Chapter 655: Pursuing a New Record
On October 23, at 10 PM local Ukrainian time, Manchester United faced Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk at the Metalist Stadium on matchday three of the 2018–2019 UEFA Champions League Group F.
This was the second consecutive year the two teams met in the Champions League, though last season it was in the knockout stages, while this season they clashed in the group stage.
Last season, Shakhtar gave United a scare at the Metalist Stadium when midfielder Marouane Fellaini was sent off early, almost costing United the match. That game convinced Mourinho to sell Fellaini during the summer transfer window, with the Belgian ultimately leaving for another club.
Ironically, Shakhtar's standout midfielder from that match, Brazilian Fred, was signed by Mourinho in the summer and now returned to his old stomping grounds—this time as a Manchester United player.
After a grueling Premier League battle against Chelsea over the weekend, combined with the fatigue of travel, Mourinho made widespread changes to the starting XI. However, Bruno Fernandes remained in the lineup, partnering with Mata and Fred in midfield. Romero started in goal, with a backline of Ashley Young, Smalling, Phil Jones, and Rojo. Up front, McTominay played as a central striker alongside Lingard and Mahrez.
Notably, McTominay had been transformed into a full-time striker under Mourinho's guidance, serving as Harry Kane's backup.
Breaking the Deadlock
In the 30th minute, United broke the deadlock. Bruno's pass found McTominay, whose shot at the edge of the box was deflected. Mahrez pounced on the loose ball inside the area and drilled it into the far corner to make it 1–0.
Five minutes later, Bruno delivered a corner kick. Smalling missed the header, confusing Shakhtar's defenders. The ball landed perfectly for Phil Jones, who headed it home from close range, extending the lead to 2–0.
United sealed the victory in the 70th minute. Mahrez launched a counterattack, sending a pass to Herrera, who had just replaced Mata. Herrera surged to the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a low shot that struck the inside of the left post and went in, making it 3–0.
In stoppage time, United nearly added a fourth. Bruno intercepted the ball in midfield and sent a brilliant through ball to Lingard, who found himself one-on-one with the keeper. However, his shot clanged off the crossbar.
The 3–0 win gave United a perfect three wins in three matches in Group F, firmly placing them at the top. The other three teams in the group were tied with two points each.
Building Momentum
With three wins and a seven-point lead, United were in a commanding position to qualify from their group. A win in their next match—at home against Shakhtar—would guarantee qualification with two games to spare and likely secure first place in the group.
The victory also extended United's unbeaten streak in the Champions League to 16 matches, the fourth-longest in tournament history.
The all-time record remains United's 25-match unbeaten streak from September 2007 to May 2009, followed by Ajax's 19 matches from 1994–1996 and Bayern Munich's 19 matches from 2001–2002. United also hold two additional 16-match streaks (1998–1999 and 2001–2002), which both rank in the top 10.
Notably, Real Madrid, the self-proclaimed "Kings of the Champions League," only have one top-10 unbeaten streak: a 15-match run from 2016 to 2017, during which they won back-to-back titles.
Back to the Premier League
Just days later, United turned their attention back to the Premier League, where they faced Everton on October 28 at Old Trafford. This match was crucial for United's quest to break Arsenal's 49-match unbeaten record.
Old Trafford was packed to capacity as fans gathered to witness history in the making.
Interestingly, Everton fans were indifferent about spoiling United's record. The two clubs share a friendly relationship, with some jokingly referring to Everton as "United's biggest ally."
Nevertheless, fate had pitted United's 50th unbeaten match against Everton.
The Match Begins
"Welcome, everyone, to the 10th round of the 2018–2019 Premier League season. League leaders Manchester United host Everton at Old Trafford," Chinese commentator He Wei announced as the match began.
"Mourinho heavily rotated his squad midweek in the Champions League against Shakhtar, but he's brought out his strongest lineup today. De Gea starts in goal, with Shaw, Cancelo, Maguire, and Van Dijk forming the back four. Bruno, Kanté, and Gündoğan anchor the midfield, while Mbappé, Kane, and Rashford lead the attack."
A Shaky Start
The match had barely begun when disaster struck for United.
In the 2nd minute, Everton's Icelandic playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson unleashed a long-range shot from outside the box. De Gea, the reigning Golden Glove winner, inexplicably fumbled the ball, allowing it to slip through his hands and into the net.
0–1.
"David de Gea has made a rare but costly error! Everton takes an early lead!" commentators exclaimed.
De Gea's form had been inconsistent this season. In 10 league matches, he had managed only two clean sheets, a stark contrast to his nine clean sheets in the first 10 matches last season.
Mourinho gritted his teeth as he watched from the sidelines. The defense, usually a fortress, had been less reliable this season, likely due to fatigue from the World Cup.
United Respond
Despite the early setback, United remained composed. Their experience and resilience, honed over two seasons of dominance, shone through.
Bruno picked up the ball in midfield, with Idrissa Gueye closing in. Rashford suddenly darted forward, timing his run perfectly.
Bruno feinted a pass with his left foot, sending Gueye lunging to block it. But instead of passing, Bruno swiveled on his standing leg, dragging the ball past Gueye with a sublime move.
(Chapter End)
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