Chapter 674: A Double-Edged Sword
After Manchester United secured a 5-0 victory over Kashima Antlers in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals, Al Ain had already settled into their hotel in Abu Dhabi. In a show of financial clout, the UAE giants had booked the entire establishment exclusively for their use.
As soon as the team arrived, head coach Zoran Mamić called a team meeting.
The 47-year-old Croatian, a former Dinamo Zagreb stalwart and former teammate of Luka Modrić, had a storied history in football. Mamić played a pivotal role in facilitating Modrić's move to Tottenham. After his retirement, he began his coaching career at Dinamo Zagreb before taking over at Al Ain in 2016. In just two years, he led the club to the grand stage of the FIFA Club World Cup final.
This was a monumental event for UAE football. From President Khalifa to the average Emirati fan, all eagerly anticipated the showdown.
However, Al Ain's opponents were none other than Manchester United—the reigning UEFA Champions League winners, a team boasting an unprecedented 57-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League. The Red Devils were a global powerhouse.
Mamić, understanding the enormity of the challenge, had taken meticulous steps to prepare his team, including an early move to Abu Dhabi to acclimatize to the conditions and facilities.
"Our Advantage: Fitness"
In the meeting, Mamić analyzed the situation in detail.
"The biggest advantage we have is our fitness," he explained.
"Since the start of the season, Manchester United have been enduring an extremely grueling schedule. Just four days ago, they fought a grueling battle against Liverpool at Anfield. Now, they've flown nearly 6,000 kilometers from England's cold weather to the heat of the UAE. They're fatigued, physically and mentally."
The players nodded in agreement. The contrast in their preparation and United's challenges was apparent.
"The first 45 minutes will be critical," Mamić emphasized.
"I can guarantee that Manchester United will press hard. They'll throw everything at us in the first half, trying to score and settle the match early."
Acknowledging the gulf in quality, Mamić advised a defensive approach for the first half, aiming to frustrate United. He also outlined a strategy to capitalize on United's potential exhaustion in the second half.
"If we can survive the first half, the second half will be ours," he stated confidently.
Targeting Bruno Fernandes
Turning to specific threats, Mamić brought up Manchester United's talisman.
The projector displayed a photo of Bruno Fernandes on the screen.
"Pay attention to him. This is Bruno Fernandes."
The room was filled with nods. Every player recognized the Portuguese maestro.
"This is the man who broke Messi and Ronaldo's duopoly. The winner of the Ballon d'Or and FIFA Best Men's Player, Bruno is currently the best player in the world. Four days ago, he also received the European Golden Shoe for scoring the most goals in Europe for the past two seasons."
Mamić continued, "Bruno is in incredible form, and he only gets better in high-pressure situations."
He highlighted Bruno's achievements, including his role in leading Manchester United to an unbeaten domestic season, breaking records, and his pivotal performances in the Champions League and the World Cup.
"On paper, Bruno plays as an attacking midfielder, but in reality, he's everywhere. He'll appear wherever he can cause the most damage. He's a player who thrives on creating chaos."
Mamić's final message was clear: "Do not give him any space. Deny him time on the ball. Block his shots, block his passes, and limit his influence."
The players listened intently. Facing a player of Bruno's caliber was daunting, but Mamić instilled in them the belief that they could rise to the challenge.
A Balancing Act
For Manchester United, the FIFA Club World Cup was a mixed blessing. While the tournament was prestigious, it was not lucrative compared to the Premier League or the Champions League.
The Guardian had even criticized United's participation, calling it a "double-edged sword." The winner's prize money was €5 million—a fraction of what United earned in a single Champions League match.
However, for United, the appeal lay in the historic opportunity to become the first-ever club to achieve a seven-trophy haul in a single calendar year. This ambition outweighed any financial concerns.
For Al Ain, however, the tournament was a rare opportunity to face global giants like Manchester United. The spectacle had captured the imagination of the UAE, with tickets for the final at Zayed Sports City Stadium selling out in advance.
The Final: Al Ain vs. Manchester United
The stage was set on December 22. Security was tight, with over 900 personnel deployed to ensure the safety of players, dignitaries, and fans. UAE President Khalifa and other high-ranking officials were among the notable attendees.
Al Ain lined up in a defensive 4-3-2-1 formation:
Goalkeeper: KhalidDefenders: Ahmed, Fayaez, Yahya, Tsukasa ShiotaniMidfielders: Yaslam, Abdulrahman, Doumbia (defensive), El Shahat, Caio (attacking)Forward: Berg
Manchester United fielded their strongest XI:
Goalkeeper: David De GeaDefenders: Luke Shaw, Virgil van Dijk, Harry Maguire, João CanceloMidfielders: N'Golo Kanté, İlkay Gündoğan (holding), Bruno Fernandes (attacking)Forwards: Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé
This was a clash between two teams with contrasting resources and reputations, yet Al Ain hoped to pull off a historic upset.
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