Chapter 349: Premier League Debut
Chapter 349: Premier League Debut
After finishing their warm-ups, the players returned to the locker room, where their coach was waiting with some important words for them. These words weren't about tactics or even the game itself, but they were necessary.
Bruno changed out of his warm-up clothes and into Manchester United's away white jersey.
Seeing that everyone was done with their preparations, Mourinho began, "Guys, you're about to face our first league match of the new season. This summer, our team has changed a lot, and many of you still aren't familiar with each other. Recently, many media outlets analyzed our new season's goals, believing that if we qualify for the Champions League, it would be a success. But I told them that with our strength, fighting for a Champions League spot isn't that difficult. We will strive to win every match. What is our goal? I haven't told the public, but now I'll tell you—our goal is not just to qualify for the Champions League!"
Mourinho waved his arms, addressing the players, "Manchester United is a great team. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, they were always contenders for the league title every season. We keep saying we want to revive Manchester United, and I want everyone to prove that. This season, I'm not setting a specific goal of winning the league because I don't want to limit your thinking. I won't specify any goals; I just want to see how far we can go if we all push forward."
Mourinho spread his hands and concluded, "Let's shock those who underestimate us!"
"Yeah!" a United player shouted loudly in the locker room.
Everyone was already excited, and Mourinho's speech had just added fuel to the fire.
In the past three years, this Manchester United team had changed significantly. Few players remained from the squad that Ferguson last led to a league title, and those who had won the Premier League were now rare. Many of the current players joined United with the dream of winning the league, as this team, being the Premier League's dominant force, was the most likely place to fulfill their championship aspirations.
Although this wasn't Bruno's first time playing in a top league, he was eager for the match and agreed with Mourinho's words. He needed to prove himself, to show the world his capabilities and the wisdom of his choice.
The British still viewed him with some skepticism, perhaps due to Mourinho and Jassim comparing him to United legends like Bobby Charlton and Paul Scholes. But he didn't mind; without great goals, how could one become a great player?
A player aiming to be a third-rate star would only become a third-rate player at best. Aiming to be a legend, he could also become a legend.
Manchester United, as a top club, was currently in a slump. Joining them with a world-record transfer fee, Bruno carried the revival hopes of all United fans, meaning he was constantly under global scrutiny.
Today's game was his first Premier League match of the season with United, a crucial first step.
Not just this first step, but every step he took at United would be crucial. He couldn't afford any mistakes, as even one error would invite a flood of criticism, doubt, ridicule, and anger. It was like walking a tightrope over an abyss; one misstep could lead to a fall into oblivion.
This was the path he had chosen. He wouldn't complain but would use his outstanding performances to secure his footing.
With this resolve, he clenched his fists.
The players entered the field, with Bruno walking at the back of the line. While there was no explicit rule, the order of appearance followed some unwritten norms: the team captain always led, and the top star walked at the end.
If the top star was also the captain, this rule wouldn't apply.
Next to him were Bournemouth players in their red and black home jerseys, while United wore their white away kits.
After the coin toss, the players quickly returned to their positions. Mata, standing on the right side of midfield, turned to look at Bruno on the left. He thought, "To lead the team, words aren't enough, whether they're yours or Kanté's. Show us your strength, Portuguese kid. Prove with your feet that you can lead us!"
Bruno didn't notice Mata watching him and didn't know what he was thinking.
He stood in his position, bouncing slightly, then waited for the game to begin.
Captain Rooney had won the coin toss, allowing them to play with the sun at their backs in the first half, which was advantageous. Bruno now waited for Bournemouth to kick off.
The referee and the fourth official checked their earpieces, and the referee blew the whistle to start the game.
At 1:30 PM GMT on August 14, Bruno's first Premier League match began.
As the match started, Bournemouth leveraged their home advantage and the first possession to launch aggressive attacks on United's goal.
In the fourth minute, Luke Shaw fouled Bournemouth's Ibe on the flank, earning a verbal warning from the referee and conceding a free kick. Bournemouth's free kick targeted the goal, and their forward, Callum Wilson, shot wide of the near post from seven meters out!
Three minutes later, Bournemouth came again, with former United player Joshua King's shot going wide of the goal.
During these ten minutes, Bruno carefully observed their opponents. He concluded that this team couldn't pose a significant threat to United's goal, so he decided to press forward boldly.
The offensive horn had sounded, and it was time for Manchester United.
In the fifteenth minute, Bruno received the ball and, instead of passing sideways or backward like at Udinese, suddenly launched a long pass directly to the right towards Mata.
Caught off guard by Bruno's directness, Mata hastily tried to control the ball but ended up kicking it out of bounds.
Bournemouth fans laughed from the stands.
Mata felt frustrated for not controlling Bruno's pass and angrily waved his hand. In his frustration, he forgot to give Bruno a thumbs-up for the beautiful pass.
(End of Chapter)
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