Soccer: I became Bruno Fernandes.

Chapter 440: Crushing the Blue Moon

Two minutes after Yaya Touré was sent off, Manchester City made a substitution. Guardiola brought on defensive midfielder Fernando for Sané to strengthen the defense. At this point, it was clear that Guardiola was focusing on preventing a total collapse and avoiding a catastrophic defeat. Unfortunately, Sané became the sacrificial lamb in this tactical adjustment.

Sané, the young talent who rose to prominence at Schalke 04 last season and joined City this season, had performed well overall, becoming an important rotational player in City's attacking lineup.

However, today, he failed to make a significant impact. Manchester United's defense, including Maguire, Blind, Darmian, and Valencia, performed admirably, neutralizing City's offensive threats.

As Sané was subbed off, Guardiola consoled him, explaining that the substitution was a tactical necessity rather than a reflection of his performance. Whether this reassurance was effective remained uncertain. After all, why was it Sané who had to be substituted?

With Sané off, City's tactics shifted to a 4-3-2 formation, positioning Agüero and Sterling closer to the center to maintain midfield control. United, on the other hand, maintained their steady, methodical approach, playing to their strengths with a numerical advantage.

Despite City's continued possession dominance, their formation was primarily restricted to their half. United relinquished possession but seized any opportunity to counter-attack through the wings.

...

In the 71st minute, United intercepted the ball near the halfway line and quickly transitioned to the right flank. Gundogan sprinted down the right, gradually cutting inward and drawing City's defensive focus.

As he approached City's 30-meter zone, Fernando rushed in, prompting Gundogan to pass back to Kante. The French midfielder, advancing quickly, switched the ball to the left flank.

A large gap appeared on City's right side, but they quickly adjusted. As Bruno dribbled into the box from the left corner, Zabaleta closed in. Rashford, meanwhile, ran from the center, pulling Kompany with him.

Bruno and Rashford, having developed a strong understanding over the season, communicated their intentions with just a glance.

Bruno slowly approached Zabaleta, forcing him to retreat. With Zabaleta fully focused on Bruno, he didn't notice Rashford closing in from behind until it was too late. Bruno suddenly accelerated towards the goal line, and as Zabaleta attempted to catch up, Rashford subtly blocked him, akin to a pick-and-roll in basketball.

This unexpected maneuver caused Zabaleta to brake abruptly, and Kompany was also hindered by Rashford, resulting in a significant defensive lapse. Bruno swiftly cut towards the goal and, before Bravo could react, fired a shot that found the back of the net.

4:0!

...

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!!!" "Another goal!!!!!" "A hat-trick! Another hat-trick! This is Bruno's third hat-trick in the Premier League this season, making him the sixth player to achieve this feat in a single season, alongside Alan Shearer, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Dimitar Berbatov, Luis Suárez, and Harry Kane.

Notably, Bruno is the first midfielder in Premier League history to score three hat-tricks in a single season." "Furthermore, this season marks the first time in Premier League history that two players, Harry Kane and Bruno Fernandes, have each scored three hat-tricks. Both players top the league's scoring chart, though Bruno holds a significant lead, making it difficult for Kane to catch up."

 "This goal brings Bruno's Premier League tally to 32 goals this season, breaking the record for the most goals in a 20-team league format. The previous record of 31 goals was jointly held by Alan Shearer, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Luis Suárez."

 "He is now just two goals away from the all-time Premier League single-season record of 34 goals, held by Andy Cole and Alan Shearer."

 "With six league matches remaining, it seems inevitable that Bruno will break this historic record!"

...

After scoring, Bruno laughed heartily and pointed at Rashford. The young forward pounded his chest, as if to say, "Hey, buddy, wasn't that a brilliant, creative idea?" The two raced off the field and embraced near the stands, celebrating the goal with the ecstatic United fans, soon joined by their jubilant teammates.

"This pick-and-roll maneuver was simply perfect. It showcased their exceptional understanding and split-second awareness."

 "We can't put into words our feelings right now, but one thing is clear: tonight's Manchester City is not the real City, but United is undoubtedly at their strongest. We can see that their front four—Bruno, Gundogan, Rashford, and Carrick—are all performing at their peak."

 "Bruno and Gundogan on the wings, Rashford and Carrick in the middle—these four stars make United's attack multi-dimensional and highly threatening. They have incredible individual abilities and can seamlessly combine on the field."

 "We can hardly find more superlatives to describe our impressions of United right now. This team, assembled with over 300 million euros last summer, has played their most spectacular match of the season."

 "Bruno has reigned supreme at Etihad Stadium with his hat-trick!"

...

Despite trailing by four goals, City continued to search for scoring opportunities. With a numerical disadvantage, they struggled to pressure United and had to rely on their adept passing to stretch United's defense, patiently seeking openings.

United, anticipating City's strategy, saw Mourinho instructing Carrick to drop deeper, forming a defensive trio with Kante and Fellaini in front of the backline. Bruno, Rashford, and Gundogan were left to spearhead counter-attacks.

In the 81st minute, United intercepted the ball near their penalty area. Fellaini's tackle sent the ball to Carrick, who quickly passed it forward to Rashford. The young forward, receiving the ball just past the halfway line, distributed it to Bruno on the left flank. United's front three rapidly organized a three-on-four attack.

Bruno halted the ball inside City's 30-meter zone, and before Kompany could react, he delivered a precise through ball into the box. Rashford, cutting inside from behind Kompany, reached Bruno's pass ahead of Otamendi, deftly sidestepped the chasing defender, and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot. The ball flew past Bravo and crashed into the net.

5:0!

The Etihad Stadium fell completely silent.

...

The following morning, The Guardian's front page headline reported United's 5:0 thrashing of City, featuring a cover image of Bruno celebrating under the Etihad stands.

"In the third Manchester derby of the season at Etihad Stadium, United secured a 5:0 away victory over City, achieving their most significant win in over a decade.

Bruno scored a hat-trick, provided an assist, and indirectly contributed to another goal, single-handedly creating all five goals for United." "Remarkably, the last time United secured such a dominant victory in a Manchester derby was in the 1994-1995 season, when United legend Andrei Kanchelskis also scored a hat-trick at Old Trafford."

"Bruno and Kanchelskis are the only two United players to have scored hat-tricks in a Manchester derby. This feat now matches the number of City players who have achieved it, with Horace Barnes and Francis Lee both having done so, though in much earlier eras—Barnes in 1921 and Lee in 1970, nearly fifty years ago."

 "This season, United have won all three Manchester derbies, completing a treble over City. Bruno has been exceptional in all three matches, earning the title of City's nemesis."

"Today's victory not only maintains United's seven-point lead over Chelsea in the league but also hampers City's quest for a Champions League spot next season, leaving Guardiola in a tough position against Klopp and Wenger."

"According to United players, Mourinho invoked memories of the humiliating defeat five years ago during halftime, fueling their relentless pursuit in the second half.

Five years ago, in the 2011-2012 season, City humiliated United with a 6:1 victory at Old Trafford. That match was pivotal in the Premier League title race, with City ultimately clinching their first-ever Premier League title on goal difference over United."

(End of Chapter)

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