Chapter 514: Breaking Records
Midweek, the fifth round of the Champions League commenced, and Manchester United flew to Baku by the Caspian Sea to face Qarabag. Since United had already secured qualification two rounds early, Mourinho made extensive rotations to the lineup, excluding several key players, including Bruno, from the squad. This was to allow these players to rest and recharge because United was about to face a grueling schedule. From the end of the recent international break until New Year's Day, United was slated to play 14 matches in 42 days, including 11 Premier League games, 2 Champions League group stage matches, and a League Cup match.
During this intense period, the first week of December was particularly challenging for United. From December 2 to December 10, they would face Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, and Manchester City in succession. Although United had already qualified from their Champions League group, making the match against Atletico less critical, it was still a game against a top European team, and United would treat it with the seriousness it deserved. Matches against Arsenal and City, on the other hand, were crucial, with Arsenal being a traditional Premier League powerhouse and City being United's current biggest rival. Therefore, ensuring players were as rested and prepared as possible was of utmost importance.
Furthermore, the distance between Baku and Manchester exceeded 4,000 kilometers. Even with a private jet, the long journey would still take a toll on the players. Thus, keeping key players in the UK to rest was undoubtedly the best choice.
Despite fielding a rotated lineup, United demonstrated their formidable strength. Led by the recently recovered Ibrahimovic, United thrashed Qarabag 4-0 at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium. Despite being labeled a "rotated" lineup, the team was full of star players. Besides Ibrahimovic, there were Mata, Fellaini, Herrera, Mahrez, Valencia, Smalling, Blind, Ashley Young, and Romero, a lineup strong enough to rival most Premier League starting elevens.
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On the afternoon of November 25, the 13th round of the Premier League kicked off at Old Trafford, a match that garnered worldwide attention. Not only because it was a United game but also because a new record could be set: the longest winning streak to start a season in English professional football.
This was not just a Premier League record or a top-flight record but an English professional football record. The Premier League record for the best start to a season had been set by Chelsea with nine straight wins in the 2005-2006 season. United had already broken that record after their 10th-round victory over Spurs. The top-flight record was held by Spurs, who set an 11-game winning streak in the 1960-1961 season. United broke that record last round after thrashing Newcastle.
Now, United was chasing the English professional football record. Reading, currently in the Championship, set this record in the 1985-1986 season with 13 straight wins in the third tier. If United could defeat newly-promoted Brighton at home, they would extend their winning streak to 13 matches, equaling Reading's record. Given that United's streak was in the Premier League, it held much more prestige compared to Reading's third-tier record.
Additionally, a win against Brighton would set another record: the longest winning streak in Premier League history with 14 consecutive wins. This record was previously held by Arsenal, who achieved it 15 years ago with a 14-game streak spanning two seasons. Chelsea had a 13-game streak last season, and United had a 12-game streak in 2000.
However, breaking this record was no easy task. Brighton, though newly promoted, had a respectable record of 4 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses in their first 12 matches, showcasing their impressive form.
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At Old Trafford, the final whistle blew after 90 minutes, and the stadium erupted in wild celebration. Brighton had adopted a very defensive approach, parking the bus to fend off United's relentless attacks. Despite United's powerful attacking lineup, featuring Bruno, Harry Kane, Rashford, and Mbappe, they struggled to break through Brighton's solid defense.
As halftime approached and it seemed Brighton might hold out for a draw, Bruno unleashed a stunning long-range strike to break the deadlock, scoring his 21st league goal of the season. With 21 goals in 13 matches, Bruno was in phenomenal form.
In the second half, Mbappe scored on a counter-attack, sealing a 2-0 victory for United. This hard-fought win secured United's 13th consecutive league victory and equaled the top-flight record held by Arsenal, tying the longest winning streak in Premier League history.
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On Tuesday, November 28, the 14th round of the Premier League took place. Due to the upcoming World Cup, the season schedule was compressed, with many midweek fixtures. United's opponent this round was Watford, a team with a solid record of 6 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses, placing them eighth in the standings.
Watford was a team with clear strengths and weaknesses. Their attack was strong, scoring 22 goals in 13 matches, the sixth-best in the league. However, their defense was poor, conceding 21 goals, the fifth-worst. In the Premier League, mid-table teams can be tough to beat, even for top clubs like United. These teams often resort to intense physical play and deep defending, making them hard to break down.
However, Watford's attacking style made them an ideal opponent for United. With United's young, energetic squad boasting speed, skill, and tenacity, they quickly took control of the match.
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In the 15th minute, United executed a beautiful attacking move. Kante and Gündoğan combined to win the ball, with Gündoğan quickly passing to Bruno. Bruno, with excellent vision, played a diagonal ball to tear through Watford's defense. United's counter-attack was rapid and precise, catching Watford off guard.
Rashford and Luke Shaw exchanged passes, with Shaw cutting inside the box. Watford's defense crumbled, and Shaw delivered a low cross. Harry Kane, with his back to goal, nudged the ball to the unmarked Mbappe, who calmly slotted it into the net.
"Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful! What a goal! United leads 1-0."
"That was a fantastic goal. United's counter-attack was lightning fast, and the whole sequence involved quick, one-touch passing that dismantled Watford's defense. The hosts seemed helpless."
"Watford's players looked dazed, unable to figure out how to defend. They were chasing shadows and ultimately conceded."
Mourinho clapped on the sidelines, pleased with the early goal. Scoring early made him happy, and with another goal, Watford's resistance would likely crumble.
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Even though Mourinho had faith in his team's abilities, he didn't expect the second goal to come so quickly. Ten minutes later, Rashford's run drew a foul, earning United a free-kick in a dangerous area.
Bruno's free-kick into the box saw Kane's header force a save from the keeper, who spilled the ball. Watford's defenders tried to clear, but Bruno's quick shot deflected off a defender, and Kane poked the ball into the net.
2-0.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLL!!!!!!"
"2-0! Harry Kane scores his 10th league goal," Andy Gray exclaimed.
"Another goal for United. Watford seems powerless against them."
Kane celebrated with his teammates, and United kept up the pressure.
By the 39th minute, Gündoğan assisted Bruno, who scored to make it 3-0. Just before halftime, Mbappe cut in from the right and curled a shot into the far corner, making it 4-0 and securing his brace.
With a 4-0 lead at halftime, commentators remarked that the game was effectively over. "United's relentless attack has completely overwhelmed Watford."
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Mourinho was in a great mood during halftime, pleased with the performance and results so far.
"In the second half, keep playing like this," Mourinho instructed. "Don't think 4-0 is enough. Remember, goal difference is crucial."
In a long season, every point and every goal mattered. Manchester United had suffered due to goal difference in the past. In the 2011-2012 season, they lost the title to Manchester City on goal difference, despite both teams finishing with 89 points. They also missed out on Champions League qualification in the 2015-2016 season due to goal difference.
Given United's narrow lead over City, Mourinho was prepared for a potential goal difference showdown at the end of the season.
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"Start the second half by increasing the pressure," Mourinho said. "Crush Watford's spirit completely."
Mourinho initially worried that Watford might recover their fighting spirit during the halftime break, making the second half challenging. However, he realized his fears were unfounded. The 4-0 halftime score had already shattered Watford's resistance.
In the 60th minute, Bruno's long-range shot caused chaos in Watford's box. Amidst the scramble, Kane held off a defender and turned to shoot. The keeper parried the shot, but the ball still found the net.
5:0!
Kane's second goal extended United's lead to five, and Mourinho began making substitutions. With a tough match against Arsenal coming up and a grueling schedule ahead, it was essential to manage players' fitness.
Despite the changes, United's defense remained solid, giving Watford no chance for a comeback.
Ultimately, Manchester United secured a 5-0 victory at Watford.
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