Chapter 409: Using Their Tactics Against Them
When Manchester United's bus arrived at Old Trafford, the flashes from cameras created a dazzling light show. Reporters and fans lined the road, cheering for United.
As Mourinho led the players off the bus, the cheers grew louder. He was one of the biggest stars of the team.
Among the many United players who disembarked, the one who garnered the most media attention was their midfield maestro, Bruno.
Bruno didn't stop for interviews. Instead, he quickly made his way to the locker room, his face showing a serious expression. This was the Manchester Derby after all, and Bruno knew he needed to be focused.
For United's players, there was no time for jokes and laughter. The match was imminent, and Liverpool would be a tough opponent.
Old Trafford was packed an hour before the game started, and many fans were still outside holding signs asking for tickets. The prospect of watching the Derby in person was a dream for both United and Liverpool supporters.
As the players came out for warm-ups, the stands were adorned with team flags and various banners of support. The electric atmosphere pumped up the players, and they carried that energy back to the locker room.
...
"This is a war between us and Liverpool! It's a true battle of life and death!" Bruno shouted to his teammates in the locker room. Mourinho had finished his speech, leaving some time for the players to motivate themselves.
Bruno was rallying the team, pushing them to get into the match mindset early. Facing Liverpool, it was crucial to be ready from the first whistle. Klopp's Liverpool was a fast-paced team, not just in their dribbling and attacking but also in getting into the game's rhythm.
To avoid conceding early or being overwhelmed, United needed to match Liverpool's pace right from the start. Fortunately, United was good at starting strong, often scoring early goals, indicating they could get into the game quickly.
But could they be faster than Liverpool?
"We beat them badly at their home last time. There's no reason we can't do even better at our own home. Everyone must play with a winning mentality! We need to show them our football!"
In Liverpool's locker room, Klopp was also giving his team a pep talk: "I'll remind you again how important this match is. It's not just a battle for the season but a battle for pride and revenge! We suffered one of our worst defeats in recent years at home, and I don't want that to happen again today."
He scanned the room, reading his players' expressions. Seeing they were ready, he signaled them to head out.
"Remember, we are Liverpool. Against Manchester United, Liverpool never plays for a draw!"
...
When the players emerged from the tunnel, Old Trafford erupted in cheers. The long-awaited moment had finally arrived!
"The players are on the field! Klopp has made significant changes to the starting lineup, even leaving midfield star Coutinho on the bench. Many thought he was saving Coutinho for this Derby after not starting him in the League Cup semifinal, but even today, Coutinho isn't starting. This is quite surprising. For United, this must be good news!"
Benching Coutinho was indeed unexpected, leading some to speculate Klopp was aiming for a defensive approach, hoping for a draw at best. But knowing Klopp's pride, he wouldn't hold back, making this match as intense as Bruno predicted.
...
The match began at a breakneck pace, with both teams playing fast and aggressive football. From the first minute, it was clear this would be an exciting encounter.
In the first minute, Bruno orchestrated an attack, quickly bringing the ball into Liverpool's territory. Ibrahimovic's shot from outside the box narrowly missed, brushing the post, leaving United fans gasping.
"Wow! From that shot, it's clear United is in great form! Only a minute in and they already have a threatening shot!"
Mourinho's strategy for this game was high pressing and using physical fouls or robust defensive actions to disrupt Liverpool's play. He deployed Kante, Gundogan, and Herrera in midfield, all known for their stamina and defensive skills, aiming to shut down Liverpool's midfield.
United's players executed this strategy faithfully. From the moment Liverpool had the ball, United players swarmed them.
Even in the defensive half, Bruno and Lingard pressed relentlessly.
Liverpool's players seemed to be playing keep-away, but every pass was a nail-biter for their fans, fearing a costly mistake.
...
United's high pressing strategy indeed troubled Liverpool. This tactic, originally Klopp's specialty, was being used effectively against his team.
Under United's intense pressure, Liverpool had to speed up their passing.
Several times, when Firmino or other forwards dropped back to receive the ball, Bruno and Kante were there to challenge them, preventing them from turning and forcing them to pass back.
Liverpool's vaunted quick attack was stifled.
Eventually, Liverpool resorted to long balls from the back, hoping their forwards could break the deadlock with individual brilliance.
This approach had some effect, as bypassing midfield meant Kante, Herrera, and Gundogan had to drop back to defend like center-backs.
But Klopp's Liverpool wasn't built for long-ball tactics. Only Origi was a significant aerial threat, while Firmino and Lallana struggled with headers.
After realizing the long-ball strategy wasn't working, Liverpool reverted to their usual play.
Seeing Liverpool's attack stymied by their pressing, United pushed for a goal, creating several chances. However, their forwards couldn't convert them.
...
United played a 4-3-3 formation with De Gea in goal, Valencia, Maguire, Van Dijk, and Darmian forming the backline, and a midfield trio of Herrera, Kante, and Gundogan. Bruno moved up to the forward line alongside Lingard and Ibrahimovic.
Once the match started, United's formation shifted to a 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree, with Ibrahimovic as the lone striker, supported by Bruno and Lingard, while Herrera, Kante, and Gundogan provided defensive cover.
When Bruno received the ball in midfield, Wijnaldum immediately challenged him.
Bruno knew Wijnaldum's strengths—explosive physicality, flexibility, technique, dribbling, and speed. Wijnaldum was also a strong scorer, especially with his long shots from outside the box.
Aware of Wijnaldum's abilities, Bruno quickly passed the ball and moved.
Wijnaldum didn't give up, continuing to follow him.
Realizing he couldn't avoid Wijnaldum forever, Bruno decided to take him on directly.
When Wijnaldum tried to steal the ball, Bruno shielded it with his body, turning and using his strength to keep Wijnaldum at bay. Wijnaldum could only harass him from behind.
Bruno balanced himself, keeping an eye on the field while sensing Wijnaldum's movements. When Wijnaldum tried to get around him, Bruno anticipated it and spun around, keeping the ball and Wijnaldum behind him.
Bruno then dribbled sideways, avoiding Wijnaldum's renewed attempts to challenge him, and sent a long diagonal pass to Lingard on the right.
After half a season together, Lingard and Bruno had developed a good understanding. Seeing Bruno move horizontally, Lingard ran wide, receiving the pass.
...
With the ball, Lingard faced left-back Milner.
Milner was known for his tireless running and versatility, able to play as a winger, central midfielder, or full-back. Despite improving defensively under Klopp, he still wasn't at an elite level.
Against Milner, fancy footwork was futile due to his experience and tenacity. But as a 31-year-old, his speed had declined. To beat Milner, it was best to rely on pace and direct runs rather than tricks.
Lingard, not the fastest but quick enough, decided to use his speed against Milner.
Receiving Bruno's pass, Lingard burst past Milner and crossed the ball, but Klavan cleared it.
Klavan's clearance fell to Bruno outside the box.
Without hesitation, Bruno adjusted the ball and unleashed a long-range shot!
The ball flew towards the goal, but Mignolet made a brilliant save, tipping it over for a corner!
"United wins a corner! Bruno's shot was fantastic, and Mignolet's save was equally impressive! United has been constantly threatening Liverpool's goal in these opening minutes!"
As Herrera set up for the corner, United's players took their positions.
Maguire and Van Dijk, United's aerial threats, moved up for the corner, while Bruno stayed at the edge of the box, ready to charge in.
Liverpool's players, except for Lallana who stayed outside the box, crowded the area to defend.
(End of the chapter)
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