Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 264: Earning Applause at Old Trafford

After scoring, Bruno ran across the pitch, arms wide open, laughing heartily. At that moment, he felt he was in the best form of his life. He was eager to prove himself on such a grand stage.

"Two goals! Bruno is on fire tonight!" "Udinese has built their counter-attacks around him, and he hasn't disappointed, performing exceptionally." "He just single-handedly dribbled past three Manchester United defenders and scored." "I can only say, tonight, Bruno is unstoppable!"

Bruno sprinted to the corner flag and kneeled down, looking up as he heard the mixed reactions from the Manchester United fans. Some were crying, some cursing, some booing, and some applauding—a cacophony of emotions blended together.

...

With a 2-0 lead, Manchester United was pushed to the brink. Shortly after the game restarted, they made substitutions. Fellaini replaced the underperforming Schweinsteiger, and veteran Ashley Young came on for Depay.

These changes made Manchester United play more decisively, regaining control of the game. Rooney's presence as a leader was evident as he helped stabilize the team and refocus their efforts.

Manchester United began creating more threats. Martial drew a foul, earning a free kick in a dangerous central position. Rooney showcased his excellent free-kick ability, sending a curling shot just over the crossbar, causing Udinese players to break into a cold sweat.

Minutes later, Lingard created a chance from the right, crossing into the box where Rooney's header narrowly missed, leaving the captain frustrated.

The match became a tactical battle, with Manchester United struggling to break down Udinese's defense.

"Trailing by two goals at home, Manchester United's situation is dire. If they fail to win here, their upcoming away match against Wolfsburg will be even more challenging." "Missing out on European competition last season, another failure to advance in the Champions League this year would be disastrous for Manchester United and the Glazer family." "The fans at Old Trafford are growing restless, clearly unhappy with the players' performance. They believe the team should show more determination and drive, rather than the slow, uninspired possession play currently on display. This is not the Manchester United they know."

...

As fan patience wore thin, the pressure on the players mounted. Manchester United had used two substitutions, while Udinese hadn't used any, indicating Guidolin's satisfaction with the current state of play and his confidence in the players.

However, Van Gaal couldn't hold back any longer. In the 75th minute, he replaced Darmian with Mata and pushed Rooney forward, switching to a 3-5-2 formation. This change signaled Van Gaal's all-in approach, focusing on offense for the rest of the match.

With no other options, Manchester United pushed forward aggressively. The introduction of Ashley Young and Mata increased their midfield pressing and defense, causing some disruptions for Udinese.

But just as Manchester United launched two threatening attacks, one of which earned a yellow card for Widmer, Udinese struck back with a dangerous counter-attack.

In the 80th minute, another midfield pass error from Manchester United allowed Udinese to quickly pass the ball to Bruno. He dropped back to receive the ball near United's defensive midfield position, with Blind marking him and Smalling providing cover.

This position, usually occupied by Schweinsteiger, was now vacant after the German was substituted. With Mata playing further forward, the combination of Schneiderlin and Fellaini was somewhat ineffective, particularly during transitions from attack to defense.

Bruno exploited this gap, frequently appearing in this space to receive passes.

Blind and Smalling were wary, positioning themselves to prevent him from turning. Smalling knew Bruno's speed was dangerous, so he aimed to keep him from turning.

...

With all three Manchester United central defenders past the halfway line, Bruno had no choice but to pass back to the open Iturra, who also had no forward options and passed back again.

As the ball returned to Udinese's defense, Manchester United's defense retreated but did not fall back into their penalty area. With time running out and no goals scored yet, they pressed forward.

Bruno moved with Manchester United's retreating defense, always shadowed by Blind and Smalling.

The ball circulated among Udinese's defenders—Ertol, Maguire, Cancelo, Danilo—until Manchester United's forwards relaxed their pressing, saving energy for a final push.

...

Danilo called for the ball and, seeing Bruno's positioning, sent a long pass forward. Bruno, seemingly wandering, suddenly burst into action, leaving Blind and Smalling in his wake.

Bruno sprinted forward, letting the ball bounce near the penalty area's edge before it landed in the box. De Gea rushed out but could only watch as Bruno lifted the ball over him and into the net.

...

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!!!"

Bruno celebrated wildly, arms waving, shouting as he ran to the sidelines, showing three fingers to the camera.

"See that? Three goals! Three goals!"

Old Trafford erupted, but not in joy—this was a disaster for Manchester United.

Three rapid counter-attacks had dismantled them.

"In the 81st minute, Bruno completes his hat-trick!" "Old Trafford, the impregnable fortress, has bowed to Bruno tonight!" "It's unbelievable!" "Bruno has been outstanding!" "The Theatre of Dreams has been conquered by Bruno's hat-trick!" "Udinese's star has made Old Trafford tremble!"

Udinese players swarmed Bruno in celebration. Kancel jumped on him, the team ecstatic.

3-0, Udinese had sealed the victory. Manchester United's players looked defeated, unable to contain Bruno's relentless counter-attacks.

...

While Manchester United players were dejected, the fans at Old Trafford stood up and applauded Bruno. The applause grew louder and more intense, a testament to the fans' appreciation of good football.

Twelve years ago, Ronaldo earned such applause. Today, it was Bruno's turn.

"Manchester United's issues remain." "Van Gaal's tactics are questionable." "Playing at home, aiming to control possession against a defensively disciplined counter-attacking team like Udinese without starting creative players like Herrera and Mata was a major error." "The applause at Old Trafford wasn't just for Bruno; it was a silent protest against the management and coaching staff: Football isn't played this way!" "Since Ferguson's retirement, Manchester United's rebuild has been ongoing for three years without restoring their former dominance. Without change, more failures await."

(End of Chapter)

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