Chapter 679: No Need to Worry Anymore
After reigniting Manchester United's fighting spirit during halftime, José Mourinho began adjusting tactics and making key changes for the second half.
As the second half kicked off, Mourinho made two substitutions. He replaced Scott McTominay and Juan Mata, who had been underwhelming in the first half, with Bruno Fernandes and Harry Kane.
For this match, Mourinho had opted for a rotated lineup. Up front were Kylian Mbappé, McTominay, and Riyad Mahrez, while both Kane and Marcus Rashford started on the bench. Mata took the starting spot at attacking midfield in place of team captain Bruno Fernandes.
Despite the significance of this game—United's final match at Old Trafford in 2018 and their chance to break into triple digits for league goals—Mourinho still chose to rest Fernandes. Even N'Golo Kanté did not start, with Fred taking his place in midfield.
Mourinho had his reasons: the grueling holiday fixture schedule demanded rotation to preserve player fitness. Fernandes, though highly durable, had played 31 matches for Manchester United and Portugal in just five months, averaging six games per month since the Community Shield in early August.
However, the 0-1 halftime deficit and Bournemouth's impressive first-half performance forced Mourinho to act decisively.
The Second Half Begins
Eddie Howe sat calmly on the Bournemouth bench, even as United launched wave after wave of attacks. His confidence stemmed from his team's ability to withstand similar pressure in the first half without conceding.
United controlled possession near Bournemouth's penalty area, with Bruno Fernandes orchestrating the play. Passing back and forth around the box, United searched for an opening.
Harry Kane dropped deep to receive the ball from Bruno.
"Kane is operating outside the penalty area. Despite being a striker, he's stepping back to help stretch Bournemouth's defense," noted Andy Gray.
Mourinho had instructed his forwards to increase their movement and create space through constant runs. Kane's positioning was key to this tactic.
Bournemouth's center-back Nathan Aké followed Kane closely to the edge of the box, attempting to disrupt the attack.
The Battle Begins
Aké, a versatile defender capable of playing as a left-back, center-back, or midfielder, relied on his physicality to challenge Kane. But Kane's strength and ball control made him difficult to dislodge.
Twice, Aké tried to steal the ball, only for Kane to shield it effectively.
When Kane suddenly feinted a turn, Aké shifted to block. But Kane quickly changed direction, using his body to push Aké aside. Bournemouth's right-back Steve Cook rushed to provide support, but Kane exploited the brief moment of confusion to slip the ball through a narrow gap between the two defenders.
"An excellent through ball from Kane!"
"Bruno Fernandes has it!"
Fernandes picked up the ball on the left and, rather than taking a shot, curled it across the box toward the right.
"Kylian Mbappé is there!"
Fernandes' pass had drawn Bournemouth's defenders and goalkeeper toward the left, leaving Mbappé unmarked on the right.
"Mbappé! He's onside!" commentator Martin Tyler exclaimed.
Mbappé's Redemption
Mbappé, eager to prove himself amid Mahrez's rising form, seized the opportunity. Faced with the advancing Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begović, Mbappé remained composed.
He deftly chipped the ball with the outside of his boot, curling it past Begović and into the far corner of the net.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLL!"
"The ball slips just inside the far post! Kylian Mbappé has equalized for Manchester United!"
"1-1! United have finally broken through Bournemouth's defense. If the match ends like this, they will break AC Milan's 58-game unbeaten record!"
The goal lifted United's spirits and shattered Bournemouth's defensive momentum.
Mourinho's Calm Confidence
On the touchline, Mourinho clapped his hands and maintained a composed demeanor.
While the United players celebrated wildly, Mourinho's calmness conveyed a clear message: one goal wasn't enough. They had merely equalized, and there was more work to be done.
"Look at Mourinho," Andy Gray remarked. "He seems utterly unfazed. It's like he knew this goal was inevitable."
In contrast, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe looked visibly unsettled.
Howe had planned to play for a draw, hoping to snatch a victory through counterattacks. His players, however, had grown fatigued under United's relentless pressure.
With the equalizer, United's confidence surged, and their attack regained its fluidity. Bournemouth's defense, which had held firm in the first half, now faced mounting pressure.
Bruno's Moment
Twelve minutes after the equalizer, United struck again.
Bruno Fernandes played a long ball toward Marcus Rashford. Bournemouth's Jordon Ibe, knowing he couldn't match Rashford's pace, resorted to pulling him down. The referee awarded a free kick and issued a yellow card.
Fernandes stepped up to take the free kick.
He delivered a perfect curving strike that soared over the wall and dipped into the top corner, leaving Begović rooted to the spot.
"GOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLL!"
"Bruno Fernandes scores! It's 2-1, and United have turned the game around!"
"What a free kick! Fernandes' fourth direct free-kick goal of the season. He proves yet again why he's the best free-kick taker in world football today!"
With the lead secured and momentum firmly in United's favor, Bournemouth's players looked demoralized.
Victory in Sight
Manchester United had taken control, and their path to victory seemed assured. They were now on the brink of breaking AC Milan's 58-match unbeaten record, cementing their place in football history.
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