Chapter 357: Happy Boy Sterling
Not only did the Manchester United fans in the stands sigh, but also those watching at home. If that ball had gone in, the game would have tilted in United's favor, making the match at least a bit easier and giving them a better chance of winning.
However, they soon applauded. Despite the miss, it was an excellent attack, showing them the hope of securing three points at home. This hope was even stronger and more substantial for the United players.
Bruno, who missed the goal, showed no sign of regret. He turned and gave a thumbs-up to Kante for his pass, not dwelling on the failed attack. This demonstrated his confidence, believing he could threaten City's goal again in the match. His demeanor naturally instilled confidence in his teammates as well. Being the team's midfield core isn't just about performing well individually.
This was Bruno's second provocation to City. The first was right after the match began when he easily got past Iheanacho, earning cheers from the crowd.
Being provoked, City naturally wanted to retaliate. Three minutes into the match, City finally got their first chance to attack, showcasing their strength and posing a significant threat to United.
Bravo kicked the ball forward, and Fernandinho won the aerial duel, heading it back to center-back Otamendi. Otamendi passed to Stones, who advanced with the ball. Guardiola had spent £47.5 million to bring Stones to City because of his excellent ball-playing ability.
Stones didn't carry the ball forward for long but passed to De Bruyne. Once De Bruyne had the ball, City's attacking formation began to operate.
Bruno noticed that Sterling stayed close to both De Bruyne and David Silva, maintaining a suitable distance. To stop Sterling, they needed to cut off his connections with De Bruyne and Silva, but Bruno couldn't do this alone; it required the whole team. His task was to freeze Sterling in one-on-one situations.
Kante, assigned to mark De Bruyne, closed in as soon as De Bruyne got the ball. But the Belgian passed to Sterling before Kante could get too close.
"Sterling has the ball!" The City commentator and fans grew excited.
Sterling looked ahead and saw Bruno standing there.
"Sterling faces off against Bruno!" This was a tense moment for all United fans. Could Sterling break through Bruno, or would Bruno successfully stop Sterling?
Seeing Bruno, Sterling wasn't surprised but rather pleased. Both born in 1994 and both winners of the Golden Boy award, Sterling felt he wasn't inferior to Bruno, although Bruno had won the Ballon d'Or, surpassing both Ronaldo and Messi, and was becoming the world's top player. Sterling, still not a core player at City, felt frustrated by this.
Sterling didn't know much about Bruno, only having watched a few pre-match videos focusing mostly on Bruno's offensive skills. His defensive skills were briefly mentioned, with comments like "excellent awareness, fierce tackling."
Sterling decided to test Bruno himself. He moved the ball forward slowly but then suddenly pushed it to the right and accelerated past Bruno.
Bruno only had one thought: "So fast!" Sterling flashed past him, and by the time Bruno reacted, Sterling was almost behind him. Despite Bruno's speed, honed through long-term training, Sterling's speed still took him by surprise. Sterling was short but agile, with quick steps making his movements especially swift.
Turning around, Bruno found himself trailing. Sterling's burst had left him behind. City's fans and commentators cheered: "Clean, quick move! That's Sterling!"
United and Bruno's supporters sighed: Sterling's breakthrough seemed unstoppable, even Bruno couldn't defend against him. Who else in United could?
Bruno didn't give up, chasing Sterling while United's defenders closed in. Seeing himself surrounded, Sterling passed the ball out. Iheanacho received it, entered the box, and shot, but De Gea easily saved due to the narrow angle.
The shot and save were unremarkable, but the focus was on Sterling's clean move past Bruno. Iheanacho gave Sterling a thumbs-up for his pass, and Sterling turned back to join the defense.
Watching Sterling, Bruno suddenly smiled. He knew Sterling well. A product of QPR's youth academy, Sterling joined Liverpool at 15, quickly becoming a hot prospect in football. Winning the 2014 Golden Boy award, Sterling moved to City in 2015 and secured a starting position.
But what stood out most to Bruno was Sterling's other identity: the ambassador of "happy football," known for countless joyful moments, notably his knack for missing goals in unbelievable ways, making him Guardiola's "happy boy."
"Bruno turned slowly; Sterling's speed outmatched him," the commentator justified. Meanwhile, Bruno recalled many happy memories.
Sterling, unaware of Bruno's thoughts, turned back and saw Bruno again. Reflecting on his earlier move, Sterling felt Bruno was no different from previous opponents: tall and strong but slow to turn.
Sterling was slightly disappointed: "Is this the Ballon d'Or winner?" He had hoped for a stronger opponent in Bruno, making the game more enjoyable, but found him lacking.
Sterling knew Bruno wasn't solely a defender but a significant threat in organizing attacks. But that wasn't Sterling's concern. His job was to use his speed to break through defenses, score goals, and bring joy to his coach and fans.
Seeing Bruno easily beaten by Sterling, Mourinho frowned. Bruno had volunteered to defend Sterling, and Mourinho had hoped he could. But if the fastest midfielder couldn't stop Sterling, slower players like Gündoğan and Kante had even less chance. If they couldn't contain Sterling, winning the match was a distant hope.
After City's attack, United launched their offensive. Bruno's long pass found Ibrahimovic, but Stones won the aerial duel, and City regained possession.
De Bruyne got the ball, and City attacked again. Fans watched Sterling, eager for more brilliance. His clean move past Bruno had them cheering, wanting more.
De Bruyne, positioned deep, was watched by Kante, who guarded the middle. Bruno, more flexible, kept an eye on Sterling. City had many threats, but Sterling was unique. Successfully defending him would boost morale and make City hesitant. Despite the earlier embarrassment, Bruno remained determined to defend Sterling.
(End of Chapter)
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