Football Dynasty-Chapter 198: A Formidable Opponent

Breaking News: Ole Gunnar Solskjær Shocks Fans with Manchester United Transfer!

Solskjær Joins Manchester United – City Fans Outraged by Unexpected Defection!

At the press conference, as expected, the media asked sharp, probing questions about Solskjær’s controversial transfer.

Reporter: "Mr. O’Neill, reports say Ole Gunnar Solskjær is set to join Manchester United. How does losing such a promising player to a rival affect Manchester City?"

O’Neill: "Well, it’s certainly a blow to lose a player of Ole’s talent, especially to a club like United. But football moves on. We respect his decision and will focus on building a squad that can compete regardless."

Reporter: "Was there any chance to keep Solskjær at City, or did the player push for this move?"

O’Neill: "We always want to keep our best players, but sometimes players have their own ambitions. Ole made his wishes clear, and we had to accept it."

Reporter: "Some fans feel this transfer sends the wrong message about City’s ambitions. What would you say to those supporters?"

O’Neill: "Football is a tough game. We understand the fans’ frustrations, but we remain committed to pushing forward and bringing success to City. We have talented players here and are always looking to improve. Losing a player isn’t ideal, but it’s part of the game."

The deal was reached, and it was also confirmed that during this winter transfer window, City will sell Keith Gillespie for £1.25 million and Ole Gunnar Solskjær for £6 million!

After learning that his request for Nigel Clough was unsuccessful, O’Neill felt a moment of disappointment. But as a seasoned professional, he quickly accepted the setback, refocusing his energy on the task ahead—the crucial League Cup third-round clash against Bradford City.

The final match in January would be the perfect opportunity to prepare the squad’s fitness and sharpen their form for the upcoming FA Cup in early February.

Last season, Bradford City suffered a major setback when they lost to the relatively less formidable Charlton Athletic in a crucial relegation battle.

The result saw Bradford relegated to the third tier of the First Division—a heavy blow for a side without any standout stars. The shadow of that defeat hung over the club well into the new season.

In their previous two matches, Bradford’s form had been lackluster—a draw and a loss—making it seem as if the team was struggling to regain its confidence and momentum.

On match day, as O’Neill walked out of the locker room, he paid close attention to the Bradford players’ expressions as he passed through the tunnel. They were visibly energized and brimming with fighting spirit, clearly having rallied themselves before the game with a firm determination to win.

This was good.

O’Neill wasn’t afraid to face spirited teams. In fact, the more ambitious and aggressive the opposition, the more it pushed his own squad to develop and grow quickly.

Their intensity also created tactical opportunities for his team’s defensive counterattacks. On the other hand, he dreaded facing conservative teams, as their cautious style often limited his players’ chances to express themselves in attack.

The verbal battle among the fans in the stands had already begun, their voices rising in anticipation as the referee blew the whistle.

PHWEEEE!

Just as expected, Bradford launched a vigorous attack right from the kickoff, eager to seize control and put City on the back foot.

Within the first thirty seconds, Bradford fired a shot from outside the box. Though it sailed well wide of the goal, it was a clear warning—an announcement that they intended to fight hard and fast.

City, on the other hand, remained composed but seemed momentarily unsettled by Bradford’s aggressive pressing. The players were adjusting, trying to find their rhythm against the relentless pressure.

For today’s match, O’Neill had deliberately fielded a largely second-string lineup. Given the circumstances, it was understandable—resting key players and giving opportunities to others.

Goalkeeper: Richard Wright

Defenders: Richard Jobson, Keith Curle, William Gallas, Steve Finnan

Midfielders: Jamie Pollock, Keith Gillespie, Graham Fenton, Steve Lomas

Forwards: Shevchenko, Trezeguet

This game would be a true measure of their depth, resilience, and tactical discipline.

Standing calmly on the sidelines, O’Neill kept his hands in his suit pockets even as he watched Bradford launch attack after attack.

Deep down, he felt more excited than worried.

City’s weakness had been evident in the previous two matches: a vulnerability on set pieces.

In the gritty tradition of League One, set pieces were often decisive. So when Bradford won a free kick deep in the attacking third, O’Neill noticed most of their players surging forward.

"Drop back! Mark your man—one each! Don’t let them slip through!" O’Neill shouted from the sidelines.

He had warned about Bradford’s pressing in the pre-match meetings—especially during dead-ball situations. If there was one moment Bradford could truly threaten City, it was during set pieces. Even when they pressed high in open play, it mostly came down to aerial balls.

The ball was lofted into the box. Amidst a scramble of bodies, Ferdinand muscled off a Bradford attacker and leapt to meet the cross, clearing it powerfully and deliberately toward the left flank.

It bounced once on the grass—and before the Bradford players could recover it, Richard Jobson flicked it forward with his right foot. The ball soared in a graceful arc, looping over the Bradford midfielders’ heads.

Shevchenko sprinted forward, finding himself in open space.

At that moment, O’Neill’s right hand shot out of his pocket. He waved furiously toward the Bradford goal and shouted, "Go for it! No dilly-dallying!"

Shevchenko charged ahead with the ball. Trezeguet ran parallel to him in a staggered formation, stretching Bradford’s line. Finnan accelerated along the right flank, and Jobson moved up the left, making it a four-man break.

The crowd erupted. Just moments earlier, City had been under threat. Now, they were counterattacking at blistering pace, four players streaking forward like runners on a track.

Two Bradford defenders scrambled behind, trying to catch up. A third was pressing Shevchenko from the side.

Approaching the halfway line, Shevchenko launched a long diagonal pass. The ball arced high across the pitch, flying toward the right side.

Unmarked, Trezeguet was in the perfect position.

Executing such a precise long pass at that speed demanded technical brilliance—not just from the passer, but also the receiver.

It would be a tragedy to waste such a golden chance.

City’s fans held their breath. All eyes were on Trezeguet.

On the touchline, O’Neill clenched his fist. His heart thundered in his chest.

The ball was played back into the center, where the unmarked Trezeguet took a quick step to steady himself—then unleashed a thunderous strike!

The ball tore into the back of the net, leaving the goalkeeper frozen, powerless to react.

The entire stadium exploded.

A breathtaking counterattack—spanning the length of the pitch and culminating in a goal just 11 seconds after defending a set piece—sent City’s fans into absolute delirium.

O’Neill turned sharply to the bench, voice cutting through the noise. "Gian! Theo! Warm up. You’re going in for Shevchenko and Trezeguet!"

The two players jumped to their feet, already peeling off their training tops.

O’Neill’s tone shifted—calm but firm, with the weight of urgency behind it. "We’re locking it down now. All-out defense. No risks, no openings. See this through."

He clapped both players on the back as they jogged toward the touchline.

"Stay sharp, track every run, and don’t let them breathe."

As the substitution board was raised and the crowd buzzed with anticipation, Shevchenko and Trezeguet jogged off to a chorus of applause.

Their job was done.

Now, it was time to dig in, grind it out, and protect the lead with everything they had.

Full-time: Bradford City 0 – 1 Manchester City.

City advance to the fourth round of the League Cup!

After concluding the third round of League One, City had just three days before their next challenge.

In the early weeks of February, O’Neill’s team traveled to Shrewsbury for the FA Cup Fourth Round Proper, preparing for a clash between Manchester City and Shrewsbury Town.

Shrewsbury had a stellar home record and aimed to secure promotion to the Premier League this season, making them direct rivals to Manchester City.

Perhaps due to City’s momentum, Shrewsbury played conservatively on their home turf.

O’Neill’s team maintained a solid attacking strategy, though they couldn’t break through Shrewsbury’s strong defensive setup, resulting in a goalless 0-0 draw after ninety minutes.

The tension in the stadium was palpable as the match ended 0-0 after extra time still, pushing the teams into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

City’s fans held their breath, every heartbeat syncing with each step toward the spot. O’Neill paced on the sidelines, eyes locked on his players.

The weight of expectation hung heavy in the air.

One by one, City’s players stepped up to the penalty spot, their faces calm and focused. Each shot was struck with confident precision, the ball hitting the back of the net again and again.

The stadium echoed with cheers as players and staff alike believed this shootout was theirs to win. Confidence surged through the team—hope burning bright.

However, penalty shootouts are often a game of luck as much as skill. As the shootout dragged on, the pressure mounted.

Larsson, the next City player, approached the ball with heavy steps. The crowd held its breath.

He struck—but the shot sailed wide.

A collective gasp rippled through the stadium.

Shrewsbury’s final penalty taker stepped up with calm determination. The stadium fell silent. The ball rolled into the net.

O’Neill stood frozen on the sidelines, the bitter taste of defeat sinking deep as Shrewsbury celebrated their hard-fought victory.

City were out of the FA Cup!

Turning slowly toward his own team, O’Neill’s expression hardened. His players, heads bowed and shoulders heavy, shuffled back to the center circle. He gathered them around, his voice low but steady.

"This hurts. It’s a bitter pill—but it’s not the end. We showed heart. We fought hard. Now, we learn. We get better. And next time, we win."

Despite the sting, a flicker of resolve sparked in the eyes of his players. The celebration behind them was a harsh reminder of what they had lost—but also a motivation to come back stronger.

O’Neill took one last look at the jubilant Shrewsbury team before leading his City players off the pitch, already plotting their redemption.

It was understandable that the players felt demoralized—after all, they had given everything on the pitch.

But that’s football.

Even if you have the best of the best, you can still lose tomorrow.

After the match, once the players had finished cleaning up and the stadium began to empty, O’Neill retreated to his office.

The weight of the defeat still lingered, but his mind was already shifting forward.

On his desk lay the envelope containing the draw for City’s next opponent in the fourth round of the League Cup. He picked it up slowly, eyes narrowing in focus.

With a deep breath, O’Neill opened the envelope and scanned the name inside.

He cursed the draw.

League Cup Fourth Round: Manchester City vs Arsenal.