After the match resumed, Simeone suddenly noticed that Herrera and Matic had swapped positions, with the former moving closer to the left flank to mark Lemar.
Surprisingly, this adjustment worked remarkably well because Herrera was more mobile.
Actually, this wasn't Mourinho's tactical change but Herrera's own decision.
Do you know why fans call him 'Commissar Ai'? It's because he's vocal on the pitch, directing his teammates, and his off-pitch remarks are always insightful.
Of course, it's not negative complaining or criticism but proactive communication and encouragement.
As a typical Basque, he is brave, decisive, loyal, and resilient.
Whether as a substitute or a starter, he never complains.
Once he's on the pitch, it's all about fighting!
Thus, under the tight marking of Herrera and Wan-Bissaka, Atletico Madrid's left-wing attacks yielded little success.
When the match reached the 71st minute, Lemar ignored Koke's call for the ball on the flank and chose to dribble straight at Wan-Bissaka.
The former was valued at €70 million, the latter at €43 million, but sometimes transfer fees don't reflect true ability.
Since the Premier League season began, Wan-Bissaka had become the third-most frequent player to stay behind for extra training at Man United, trailing only Ling and McTominay.
Moreover, his usual training partner was Ling.
Anyone subjected to months of such intense training would inevitably improve.
Using his physical advantage to close down Lemar's space, he coordinated perfectly with Herrera from the side to execute a precise tackle.
Then, Wan-Bissaka surged forward with the ball!
He played a through pass to Mahrez near the center circle.
Mahrez received the ball, executed a series of feints, and created space to Cut inside as if to shoot.
Unexpectedly, Filipe brutally stomped on Mahrez's ankle.
The entire stadium erupted in boos!
Mahrez, enduring severe pain, tried to pass the ball.
But Filipe escalated the aggression, kicking and tripping without mercy, while also using his hands.
Mahrez collapsed to the ground, clutching his ankle and howling in agony.
Players from both sides converged again, and as a large-scale confrontation seemed imminent, the referee immediately brandished a yellow card.
Ling asked in disbelief, "A foul like that, directly targeting the player, and only a yellow card?"
He seriously doubted this guy refereeing standards.
Anyone could see Filipe's intent—it was beyond a mere Tactical foul!
"Gentlemen, I'm just following the rules. On this pitch, everything goes according to my decisions!" the referee retorted firmly.
He then called Filipe over and sternly issued a verbal warning.
Filipe spread his hands helplessly and said, "No one wanted to hurt him intentionally. All my actions were aimed at the ball—he just didn't get out of the way."
Ling felt as if he had swallowed a fly, his stomach churning with disgust!
How could such teams and players exist in the world?
But he knew arguing with Filipe was pointless—it would only fuel the other's arrogance.
Sometimes, it takes a villain to deal with a villain!
Pogba was so enraged he wanted to throw a punch at Filipe, but Matic and Herrera forcibly held him back.
Man United couldn't afford to lose any more players now.
Mahrez limped off the field, and after examination by the medical team, it was confirmed he had a twisted ankle and couldn't continue.
Mourinho had no choice but to glance at the substitutes' bench.
There was no suitable right winger available, so he had to bring on Lingard as a temporary replacement.
Faria suddenly had an idea: "Boss, let Rashford play as center forward, Lingard take the left wing, and move Jeremy to the right. Otherwise, we won't be able to contain Atletico Madrid's flanks, and their attacks could pose a serious threat!"
Mourinho thought for a few seconds.
"Let's do it, then."
Man United made two substitutions in quick succession: Lingard replaced Mahrez, and Luke Shaw came on for Ashley Young.
With both remaining substitutions used up, Man United had no room for further adjustments.
Before leaving the pitch, Ashley Young removed the captain's armband and carefully fastened it around Ling's left arm, patting his shoulder firmly.
"You have to lead them to victory—make those bastards on the other side taste defeat!"
"I will!" Ling took a deep breath.
Ibrahimović had once said something very true: being a captain isn't just about fighting and aggression.
But if a captain remains indifferent when teammates are bullied, they don't deserve to wear the armband and can never become a true leader of the team!
He had to make sure the whole world knew—what happens to those who mess with his people?
Amid the insults from Man United fans, the match quickly resumed.
Man United took a tactical free-kick, striving to maintain possession.
With Mahrez injured and off the pitch, Man United's counterattacking threat dropped significantly.
After all, Lingard's speed and dribbling weren't his strong suits.
Seizing the opportunity, Atletico Madrid launched fierce counterattacks.
Fortunately, Mourinho had proactively substituted Luke Shaw, whose fresh legs made a huge defensive contribution.
Man United shifted to a 4-3-3 formation, strengthening midfield interceptions.
In the 83rd minute.
Most of Atletico Madrid's players were nearing exhaustion. Juanfran advanced past the halfway line but misplaced a pass.
The ball rolled to Matic, who quickly passed it to the right.
Pogba's broad vision allowed him to spot Ling making a run early, so without hesitation, he delivered a first-time through pass!
Snap!
The ball cut through Atletico's flat defensive line like a sharp scalpel!
Filipe sprinted with all his might but kept falling behind Ling.
In desperation, he launched into a reckless tackle! Aiming to take down both man and ball, he even raised his studs slightly.
Man United fans watched in horror.
The challenge was clearly intended to injure—if Ling got hurt early in the season, how would Man United compete for titles?
Ling wasn't even thinking about chasing the ball.
The entire person stumbled and tumbled onto Filipe's body, while his right foot made a concealed stomping motion, kicking the right rear side of Filipe's head.
He directly used Filipe as a human cushion!
"Hiss!"
Tens of thousands of fans in the stadium couldn't help but gasp, watching Filipe clutching his head and rolling in agony, thinking that Ling was truly a ruthless person!
The referee felt like crying - why was this match so difficult to officiate?
But could such an action be penalized as a foul?
Clearly not, because he couldn't determine whether Ling had subjective intent, considering the inertia after a player is tripped.
If he penalized Ling for malicious retaliation, then Lucas's behavior would have to be penalized too.
The referee's standards could be strict, but they must be consistent, otherwise he would face many troubles after the match.
He could only shout again for the medical team to bring the stretcher onto the field.
Bright red blood flowed from the wound, staining most of Filipe's face.
The Atletico Madrid medical team quickly stopped the bleeding and disinfected Filipe's wound.
"Boss, the wound isn't too large. Should we suture it now?"
"Suture it!" Simeone, unwilling to lose the European Super Cup, said through gritted teeth while looking at the scoreboard.
Filipe's heart instantly turned cold.
He always felt Simeone was too heartless, willing to sacrifice anything for victory.
Including them, the Atletico Madrid players.
The argument on the field hadn't ended yet.
The Atletico players blocked by Man United players were frantically questioning, as if they had suffered tremendous injustice.
Because Ling had already taken out two of their players.
"You have no sportsmanship at all!"
"You're nothing but a murderer!"
Looking at the anger on the Atletico players' faces, Ling thought there was no point in arguing with these people.
But eventually he turned and said.
"No one wanted to intentionally hurt him. All my moves were aimed at the ball. He just didn't get out of the way himself."
Mahrez on the substitute bench suddenly laughed.
He thought joining Man United would be the best decision of his life!
Hearing this, the Atletico players could no longer suppress their shame and anger, wanting to push past the blocking Man United players to teach Ling a proper lesson.
The camera switched to a bird's eye view.
Ling stood behind with downcast eyes, making no move, while the Man United players formed an insurmountable defensive line, keeping all the Atletico players outside.
Maguire even blocked Lemar with his left hand and Saúl with his right hand.
De Gea arrived late but didn't try to mediate, instead joining in to show his stance.
The Atletico substitutes didn't dare throw bottles onto the field anymore.
After all, being choked in front of tens of thousands of people would be quite embarrassing if word got out.
Fortunately, the staff was experience.
They quickly controlled the situation on the field, separating the players from both teams.
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