I Can Blow Through the Middle Too

The instant they looked at the pitch, the atmosphere in the stands was instantly ignited.

Liverpool were in no hurry.

The ball was passed around a few times at the back. Van Dijk, Rodri, and Henderson took turns on the ball, first settling the tempo and trying to pull Manchester United's shape outward.

After all, Mourinho's teams were best at defending and counterattacking.

Sure enough, Manchester United's formation dropped extremely deep, their 4-2-3-1 turning into a 4-5-1 in the blink of an eye.

Other than Cristiano Ronaldo alone at the very front, every other player retreated inside the forty-meter line of their own half.

This was classic Mourinho defending—the so-called parked bus.

But you had to admit that once that bus charged forward, it could deliver the deadliest counterblow.

"Manchester United's approach today is pretty much what we expected before the match. They've willingly given up possession, focused on their defending first, and are waiting for chances to hit Liverpool on the counter."

"That's right. Mourinho knows Liverpool too well. Their attacking firepower last season was the best in all of Europe—they smashed in 114 goals over thirty-eight league rounds. And they made targeted reinforcements in the summer window."

"This Liverpool side cannot be underestimated by any team."

On the pitch, Chen Anno dropped deep to receive the ball, and Matic immediately closed him down.

The Manchester United newcomer had faced Chen Anno back when he was at Chelsea and knew exactly how dangerous he was. He went straight into close marking, planting an elbow against Chen Anno's waist.

Chen Anno shielded the ball with his back to goal, in no rush to turn.

Matic lowered his center of gravity. The 194-centimeter Serbian defensive midfielder was like an iron plate welded behind Chen Anno.

But Chen Anno was not flustered