Chapter 677: No Need to Be Like This!
After winning the FIFA Club World Cup and achieving the historic feat of seven titles in 2018, Manchester United refrained from extensive celebrations. The same evening, the team departed the warm desert of the Middle East and returned to the chilly streets of Manchester.
On the morning of December 23, due to the exhausting travel the night before, José Mourinho gave the players half a day off. However, by the afternoon, United resumed training in preparation for the upcoming Boxing Day clash.
This year's Boxing Day match carried special significance for Manchester United. If they avoided defeat against Huddersfield, they would equal AC Milan's record of 58 unbeaten matches in Europe's top five leagues.
The entire United squad treated this match with the utmost importance, determined to secure a resounding victory as a gift for this special occasion.
December 26, 2018 – Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester
Manchester United faced Huddersfield Town in their 19th match of the Premier League season.
Given the match's significance, the Premier League's broadcasters announced that it would be televised live in nearly 160 countries and regions worldwide.
Huddersfield, last season's surprise package, had been struggling this season. Since the start of the campaign, they had rarely tasted victory. Apart from a brief three-match unbeaten streak in November that temporarily lifted them out of the relegation zone, they had been mired near the bottom of the table.
Entering December, Huddersfield had suffered five consecutive defeats, including a 1-2 home loss to Brighton, a 1-2 away defeat to Bournemouth, a 0-1 loss to Arsenal, a 0-1 home defeat to Newcastle, and a 1-3 home loss to Southampton.
Before Christmas, Huddersfield had just 10 points from 18 matches (2 wins, 4 draws, 12 losses), sitting 19th on the table, narrowly ahead of Fulham on goal difference.
Before the game, Mourinho repeatedly warned his players not to underestimate Huddersfield. Despite their poor form and five straight losses, their defeats had been narrow, with no crushing blowouts.
Mourinho urged his players not to get too caught up in thoughts of breaking records and instead focus on the match itself.
However, his words seemed to have limited effect. From the moment the match began, United's players displayed visible impatience, desperate to achieve the historic milestone.
A Nervous Start
Mourinho stood on the sidelines shaking his head. His players were too anxious, particularly in attack. The usual smooth, fluid teamwork was nowhere to be seen as players opted for solo efforts in their eagerness to break through.
By halftime, the score remained 0-0.
In the locker room, Mourinho unleashed his fury, delivering a scathing rebuke to every player, including Bruno.
Although Bruno's individual performance in the first half had been passable, as captain, his inability to settle the team was a major failing. Bruno himself recognized this and lowered his head, accepting responsibility without argument.
Second Half Turnaround
Mourinho's halftime tirade seemed to have an effect. When the second half began, United appeared more composed and organized.
In the 66th minute, Bruno delivered a surgical through ball from the middle of the pitch. Harry Kane broke the offside trap, raced into the penalty area, and scored with a low shot.
Leading 1-0, United felt a weight lifted off their shoulders. Following Mourinho's halftime dressing-down, they played with greater clarity and discipline. Meanwhile, Huddersfield seemed to lose their spirit entirely after conceding, like a deflated balloon.
Ten minutes later, Mata broke into the penalty area and cut the ball back to Ander Herrera, who laid it off for Bruno. The captain coolly slotted it into the net, doubling United's lead.
Late Drama and Celebration
Huddersfield managed to pull one back through a free kick, with Zanka scoring to make it 2-1.
However, Bruno responded swiftly with a direct free-kick goal, restoring United's two-goal cushion at 3-1.
The goal marked Bruno's 99th Premier League goal. Since joining United, he had maintained a remarkable scoring rate—38 goals in 2017-18, a record-breaking 41 goals last season, and now 20 goals in the current campaign.
Despite their best efforts to help Bruno reach the 100-goal milestone in this symbolic match, the final whistle blew before he could score his third goal of the day.
History Made
When the referee signaled full-time, the Old Trafford crowd erupted in joy.
United's substitutes charged onto the pitch with arms outstretched, celebrating their team's achievement in matching AC Milan's record of 58 unbeaten matches.
Mourinho stood on the sidelines, receiving handshakes and congratulations from assistants, coaching staff, and team personnel.
Broadcast Reaction
"Full time! Manchester United defeats Huddersfield 3-1 at Old Trafford! With this win, they've matched AC Milan's historic 58-game unbeaten run across Europe's top five leagues!"
"This is an extraordinary achievement! United has etched their name into the annals of European football history. Every step forward from here is uncharted territory—a new chapter in football history!"
Reporters swarmed Mourinho post-match, eager to capture his reaction. With every word, he knew he was speaking into history.
"Records are just numbers," Mourinho remarked calmly yet proudly. "What truly matters is the hard work, sweat, and determination of my players. That's what I cherish most."
Media Frenzy
The global press celebrated United's achievement.
The Guardian: "A historic day in Premier League history. Manchester United has matched AC Milan's iconic record, proving their invincibility."The Times: "Chelsea had their chance to end United's streak at 49 games, but Bruno's brilliance changed everything. Congratulations, United, the incredible Red Devils."Manchester Evening News: "This team bridges history, shaking hands with Milan's legendary squad from 25 years ago."
However, reactions in Italy were mixed, especially from Milan-based outlets.
La Gazzetta dello Sport: "United's unbeaten run lacks the quality of Milan's era, which faced the likes of the 'Seven Sisters' in the golden age of Serie A."
Bruno himself read La Gazzetta's coverage and couldn't help but laugh at the bitter tone.
"They're making such a fuss," he remarked to teammates. "Next match, we'll beat Bournemouth, extend the streak to 59 games, and put all this to rest."
"It's just a record, after all!"
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