Chapter 668 The Strongest Opponent
What was imagined to be a powerful dialogue turned into a one-sided massacre, which was beyond everyone's expectations.
After a sigh, people can only say that Manchester United is too strong. Even a top team like Arsenal has no power to fight back against the crazy Manchester United.
Especially when Manchester United defeated another London team Fulham 16:4 at Old Trafford in the 1th round of the Premier League three days later, extending their unbeaten record to 56 games, the whole world realized that Manchester United could really tie or even break AC Liverpool's 25-year unbeaten record.
On December 12, Manchester United will face Hoffenheim at Old Trafford in the last Champions League group match of the season.
Because they would go to Anfield to challenge Liverpool in four days, and Manchester United had already secured first place in the group, Mourinho once again made large-scale rotations, almost playing with an all-substitute lineup.
However, this Manchester United B team did not disappoint the home fans. In what may be the last Champions League game at Old Trafford, they beat Hoffenheim 2:1 and remained unbeaten in the Champions League for 19 games.
Bruno contributed 1 shot and 1 assist in the game. In this season's Champions League, he has scored 7 goals and 5 assists.
However, people are not paying much attention to this game. On the one hand, it is because this game does not have much significance. On the other hand, it is because the upcoming game is too attractive to the whole world.
At 2018 pm local time on December 12, 16, the first Manchester derby of the new season will kick off at Anfield Stadium!
………………
This Premier League derby between the two teams can be regarded as the peak showdown between the two teams in history.
In the current Premier League standings, Manchester United has 14 wins and 2 draws, ranking first with 44 points; and closely following is the Red Army Liverpool. Klopp's team achieved 16 wins and 13 draws in the first 3 rounds of the Premier League, ranking second with a difference of 2 points.
These two teams are also the only two teams that remain unbeaten in the Premier League.
Guardiola's Manchester City had already lost at Stamford Bridge a week ago, being defeated 0-2 by Chelsea.
As a result, Guardiola's Manchester City currently has a record of 12 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss, 5 points behind the top Manchester United.
This is a crucial match for both teams, as it is not only a battle for the top spot in the Premier League standings, but also the final test for Manchester United to break AC Liverpool's unbeaten record.
Given Manchester United's current state, no matter whether it is Huddersfield and Bournemouth, Newcastle and Cardiff City, or even Tottenham and Brighton, it will be difficult to stop Manchester United's progress.
It can be said that as long as Manchester United can get past Liverpool, it is highly likely that they will create a new unbeaten record in the top five leagues.
Obviously, Liverpool does not want Manchester United to create such a great record. In addition, if they beat Manchester United, they can not only play the role of the hero who stops Manchester United, but also surpass Manchester United in the standings, which is conducive to their first Premier League title in team history. Naturally, they will go all out.
………………
On the eve of the Red Devils derby, Bruno was surrounded by reporters.
In the past, Bruno had often criticized Liverpool in front of the media, but this time he unexpectedly praised Liverpool highly.
"Liverpool are a great team and they are our biggest rival. This game will be very tough."
"I know, I know, I know about the Liverpool game and they are in fantastic form.
"Salah? I am good friends with him and we are in touch all the time. He is a phenomenal player and a threat."
……
Bruno's attitude won praise from the Liverpool media.
What a refined and kind gentleman!
………………
On the night before the Red Devils derby, Manchester United held their last tactical meeting.
"Salah! The Egyptian is the most dangerous one for Liverpool."
In this Liverpool team, Salah is the absolute core. It can be said that Klopp's offensive tactics revolve around Salah.
"As long as Salah is restricted, it is equivalent to cutting off Liverpool's attack."
"Bruno, Salah is fascinated by you." Mourinho suddenly said with a smile.
The slide projector showed a photo of the first time Salah and Bruno played for Udinese. Salah was looking at Bruno with the love that a woman shows when she looks at the man she loves.
The players looked at the photo, were stunned at first, and then burst into laughter.
Bruno blushed and said something like "I have normal sexual orientation" and "I like women", and the meeting room was filled with a happy atmosphere.
"And Henderson!" Mourinho named a Liverpool player again.
This Liverpool captain is a typical example of someone who gets better with age. He was once criticized by Ferguson for being useless and his performance on the field was also lackluster, but he grew against the trend and is now an indispensable captain and midfield core of Liverpool.
"Defend Salah tightly and pay attention to cutting off the connection between Henderson and Salah." Mourinho concluded, "By doing this, Liverpool's offensive energy will be suppressed to the lowest point!"
………………
December 12, Liverpool, Anfield Stadium, away team locker room.
After Mourinho explained the tactics of the game again and the issues that needed attention and left the locker room, Bruno, as the team captain, made the final mobilization before the game.
"In Liverpool, I heard that even though we have surpassed Liverpool in the number of Premier League titles, Manchester United is still not the best team in England. Because we have not completely surpassed Liverpool in the number of Premier League titles, and the number of Champions League titles is far less than them.
"You've all heard the talk that Liverpool have the Champions League DNA."
"I don't like that," Bruno said.
There was laughter in the locker room. They still remembered that you, the captain, had said something like that.
"Why are you laughing? That's a polite compliment." Bruno said with a deliberately stern face.
"I admit that our opponents today have a lot of glory. They are five-time Champions League champions. However, in my opinion, that is just the past tense. Historical honors mean nothing. Winning is achieved by kicking with both feet."
"The rise of any team will inevitably be accompanied by the decline of another team. Now that Manchester United is rising rapidly, Liverpool should die!"
"I like Liverpool as an opponent."
"This game is an opportunity to beat Liverpool and tell those Liverpool fans who are still living in the beautiful dreams of the past that their era is truly over!"
These words were quite encouraging and the Manchester United players screamed in surprise.
………………
When the players from both teams came out, the broadcasting on the Anfield Stadium site was announcing the names of the players from both teams. Every time the name of a Liverpool player was read out, there was a huge cheer from the audience.
When Manchester United's name was read out, it was naturally met with boos.
Especially when Bruno's name was mentioned, the boos were even more harsh.
Although Bruno said some good things about Liverpool before the game, Liverpool fans did not buy it.
As the captain of the sworn enemy Manchester United, he has embarrassed Liverpool many times in the past Red Devils derby. Just a few nice words cannot change the attitude of Liverpool fans towards him.
"Dear viewers, welcome to watch the 16th round of the Premier League, this is Liverpool's home game against Manchester United."
"Liverpool is second in the Premier League and Manchester United is at the top of the table. This game is also considered the most important match in the Premier League."
"Let's first take a look at the starting lineups of both teams."
"For Manchester United, the goalkeeper is David De Gea. The central defender combination is Maguire and Van Dijk. The left back is Luke Shaw, and the right back is Cancelo. The double defensive midfielders are Kante and Fred, and the attacking midfielder is Manchester United captain Bruno. The forward trident is still Harry Kane, Mbappe and Rashford."
"For Liverpool, the goalkeeper is Alisson. The central defenders are Lovren and Koulibaly. The right back is Clyne and the left back is young Robertson."
"It is worth noting that Liverpool captain Henderson did not appear in the starting lineup. Wijnaldum, Fabinho and Keita formed a three-man midfield. The forward line is still Salah, Firmino and Mane."
………………
"The Liverpool players are a bit cowardly," said Faria.
Previously, Liverpool's top management was very confident about winning when they were interviewed by the media, and they seemed to be ready to beat Manchester United at home.
However, it is obvious that Liverpool head coach Klopp is very wary of Manchester United and is very cautious.
The young defender Arnold, who is strong in attack but weak in defense, was placed on the bench and replaced by the more experienced Klein as the starting right back, and they were paired with three defensive midfielders in the midfield, which clearly showed that they were very wary of Manchester United's offensive ability.
Mourinho's eyes swept over Liverpool's three defensive midfielders, looking for a breakthrough.
Finally, Mourinho set his sights on Liverpool midfielder Fabinho.
The match between Manchester United and Liverpool is considered to be the most exciting and thrilling match in the Premier League this season.
Mourinho chose Fabinho's position as a breakthrough point. The Brazilian's foot speed is not too fast, and he is likely to make mistakes against the fast-paced league like the Premier League. Secondly, although he was born as a right-back, Fabinho's defensive movements and defensive habits are not good enough, and he can easily get a card.
Mbappe began to wreak havoc, constantly tearing apart the Brazilian's defense with his speed.
"Mbappe, beautiful!"
Bruno passed the ball between the players, Mbappe sprinted forward and passed Fabinho with the ball. The Brazilian turned around to chase him, but naturally couldn't catch up.
