Chapter 665: Tang Monk's Meat
After conceding another goal, Lyon's players appeared flustered, desperately attempting a counterattack. After all, they had come close to scoring several times, falling just short of breaking through United's defense.
Meanwhile, Manchester United focused on solidifying their defense and counterattacking.
Barely six minutes after their second goal, Lyon advanced into the final third, but their pass was intercepted by Ander Herrera. Bruno Fernandes wasted no time, launching a long pass forward to find McTominay.
The Scottish midfielder carried the ball forward, with United's front three surging ahead, creating a three-on-three situation. Riyad Mahrez, positioned on the right, found himself in acres of space after Lyon's left-back, Mendy, had pushed up in attack.
Recognizing his slower pace, McTominay quickly passed to the right. Mahrez advanced into Lyon's penalty area, drawing defenders toward him, and then cleverly cut the ball back to an unmarked McTominay. After a simple touch and adjustment, McTominay delivered a precise low shot into the bottom-left corner of the goal.
3:0!
The entire Parc Olympique Lyonnais fell silent.
A Testament to United's Depth
"Lyon's overall strength simply cannot match Manchester United's. The English giants possess superior experience and skill across the board. What's even scarier is that today's lineup is essentially United's second team. This highlights why they were able to break Arsenal's 49-match unbeaten Premier League record, end Real Madrid's Champions League three-peat, and remain undefeated across competitions last season. None of this was a fluke."
"For two consecutive seasons, United has dominated the Champions League with their young talents. Over the coming years, European football might find itself trembling before this Manchester United side."
Everyone Wants a Piece
As Manchester United's unbeaten run grew, the team found itself the target of every opponent's ambitions. Rivals longed to end their streak and etch their names into footballing history.
United had become, metaphorically, a "feast" coveted by all—the "Tang Monk's meat."
This set the stage for their next Premier League match against Southampton, where the Saints desperately needed points to escape the relegation zone.
After 13 rounds, Southampton had managed only 1 win, 5 draws, and 7 losses, sitting 19th on the table with 8 points—a stark contrast to the 16 points they had after 13 games last season, when they were in 10th place.
With their current struggles, Southampton simply couldn't afford to lose this match.
A Nightmare Start
The game began with Southampton in fine form.
In the 13th minute, Obafemi's pass found Armstrong unmarked on the right side of the box. Armstrong struck a powerful shot into the far corner, giving Southampton the lead.
Just seven minutes later, Southampton doubled their advantage. Cedric Soares delivered a brilliant free kick from 20 yards out, curling the ball into the top-left corner. 2:0.
This was a wake-up call for Manchester United. They quickly realized that unless they stepped up, their unbeaten run might end at St. Mary's Stadium.
Once fully alert, United's response was swift and ruthless.
United Strikes Back
In the 33rd minute, Bruno Fernandes delivered a precise through ball to Marcus Rashford, who surged forward before crossing to Harry Kane. The English striker slotted the ball home from 11 yards out, cutting the deficit to 2:1.
Buoyed by their goal, United maintained pressure and found the equalizer just six minutes later.
In the 39th minute, Bruno spread the ball wide to Rashford on the right. The winger reached the byline and whipped in a low cross. İlkay Gündoğan, making a late run to the near post, deftly flicked the ball with his heel. Though the goalkeeper got a touch, the ball trickled into the net. 2:2.
A Tight Second Half
Southampton, having conceded twice in six minutes, switched to a more conservative approach. They aimed to preserve the draw rather than press for a win.
United dominated possession but struggled to break down the Saints' defense. Both flanks were tightly marked, leaving Bruno isolated in midfield.
Despite his tactical caution, Mourinho refrained from abandoning the double-pivot midfield. Adjustments were needed, especially on the flanks, to revive United's attacking threat.
Tactical Tweaks
In the second half, Luke Shaw was given more freedom to attack down the left flank. While this increased United's presence on that side, Southampton quickly adjusted their defensive focus, neutralizing Shaw's advances.
Though Harry Kane dominated in aerial duels, United failed to capitalize on second-ball opportunities, leaving their attacks unfulfilled.
On the bright side, United's defensive solidity ensured Southampton's counterattacks posed little threat. The game entered a stalemate, with the score remaining 2:2.
Desperation Sets In
A draw was acceptable for Southampton but not for Manchester United.
Earlier in the day, Manchester City had beaten Bournemouth 3:1 to move to 36 points, one ahead of United. A draw would see United slip to second in the table—a position they couldn't accept, especially against a struggling team like Southampton.
Realizing their initial strategy wasn't working, Bruno began taking more responsibility. He worked tirelessly off the ball, searching for gaps to exploit.
In the 67th minute, Bruno received a pass from Gündoğan and evaded his marker. He delivered a curling left-footed ball into the box, aimed at Kane. However, Kane's first touch let him down, and he lost possession while attempting to shoot.
Bruno immediately raised his hand, apologizing to Kane for the missed opportunity.
Moments later, Bruno received another chance. After dropping deep to collect a pass from N'Golo Kanté, he shrugged off Southampton's Valery and delivered a perfectly weighted through ball into the space behind the defense.
This time, Kylian Mbappé failed to anticipate the pass, allowing the ball to roll harmlessly out for a goal kick.
(To be continued)
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