Chapter 817 – Old Foes
Manchester United away to Ajax had become a familiar sight in recent seasons. In Bruno's first campaign at United, the clubs met in Europe, where he delivered two goals and one assist in the Europa League final to lead a 4–0 rout, securing United's first Europa League title and completing the European treble set for the club.
A year later, in 2018–2019, they met again — this time in the Champions League semifinals. Ajax, the dark horse of the competition, sought to continue their fairy-tale run after eliminating Real Madrid and Juventus, aiming to topple United and reach the final.
Over two legs, United prevailed. With Bruno contributing two goals and one assist across the tie, United advanced 5–3 on aggregate, ending Ajax's dream.
United then won a goal-laden all-English final, beating Liverpool 5–3 to defend their European crown and firmly establish themselves as England's preeminent powerhouse.
Last season brought a third meeting, this time in the Champions League group stage. United won 3–0 away and 2–1 at home, sending Ajax down to the Europa League.
United had become Ajax's scourge in Europe.
Now, for a third straight year in the Champions League — and a fourth meeting in five seasons — Ajax sought revenge.
...
Playing away, United took a restrained approach. José Mourinho said a draw would be a satisfactory result.
Pre-match medical checks revealed İlkay Gündoğan had tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed in isolation, forcing adjustments. Mourinho promoted young Jude Bellingham to the starting XI.
Bruno told the media that Ajax away would be no easy task.
"There are many players I know well — my former teammate Daley Blind, and André Onana, Ryan Gravenberch, Lisandro — they're all very strong..."
He listed several Ajax stars and warned against underestimating them.
"To face a team like this, we must be absolutely focused."
Ajax, as hosts, were naturally more bullish.
Having lost to United five times in four years, they were out for blood — and the top spot in the group. With United the primary obstacle, Ajax players voiced their determination.
Dusan Tadić, set to start, told Dutch media he knew the Premier League and United well after four years at Southampton.
The Serbian forward even vowed to score.
...
As with many interviews, the Dutch press poked and prodded, asking Tadić what he thought about Bruno winning The Best and the Ballon d'Or.
Perhaps a bit of mind games — or miffed that Bruno hadn't mentioned him in his own interview — Tadić shot back: "If it were up to me, Bruno wouldn't make the top five attackers in the world — even top ten is a stretch."
Reporters, sensing a headline, pressed harder.
Tadić obliged, answering bluntly.
He argued that defending United required more than focusing on Bruno, who he said wasn't even their hardest player to mark.
Even without Bruno, he claimed, United remained one of Europe's strongest sides.
"In fact, Bruno isn't as important as you think."
...
When United arrived in Amsterdam, Dutch media gleefully served Tadić's quotes to Bruno, hoping for fireworks.
Bruno smiled and agreed he wasn't the strongest attacker. On United, he doubled down on Tadić's point.
"I owe everything to the support at Manchester United. Without me, United are still one of Europe's best. Without United, I'd never have achieved what I have."
"He's right — you can't just mark me. We have superb players like Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Marcus Rashford, and İlkay Gündoğan. Any team that fixates on me and ignores them will pay dearly."
Bruno defused the situation with grace, leaving no room for mischief. He even seemed in fine spirits.
Asked why he looked so cheerful, he said simply that he was happy.
The media, thwarted by Bruno's soft touch, found themselves swinging at air.
...
"Sky Sports here, welcome to Amsterdam's Johan Cruyff Arena. We're live for a blockbuster in Matchday 1 of the Champions League group stage: Ajax vs. Manchester United."
"A star-studded clash, no doubt."
"Joining us are Premier League and United alumnus Robin van Persie, former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart, and Ajax legend Edgar Davids."
"How do you see it, gentlemen?"
Davids: "Whether Erik ten Hag can contain Bruno will be key. Shut him down, and United's attack loses its edge — Ajax then have a chance."
Van Persie: "Agreed. Bruno just hit 500 career goals — an incredible feat, especially so soon after turning 26. Even the great Messi reached 500 at 28. That says everything — not to mention Bruno's trove of titles."
As a former elite striker, Van Persie knew how hard 500 goals at 26 truly was — he never reached that mark.
...
Van der Vaart: "I agree — Bruno is undoubtedly United's most dangerous player. Even if his form looks a little off, he's still terrifying."
"But Ajax will be ready. Tadić's form is strong, and his pre-match barbs show his fighting spirit."
"I've just seen Ten Hag's XI — it looks like a 4-3-1-2. The plan is obvious: three midfielders to smother Bruno."
"At center-back, Lisandro Martínez plus Perr Schuurs — one aggressive, one quick — targeted choices. Now it's about execution. Tactics are one thing; details decide matches."
Everyone nodded.
Van der Vaart added, "Also crucial: Gündoğan isn't in the squad."
"Yes — I've heard he tested positive for COVID — Mourinho left him in Manchester."
"So United's midfield will feel it."
"It's a real curveball. Mourinho rested Gündoğan last weekend to keep him fresh for midweek — then came the positive test. That upended the plan."
"Exactly. We'll see if Ten Hag can exploit this, because Bellingham still looks raw and not ready to replace Gündoğan. That's why United tried and failed to sign Madrid's Casemiro."
...
As the pre-match analysis wrapped, cameras cut to the players' tunnel.
Bruno and Daley Blind were chatting warmly, arms over each other's shoulders.
"They were United teammates for two seasons — close friends. Tonight Blind sits at the base of midfield, so it's Bruno vs. Blind — friends turned foes — a tantalizing subplot."
Soon the referee led the teams out onto the pitch.
The Johan Cruyff Arena remained eerily quiet — the match was behind closed doors, with no fans in attendance.
(END CHAPTER)
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