Chapter 682:
Manchester United's first match of 2019 took place on the evening of January 2, at the Sports Direct Arena against Newcastle United. This marked the third and final fixture of their grueling Christmas schedule.
Having already shattered AC Milan's unbeaten record, Manchester United's players seemed liberated from a psychological burden, returning to their natural rhythm.
On this night, the former St. James' Park, now the Sports Direct Arena, was a sea of black and white. The stadium shone brightly, packed with fans eager to see their team put an end to Manchester United's 59-match unbeaten streak.
"The players are on the pitch, and the match is about to begin. Let's look at the starting lineups for tonight's game," commentator He Wei announced.
Despite the late hour in China, a significant number of fans tuned in to watch this highly anticipated match.
"For Newcastle, Dubravka starts as goalkeeper," He Wei continued.
"Benitez has set up a five-man defense: Matt Ritchie on the left, with a central trio of Dummett, Lascelles, and Schär, and Yedlin on the right. The midfield comprises Pérez, Hayden, Diamé, and Atsu, with Rondón as the lone striker up front."
Mourinho raised an eyebrow at Benitez's ultra-defensive 5-4-1 formation, a clear ironclad defensive strategy.
For Manchester United, Mourinho had also made notable adjustments:
Goalkeeper: De Gea.Defense: Lindelöf and Maguire as center-backs, with Ashley Young and Dalot on the flanks.Midfield: A trio of Kanté, Gündoğan, and Fred ensured solidity in the middle.Attack: Bruno Fernandes played as the attacking midfielder, with Harry Kane and young Mason Greenwood leading the line.
Mourinho's formation surprised Benitez, making the Newcastle manager wary from the start.
Benitez was soon up from his seat, shouting and gesturing angrily.
Within five minutes, Manchester United had already committed two fouls. The latest saw Fred slide-tackle Ayoze Pérez, taking down both man and ball. Despite the aggression, referee Martin Atkinson only issued a verbal warning to Fred.
Mourinho, well-acquainted with Atkinson's leniency from his Chelsea days, had come prepared. Atkinson was known for tolerating physical play, rarely issuing cards unless absolutely necessary—and when he did, it was often a red card.
Mourinho's strategy for the match was clear: play offensively, but maintain a hard edge in defense to unsettle Newcastle's rhythm.
United's midfield trio of Gündoğan, Kanté, and Fred embodied this strategy, ensuring a physically dominant and aggressive approach to disrupt Newcastle's flow.
Newcastle struggled to adapt to United's relentless pressing. Their plan to attack aggressively from the start crumbled against United's hard-hitting midfield. Pérez, Diamé, and Hayden found themselves locked in a physical battle they weren't prepared for, leading to repeated turnovers in midfield.
United soon capitalized on a Newcastle error to launch a swift counterattack.
Pérez, under pressure from Kanté, passed to Hayden. As Hayden received the ball, Fred and Ashley Young quickly closed in, forcing him to play it back to Ritchie. Before the ball could reach Ritchie, Gündoğan intercepted with a precise challenge.
The counter was on. Gündoğan sent a through ball to Bruno Fernandes, who drew multiple Newcastle defenders before laying it off to Greenwood. The young forward cut inside and unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box.
Dubravka managed to parry the shot, but the rebound fell to Harry Kane, who skillfully avoided Schär's challenge before laying it off to Dalot on the right.
Dalot, unmarked, struck a low, clinical shot into the net.
"GOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!"
"Dalot! Dalot! A superb strike from the Portuguese defender nets his first goal for Manchester United!"
"Manchester United's attack is relentless tonight. Even their right-back is storming into the box to finish the move!"
"1-0! Manchester United take an early lead against Newcastle at St. James' Park!"
Benitez was furious on the sidelines, yelling at his players for their poor defensive organization. The gap left on Ritchie's side had been ruthlessly exploited by United.
United's aggressive tactics continued to frustrate Newcastle, leaving them unable to mount any meaningful attacks. Benitez had no choice but to adjust his strategy, instructing his team to focus more on defense and counterattacks.
Despite their adjustments, Newcastle couldn't find a way to break free from United's suffocating midfield pressure. The combination of Gündoğan, Kanté, and Fred dominated the center of the park, giving Bruno Fernandes the freedom to orchestrate attacks.
As the match progressed, it became clear that Newcastle was overwhelmed by United's intensity.
Mourinho's aggressive strategy paid dividends again in the second half. A well-coordinated press saw United force another mistake in Newcastle's defense, leading to a second goal for Harry Kane after an assist from Bruno Fernandes.
The match ended 2-0 in favor of Manchester United, who extended their unbeaten streak to 60 matches.
Manchester United's first match of 2019 showcased their determination to maintain their dominance. With their unbeaten streak intact and their confidence restored, United looks poised to continue their historic campaign.
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