Chapter 579: Bruno's Wish
After meeting with the Mayor of Manchester, the United players climbed to the top of the City Hall building. Each player appeared one by one, raising the championship trophy high and receiving cheers from the fans.
As the captain, Bruno was the last to appear. Holding the microphone, he made a championship declaration to all the fans: "This is the second championship trophy Manchester United has won this year, but I can responsibly say, this will definitely not be the last trophy United wins this year!"
His only wish was that Manchester United fans around the world would not grow tired of the team winning too many championships!
The crowd erupted in cheers.
Countless fans chanted Bruno's name, sounding like a volcanic eruption.
The British media extensively covered Manchester United's Premier League championship celebration, with many dedicating entire front pages and even continuing onto second and third pages.
The Manchester Evening News, known for its close relationship with the club, even issued a special edition in the early hours of the following day to report on United's championship.
Jacob Steinberg, a journalist popular among United fans, wrote a passionate article in The Guardian. He quoted Bruno, saying, "As Bruno said, this Premier League title is United's second trophy of 2018, but it definitely won't be the last. United has reached the finals of the FA Cup and the Champions League. They also have the chance to compete for the Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup. They have the potential to become the first 'seven-title' team in football history! As for Bruno's wish, it will surely come true because no matter how many championships United wins, the fans will never get tired of it!"
Besides The Guardian, other British media outlets also gave extensive coverage to United's championship celebration.
Winning the Premier League isn't news for United, the undisputed dominant force in Premier League history with 15 titles. However, the long list of records United set this season is truly extraordinary and beyond anyone's wildest dreams.
An undefeated season! 33 wins in a single season! 104 points in a single season! 24 consecutive wins to start the season! 121 goals in a single season! 100 goal difference in a single season! ... Achieving any one of these feats would signify a great season for any team. But to achieve all of them together? It's nothing short of perfect.
Not just British media, but outlets worldwide reported on United's incredible, record-breaking Premier League victory.
Germany's Bild: Champions! The highest points total in Premier League history, a shocking reality! France's L'Équipe: United's fairytale ending is beautiful and unbelievable. Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport: United, with Bruno Fernandes, has made history! Spain's Marca: United's 121 goals tie Real Madrid's record as they win the Premier League! Argentina's Clarín: Messi's future biggest rival, Bruno, leads United to the Premier League title! Xinhua News Agency: Perfect champions, United's miracle! ...
Bruno's promise to United fans was quickly fulfilled.
Six days after celebrating their 15th Premier League title, he led United to another victory—the 2017-2018 FA Cup title!
On the afternoon of May 19, 2018, the 137th FA Cup final took place at Wembley Stadium, where defending champions Manchester United faced Chelsea.
This match held different significance for both teams. For United, a win would mean they had swept all three major domestic trophies for two consecutive years. For Chelsea, failure to win would result in two consecutive trophyless seasons, an outcome unacceptable to their owner, Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
Before the match at the new Wembley Stadium, Mourinho shook hands with Chelsea coach Antonio Conte, saying, "I look forward to an exciting match."
"Hmph, I hope so too," Conte replied curtly, not hiding his dislike for his Portuguese counterpart.
Given Chelsea's desperate need for a trophy and their bitter rivalry with Mourinho, Conte was determined to win this match.
"GOOOOOOOOALLLLL!!!"
"Hazard scores! Chelsea takes the lead, 1-0." commentator Andy Gray exclaimed. "Fabregas sent in a beautiful cross, and United's starting center-back Lindelof missed his mark, allowing Hazard to score easily. Chelsea leads 1-0."
Conte was ecstatic, pumping his fists and jumping three times. Mourinho worried he might pass out from excitement.
Seeing Conte glance back at him with a wide smile, Mourinho just shook his head, saying nothing.
Despite the setback, Mourinho remained confident in his team's ability to win. After all, even if they lost, United could afford it. Mourinho had rotated the squad, considering United's upcoming Champions League final against Real Madrid. Today's semi-main squad losing wasn't shameful, and giving playtime to bench players was a reward for their patience.
Despite the rotation, United's starting lineup still included Bruno, Harry Kane, Mahrez, and Lingard, maintaining considerable attacking power.
Mourinho expected Kane or Bruno to equalize, but it was an unexpected veteran who scored for United.
United's first goal came in the 26th minute.
Ashley Young, advancing down the left, feigned a cross, drew defenders, then cut into the box.
"Brilliant breakthrough!"
With Young's advance, Chelsea's defense fell into disarray. Kane and defenders tussled for position, while Bruno and Mahrez also scrambled for the ball.
Young, seeing the chaos, sent a low cross into the box.
Kane's tussle caused him to miss the ball, which rolled to the far post where Valencia slid in to score into the empty net.
"GOOOOOOOOALLLL!!! United equalizes! Six minutes after Chelsea's goal, Valencia scores what could be his last United goal!" Gary Lineker shouted.
Valencia celebrated passionately, running to Ashley Young for a high-five, as the two United veterans shared the moment.
"Veteran left-back Ashley Young crosses, veteran right-back Antonio Valencia scores. United's full-backs combine for the equalizer. It's 1-1, United swiftly levels the score."
That was the halftime score, despite both sides' active attacks.
In the second half, United finally scored their second goal.
Mahrez's cross was poorly cleared, Kane controlled it with his chest, turned, and fired a shot that bounced past Courtois into the net.
Mourinho clapped on the sideline, pleased with the timely goal that put United ahead for the first time, dealing a psychological blow to Chelsea.
Conte's reaction—shouting, then dejectedly returning to his seat, chugging water and choking—illustrated the impact.
With the lead, United dominated midfield and pressured Chelsea's goal.
Despite Conte's efforts to rally his team, Chelsea couldn't break free from United's pressure.
When the final whistle blew, the visiting fans at Wembley erupted in cheers.
United had turned the game around to win 2-1, clinching the 137th FA Cup title.
This marked United's 14th FA Cup win, the oldest football competition in history.
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