Chapter 477: International Champions Cup
For nearly a month, Manchester United had been enduring grueling pre-season training, with Bruno working especially hard since it was his first time participating in such training. However, because Bruno's training schedule was not in sync with his teammates, his performances in the pre-season friendly matches were subpar. Even during the International Champions Cup, Bruno struggled to find his form.
This was expected by both the coaching staff and Bruno himself.
On the evening of July 20th, local time in the United States, Manchester United faced Manchester City in their first match of the International Champions Cup. This was the first time the Manchester Derby took place outside the UK. Although United won 2-0, Bruno, who played for half the match, was tightly marked by City and performed modestly.
In a post-match interview, Bruno stated that he was still recovering his form. "I just played in the Confederations Cup earlier this month, so I am still in the process of recovering. I just need some time."
José Mourinho also told the media that Bruno's zero goals in the friendlies were due to his ongoing fitness training and adjustment period. "He doesn't need to prove himself to anyone anymore; he is the best player. I believe that in the new season, he will still be the best player in the Premier League and all of Europe."
Manchester United, along with their fans, fully supported Bruno, believing that his temporary slump would soon pass. United legend Rio Ferdinand also backed Bruno in his column, noting that transitioning from the Confederations Cup to pre-season training and adjusting within such a short time was no easy task. "In fact, it is common for players who excelled last season to perform below par in summer tournaments like the World Cup or Confederations Cup because every player's form fluctuates."
"Bruno is currently in a low phase. Give him some time, and he will soon reach an even higher peak."
...
Two days later, Manchester United faced Real Madrid in their second International Champions Cup match. The match ended 1-1 in regular time, with Lingard scoring a beautiful goal in first-half injury time, while Casemiro equalized with a penalty. United ultimately won the penalty shootout 3-2.
Bruno's form showed some improvement in this match. Just a minute into the game, he made a brilliant backheel pass, but Lingard's subsequent shot was off target.
On the night of July 26th, Manchester United played their final International Champions Cup match against Barcelona at FedEx Field. De Gea made several saves early on against shots from Neymar, Messi, and Suárez. In the 13th minute, Messi had a dangerous shot from outside the box that narrowly missed the goal.
After withstanding Barcelona's early pressure, United launched counter-attacks. Bruno also took a powerful long shot, but Cillessen saved it. Gundogan also attempted a long shot, which went wide, and Lingard's shot missed the target as well.
Gradually, United played with more confidence. Rashford broke into the box and took a shot from a tight angle, but Cillessen made another great save.
In the 31st minute, Valencia's mistake allowed Neymar to score, and De Gea couldn't prevent it, giving Barcelona a 1-0 lead.
Barcelona continued their offensive. Messi's free-kick just missed the crossbar, and Suárez's volley was saved by De Gea.
On the counter, Bruno tried to find Rashford with a long pass, but Rashford couldn't control the ball. Barcelona held their 1-0 lead into halftime.
Both teams made significant changes in the second half, but neither could score again. Barcelona won the match thanks to Neymar's goal.
...
With the Community Shield match scheduled for August 6th, Manchester United ended their pre-season tour and returned to Manchester after the International Champions Cup.
United's pre-season record of 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss drew mixed reviews, especially concerning their lack of firepower against strong opponents like Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The Manchester Guardian commented that United's offensive problems were beginning to affect their new season's prospects. Mourinho needed to solve this issue before the season officially began.
Despite no one doubting Mourinho's coaching abilities or Bruno's skills, the pressing issue was how to quickly resolve United's attacking woes and reignite Bruno's form.
Even the club's management was deeply concerned.
In the head coach's office at Carrington Training Complex, Manchester United CEO Cristiano Giacometti, head coach José Mourinho, assistant coach Rui Faria, head fitness coach Carlos Lalin, new captain Michael Carrick, and star player Bruno were gathered.
This was the first meeting of the new season where players were invited to share their thoughts. Clearly, the coaching staff wanted to hear the players' opinions, especially Bruno's, as he was the team's key player.
Last season, United scored 174 goals in all competitions, setting a club record. Bruno alone scored 58 goals and provided 32 assists, contributing to more than half of United's goals. Everyone had high expectations for him this season.
However, some doubters were waiting to see if Bruno would hit the so-called "sophomore slump."
...
The coaching staff first analyzed the team's situation, noting that everything was within expectations, including Bruno's slow start, which was understandable.
Carlos Lalin emphasized that even Bruno shouldn't worry too much. "By September, you will definitely be back in your game rhythm and form."
Bruno had been strictly following Lalin's training plan without any slack. If Bruno's form didn't improve, Lalin knew he would be held accountable.
Bruno himself felt his form returning gradually and was confident about the upcoming season.
Carrick assured that there were no issues in the locker room, and even the new signing Lindelöf was getting along well with everyone.
Having just turned 36, Carrick had lost his starting spot last season, but his influence in the locker room was undeniable. After Rooney's departure, Carrick was naturally chosen as the new captain by the players.
Mourinho nodded and turned to Bruno, asking him to share his thoughts.
All eyes were on Bruno. Although he wouldn't turn 23 until September, he was undoubtedly the cornerstone of the current United squad. If he publicly expressed dissatisfaction, it could cause a major stir in Manchester and even shake Mourinho's position.
...
Therefore, the coaching staff valued Bruno's input highly, focusing on how to make him comfortable and maximize his performance. Without activating Bruno, who would United rely on for goals in the new season?
Rooney was gone, Ibrahimović was recovering well but would turn 36 in October and had just suffered a severe injury, so his post-recovery form was uncertain. Neither Rashford, Lingard, nor the promising McTominay could yet shoulder the main attacking responsibilities.
Regarding new signings, the pursuit of Harry Kane and Mbappé had yet to see decisive progress. Whether and when these transfers would succeed remained unknown.
Bruno pondered seriously before speaking. "I'll just share some personal thoughts and observations from the games."
"Go ahead, this is a discussion, speak freely," Giacometti encouraged.
The United CEO knew Bruno's influence extended beyond the pitch to transfer matters as well. His recommended signings at both Udinese and United had proven to be great value, while those he had reservations about had shown clear issues.
Mourinho also nodded, "Feel free to mention any tactical issues you see. Only by communicating can we reach a consensus, right?"
Bruno smiled respectfully at Mourinho. "Thank you, José."
This display of respect was appreciated by Mourinho, who indicated for Bruno to continue.
Clearly, Bruno's respectful gesture showed he had serious points to make, and everyone anticipated that his comments might be quite significant.
(End of Chapter)
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