Chapter 662: The Manchester Rivals
The excellent form of Manchester United's substitutes has given Mourinho even more confidence to pursue a third consecutive Premier League title and defend their Champions League crown.
Of course, this dominance is also linked to Shakhtar Donetsk being reduced to ten men from the start, providing little challenge to United's defense.
For young players like Greenwood, it was an invaluable experience. Mourinho firmly believes that steady, controlled games are better for boosting a young player's confidence than putting them under immense pressure in high-stakes situations, which can sometimes ruin their development.
Clash at the Etihad
Four days later, Manchester United faced their city rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the 12th round of the Premier League.
This was yet another challenging match.
While United had rotated their entire starting XI in midweek Champions League action, giving their key players a much-needed rest, City fought hard in Turin to secure a 2-1 victory over Juventus, keeping pace in their Champions League group.
Though City's players were slightly fatigued, it wasn't significant enough to alter the game's outcome early in the season.
Mbappé Strikes
At the 71st minute, Manchester United intercepted the ball near their 30-yard line, and Bruno Fernandes launched a lofted pass to initiate a quick counterattack.
Mbappé sprinted down the left flank at lightning speed.
"United counterattack!"
"No whistle from the referee—Mbappé is onside!"
The thousands of United fans in the Etihad erupted, chanting Mbappé's name. The Frenchman chased the ball down, controlling it near the left side of the penalty area.
Kyle Walker, City's right-back, had been relentlessly tracking Mbappé all game. The two now faced off one-on-one near the box.
Walker, fully focused, prepared to defend, but Mbappé's sheer pace and agility overwhelmed him. Bursting past Walker, Mbappé darted into the penalty area and fired a powerful shot.
"Mbappé goes for goal!"
"It's in! It's in!"
"In the 91st minute, United break through. Bruno's interception led to a quick counterattack, with Mbappé cutting inside from the left and coolly beating Walker before smashing the ball into the net."
"City's goalkeeper, Ederson, reacted but couldn't keep it out."
Mbappé celebrated passionately, running toward the stands with open arms as if embracing the cheering fans. His teammates soon joined him in jubilant celebration.
A Match to Remember
"That's the sixth goal of the match and United's third. The score is 3-3!"
"What a spectacular game! From the very beginning, neither side held back."
Mourinho knew United's defense had been shaky this season, and playing conservatively might not withstand City's lethal attack. Before this match, City had scored 33 goals in 11 games, making them the most potent attacking team in the Premier League.
So, Mourinho decided to match fire with fire, relying on Bruno and United's attacking prowess.
This strategy paid off, with Bruno setting up Kane's first-half equalizer after a powerful run down the left.
The Rollercoaster
12th Minute: Sterling crossed from the left, and Bernardo Silva set up David Silva for a clinical finish, giving City the lead.35th Minute: Bruno's run down the left allowed Kane to equalize with a low shot.
The second half began with more action.
48th Minute: Fernandinho dispossessed Lingard in midfield, and Aguero combined with De Bruyne to fire a stunning shot into the top corner. 2-1 City.58th Minute: Kane won a penalty after being fouled by Ederson. Bruno converted to make it 2-2.86th Minute: De Bruyne capitalized on Bernardo's assist to restore City's lead at 3-2.
Mourinho's Gamble
Down 3-2 in the dying minutes, Mourinho showcased his boldness. He brought on Riyad Mahrez to reinforce the attack and pushed United's formation forward, leaving them vulnerable at the back.
City defended valiantly but cracked under the relentless pressure. In stoppage time, Bruno found Mbappé, who slotted the ball home to secure a dramatic 3-3 draw.
A Stalemate, but a Win for History
When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read Manchester City 3:3 Manchester United.
City's players were visibly dejected. Despite leading three times, they failed to secure victory. For a team widely regarded as the most likely to end United's unbeaten run, the result was heartbreaking.
Meanwhile, United celebrated passionately. Their unbeaten streak now extended to 52 matches, solidifying their place in history.
Looking Ahead
The global press quickly spread the news of United's dramatic draw and record-breaking streak.
"If City can't stop United, who can?" one headline read.
When asked about chasing AC Milan's 58-match unbeaten record, Mourinho said:
"We have the strength to pursue Milan's record, but every Premier League match is a battle. We must give our all."
Bruno Fernandes echoed his coach's sentiment:
"We don't focus on the records. We treat every match as a final. Achieving 52 unbeaten matches is historic, but we're not satisfied. Every step we take now is history, and that drives us to be braver and stronger."
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