Chapter 668: The Strongest Opponent
A match initially billed as a clash of titans turned into a one-sided slaughter, shocking everyone. After the dust settled, there was only one conclusion—Manchester United was just too powerful. Even a top-tier team like Arsenal was helpless against the rampaging Red Devils.
Just three days later, in the 16th round of the Premier League, United crushed another London team, Fulham, 4–1 at Old Trafford. This extended their unbeaten streak to 56 matches, prompting the world to believe that United could genuinely match—or even surpass—AC Milan's 58-game unbeaten record set 25 years ago.
On December 12, United played their final Champions League group-stage match of the season, hosting Hoffenheim at Old Trafford.
With an eye on their next critical fixture—an away match against Liverpool at Anfield in just four days—Mourinho made wholesale changes to the lineup, fielding a team composed almost entirely of reserves.
Despite this, United's second team didn't disappoint the home crowd. They secured a 2–1 victory, marking their 19th consecutive unbeaten game in the Champions League. Bruno Fernandes contributed one goal and one assist, bringing his tally in the tournament to 7 goals and 5 assists.
However, the significance of this match was overshadowed by the highly anticipated clash to come.
On December 16, 2018, at 4 PM local time, the first Red Derby of the season would kick off at Anfield.
The Pinnacle of Rivalries
This Premier League clash between Manchester United and Liverpool was heralded as one of the greatest showdowns in the history of their rivalry.
In the current standings, United topped the table with 14 wins, 2 draws, and 44 points. Close behind in second place was Klopp's Liverpool, with 13 wins, 3 draws, and 42 points.
Both teams were unbeaten so far, making them the only two sides in the league yet to taste defeat.
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City had lost 0–2 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge a week earlier, leaving City with a record of 12 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss, five points behind United.
This match had enormous implications. It wasn't just a battle for the top spot; it was the ultimate test for United as they pursued AC Milan's unbeaten record.
Given United's current form, teams like Huddersfield, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Cardiff, and even Spurs and Brighton were unlikely to stand in their way.
If United could overcome Liverpool, their path to creating a new unbeaten record in Europe's top five leagues seemed all but assured.
Liverpool, however, had every reason to thwart United. Victory would not only anoint them as the team that stopped United's historic run but also propel them to the top of the Premier League, bolstering their pursuit of a first-ever Premier League title.
Bruno's Diplomacy
In the lead-up to the match, Bruno Fernandes was surrounded by reporters.
In a surprising twist, Bruno, who had often used the media to antagonize Liverpool, was effusive in his praise this time.
"Liverpool is a great team. They're our strongest opponents, and this will be a very tough match," he said.
"Yes, I've seen Liverpool's games. They're in excellent form."
"Salah? He's a good friend of mine. We stay in touch often. He's a phenomenal player and incredibly dangerous."
Bruno's comments won him accolades from Liverpool's media outlets, who lauded him as a refined and courteous gentleman.
The Final Tactical Briefing
The night before the match, Mourinho convened the team for a final tactical meeting.
"Salah! The Egyptian is Liverpool's most dangerous player," Mourinho emphasized.
In Klopp's Liverpool, Salah was the undisputed centerpiece, with their entire attacking strategy built around him.
"If we can neutralize Salah, we'll effectively cut off Liverpool's attack," Mourinho declared.
He then added with a smirk, "Bruno, it seems Salah has a bit of a crush on you."
The room erupted in laughter as Mourinho projected an old photo of Bruno and Salah during their time at Udinese. Salah's gaze toward Bruno was exaggeratedly affectionate, akin to a lovesick admirer.
Red-faced, Bruno hastily clarified, "I like women, okay?"
When the laughter subsided, Mourinho turned to Liverpool's captain.
"Jordan Henderson is another critical player," he continued. "He's their midfield general, and cutting off his connection to Salah is key to disrupting their play."
Bruno's Rallying Cry
On match day, inside the visitor's dressing room at Anfield, Bruno delivered a final pep talk after Mourinho left.
"I've heard it said that, despite surpassing Liverpool in league titles, we're not yet England's greatest team," he began.
"They say it's because we haven't pulled far enough ahead in league titles or matched their Champions League haul. They talk about Liverpool's 'Champions League DNA.'"
He paused, smirking as his teammates chuckled, recalling similar comments Bruno had made in jest.
"Laugh all you want," he said, pretending to scold them. "That was just polite banter."
"Yes, Liverpool has won the Champions League five times. But that's history. Victory is earned on the pitch, not in the record books.
"Every team's rise signals another's fall. As Manchester United rises to new heights, Liverpool's time must end!"
The dressing room roared with approval.
"This is our chance to show them their glory days are over," Bruno concluded.
The Match Begins
As the players took to the pitch, the Anfield crowd was deafening. Every Liverpool player's name was met with thunderous cheers, while United's lineup was greeted with boos.
When Bruno's name was announced, the jeers intensified.
"Welcome to this Premier League Week 16 clash," the commentator began. "Liverpool hosts Manchester United in what promises to be the season's most thrilling encounter."
"Let's take a look at the lineups."
Manchester United:
Goalkeeper: David de GeaCenter-backs: Harry Maguire, Virgil van DijkFull-backs: Luke Shaw (left), João Cancelo (right)Midfield: N'Golo Kanté, Fred (defensive); Bruno Fernandes (attacking)Attack: Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Marcus Rashford
Liverpool:
Goalkeeper: Alisson BeckerCenter-backs: Dejan Lovren, Kalidou KoulibalyFull-backs: Nathaniel Clyne (right), Andy Robertson (left)Midfield: Georginio Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Naby KeïtaAttack: Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané
The Battle Begins
Liverpool's lineup hinted at caution, especially with Trent Alexander-Arnold benched in favor of the more defensive-minded Clyne. Klopp's decision to deploy a three-man midfield underscored his respect for United's attacking power.
"Liverpool's caution is clear," Mourinho murmured. His gaze settled on Fabinho.
"Fabinho will be our target," Mourinho announced. The Brazilian's lack of pace and defensive vulnerabilities made him an ideal weak spot.
As the match kicked off, Mbappé wasted no time exploiting Fabinho's zone. With Bruno threading precise passes, Mbappé's pace repeatedly left Fabinho in his wake.
"Mbappé—brilliant!"
The Frenchman surged forward, outpacing Fabinho with ease.
The battle had just begun.
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