute, United struck again.
Mbappé cut in from the right and delivered a low pass to Bruno inside the box. Bruno controlled the ball, outwitted a defender, and fired a shot past the helpless goalkeeper. 2-0!
"Bruno scores again! A brace in just 16 minutes!"
"Crystal Palace's defense has no answer for him."
Total Domination
United maintained complete control, creating chance after chance. In the 38th minute, a midfield interception sparked another counterattack. Bruno received the ball on the left, evaded Aaron Wan-Bissaka with ease, and crossed it to Harry Kane.
Kane, unmarked, calmly finished to make it 3-0 before halftime.
"Wan-Bissaka, despite his defensive prowess, was no match for Bruno's movement and vision."
"Manchester United fans are loving every second of this dominant display!"
In the second half, United shifted focus to game management, holding possession while Palace struggled to threaten. The match ended 3-0, extending United's unbeaten league run to 53 matches.
Bruno's Masterclass
Bruno Fernandes was named Man of the Match after two goals and one assist in just 65 minutes of play. His performance once again captured global attention.
The Times hailed him as "unstoppable," praising his hunger and relentless pursuit of excellence even after winning individual honors.
Palace manager Roy Hodgson admitted:
"Bruno is on a completely different level. We tried everything to stop him but failed."
Critics also noted how Bruno repeatedly exposed Wan-Bissaka's defensive weaknesses, turning a celebrated right-back into a mere spectator.
A Class Above
Football analysts marveled at Bruno's dominance, calling it a "dimensional reduction attack."
"Bruno's control and creativity are unmatched in the Premier League. His brilliance elevates Manchester United's entire game."
While Bruno rested in the second half, Palace launched a few counterattacks, exposing United's defensive vulnerabilities. It underscored Bruno's pivotal role as both a creator and stabilizer for the team.
With this victory, Manchester United marched forward, their sights set on breaking even more records.
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