Chapter 345: Streets Are Empty

Chapter 345: Streets Are Empty

Manchester United's €200 million signing of Bruno has thrilled Manchester United fans worldwide. Since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, the club has been in decline.

Under Moyes in the 2013-2014 season, United achieved their worst Premier League finish, ending seventh and missing out on even a Europa League spot. During Van Gaal's era, United finished fourth and fifth, also marking their worst league positions in the Premier League era. Under Ferguson, United had consistently finished in the top three for 21 years straight.

In these three years, United only won two trophies: the FA Cup last season and the Community Shield when Moyes first took over. These lackluster results starkly contrast with the Ferguson era, which saw United win the Premier League 13 times, the FA Cup four times, the League Cup three times, the Champions League twice, and once each in the Club World Cup and its predecessor, the Intercontinental Cup. United also secured ten Community Shields, totaling 34 trophies.

These poor results have left United longing for their former glory and eager to return to the top. Bruno's stellar performances at Udinese convinced United fans worldwide that he is the man to lead them back to greatness.

When it was announced that Bruno would appear at a fan event at Old Trafford on August 8th, not only did local fans rush to Manchester, but fans from all over the world also flew in. This included famous United supporter and world sprint king Usain Bolt, who immediately tweeted his excitement and announced that he would attend Bruno's fan event.

On the morning of August 8th, Bruno boarded Mendes' private jet from Porto to Manchester. Bruno and Vanessa had already ordered a Gulfstream G650 private jet from the renowned manufacturer Gulfstream Aerospace. This is the world's most luxurious private jet, capable of near-supersonic speeds and a range of nearly 13,000 kilometers, allowing it to reach almost any city globally. The G650's cabin can comfortably accommodate 19 passengers, offering various layouts, including a four-person conference table and additional seating for six people to dine or hold meetings. The cost of the jet exceeds $60 million, but it won't be delivered for another two years.

At noon GMT on August 8th, Bruno, accompanied by Mendes, walked out of Manchester International Airport. Hundreds of media reporters from around the world and thousands of Manchester United fans were there to greet him, along with travelers passing through the airport. Everyone cheered for Bruno's arrival, as if a king had descended upon Manchester.

Bruno did not interact with the fans or media at the airport. Instead, he was quickly escorted to a car by Manchester United staff and taken directly to Carrington Training Complex for his medical examination. Steve McNally, the head of United's medical team, had everything ready for Bruno's thorough medical check-up.

Manchester International Airport is only about ten kilometers from Carrington Training Complex, and Bruno's group arrived quickly. The medical tests were conducted promptly, including blood tests, urine tests, ECGs, and ultrasounds. Unlike Higuaín's infamous lost medical at Arsenal three years prior, Bruno swiftly completed his medical and, accompanied by Steve McNally, exited the medical room. He then reappeared in front of the media and fans waiting outside Carrington Training Complex, before heading to Old Trafford.

"Bruno is in excellent physical condition," Steve McNally announced to the media. "It's clear that he has continued to train daily even during his vacation. He's obviously very excited for the new season!"

Upon arriving at Old Trafford, Bruno saw that the area was already packed with fans wearing United's traditional red jerseys. The crowd surrounded the stadium like a tide, affecting traffic on nearby main roads. Sitting in the car, Bruno was amazed by the fans' enthusiasm, but there was more to come.

"What you see now is just the beginning," the reception staff proudly said. This elderly lady, a 75-year-old with a unique role, was the front desk receptionist.

She had worked for Manchester United since the Busby era, starting as a receptionist in 1968. She had seen the tenures of managers like Busby, Ferguson, and Van Gaal and countless stars entering United's training ground. Regardless of changes in the training base location or the club's management, her position remained unchanged. It was said that any player joining United only officially became a United player after receiving her welcoming hug.

When Bruno first arrived at Carrington Training Complex, he was greeted with a hug from this kind lady, who had specially requested to serve him throughout his visit. This treatment was unique among recent United signings.

Noticing Bruno's curiosity, the receptionist explained, "The fan event is free, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The club started counting down to your debut three days ago, with constant coverage on MUTV and other UK channels, which has heightened the fans' emotions. According to stadium security, some fans have been trying to get in since last night."

Bruno was stunned, thinking this might be a bit exaggerated. "Doesn't Old Trafford have 76,000 seats?" he asked.

"Yes, but everyone wants to be in the front rows because there will be some interactions. Even though there are still a few hours until the debut, the front rows have long been filled. It's estimated that over 10,000 fans are already inside, and more are coming."

Bruno was left speechless, having underestimated the passion of United fans. He had worried about turnout since the event was on a weekday evening, but it seemed he had greatly underestimated their enthusiasm.

After entering Old Trafford through an internal passage, Bruno was greeted by United's new CEO, Cristiano Giaretta. The two were old acquaintances from Bruno's time at Novara and later at Udinese. Reuniting at United, they warmly exchanged pleasantries.

Giaretta took Bruno to his office, expressing United and Old Trafford's warm welcome and handing Bruno the itinerary for the debut event. He also provided a detailed introduction to Old Trafford.

Shortly after, United legend Paul Scholes joined them. Following Jassim's takeover, Scholes had been appointed United's technical director, reportedly recommended by Ferguson and favored by Jassim himself.

Giaretta and Scholes were key figures in Jassim's plan to revive United, and both understood Bruno's significance in this strategy. Bruno, now one of the world's top three superstars alongside Messi and Ronaldo, was to be the centerpiece of United's revival. At United, he was to be cherished and protected.

This was Bruno's first meeting with Scholes. Bruno admired Scholes' professionalism and low-key demeanor. Despite a highly successful career, Scholes had avoided scandals and focused solely on football, a quality Bruno aspired to emulate. Scholes, in turn, highly praised Bruno, even suggesting that Bruno's achievements had already surpassed his own, much to Bruno's humble surprise.

During dinner at the Red Café within Old Trafford, Bruno met several United higher-ups and club legends, including honorary president Sir Bobby Charlton and global ambassador Denis Law. It was Bruno's first meeting with them, and he left a positive impression with his humble and friendly demeanor. Though not talkative, he was enthusiastic when discussing football, aligning perfectly with his public image.

The dinner was enjoyable for everyone, and by 7 PM, Old Trafford was already packed with fans eagerly awaiting the evening's main event. Bruno, accompanied by Giaretta, Scholes, and Sir Bobby Charlton, went to Jassim's office. In the presence of United executives and legends, Bruno signed a five-year contract with Manchester United.

"Thank you for joining us, my friend," Jassim said, shaking Bruno's hand and embracing him warmly. "On behalf of Manchester United, I thank you for your decision. It's a wise choice, for here, you will become a great star. Tonight, you will feel the love of United fans at Old Trafford."

"Thank you, Jassim. I've already felt it deeply," Bruno responded politely.

To welcome Bruno, Manchester United had temporarily modified Old Trafford. The center of the pitch was covered with green carpet, forming a T-shaped stage ensuring visibility from every angle. The central stage faced the newly named "Sir Bobby Charlton Stand," the main stand at Old Trafford.

This stand, despite having only one tier, housed the most executive boxes. All VIP guests at Old Trafford were seated here to enjoy the games. The media also occupied this stand, providing the best viewing angles for TV broadcasts. Commentator boxes, including those for BBC and Sky Sports, were situated here, with MUTV's box on the east side and others on the west.

The large posters around the stadium were removed to ensure clear visibility of Bruno from any angle. Although the setup was simple, the presence of nearly 80,000 United fans inside and 50,000 more outside made it grand and majestic.

This sent a clear message: in Bruno's presence, no decorations were needed. He was the brightest star at Old Trafford tonight and would be United's new king for years to come.

Inside the stadium, fans filled every seat, while outside, thousands more gathered. Unable to enter, these fans watched the live broadcast on big screens around the stadium, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The debut event was scheduled for 9 PM, but by 7 PM, MUTV had already announced that the stadium was full. Long queues formed at the club store for the first sale of Bruno's number 8 jersey.

That night, passionate United fans completely took over Old Trafford and its surroundings, making the stadium the focus of attention in Manchester, the UK, Europe, and the entire world.

(End of Chapter)

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