Not long after this match concluded, all matches of the 36th round of the Premier League finished.
Liverpool 0-0 Stoke City, Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Watford, Manchester City 4-1 West Ham United.
The most noteworthy was naturally the latter match.
Even though Manchester City trailed Manchester United by 6 points, they still hadn't given up on the title race.
Of course, the Manchester City players didn't hold much hope either.
After all, there were only two rounds left in the league.
Manchester United's opponents were Brighton and Watford, currently ranked 14th and 15th in the standings respectively, with a 7-point cushion above the relegation zone.
It could be said they had securely maintained their league position, and the players' minds were already on their holidays.
Therefore, in the next two matches, neither team was likely to fight desperately.
However, Jose Mourinho still didn't dare let his guard down—he had seen too many unexpected defeats against weaker opponents in his career.
He planned to go all out for the Champions League match on May 2nd, then use a half-rotated squad against Brighton three days later, aiming to secure at least one point away from home to seal the title.
...
Meanwhile, in the Manchester United boardroom.
"Next season we must buy central defenders, and we must sell central defenders—more than one at that," Mourinho stated firmly.
Due to Manchester United's recent excellent results, Mourinho's standing within the club has risen accordingly, and Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward wasn't about to make things difficult for him.
"Oh, and Chelsea's N'Golo Kanté is also quite good," Mourinho added casually, testing the waters.
With the Premier League's transfer window closing on August 9th next season, Manchester United was also busy preparing for transfer matters early.
"We have a total of six central defenders—generally, no club would keep that many on the books," Woodward noted.
"Their salaries are not low, and we have long wanted to offload a few of them."
Smalling, Jones, Lindelöf, Bailly, Rojo, David Luiz.
Woodward said seriously, "We will do our best to meet your demands, but you know we also need to see returns. Winning the Premier League title this season would be excellent for the budget."
"Contract renewals!"
Basically, no club waits until a player's contract is about to expire to renew it to avoid losing value.
There are also many outstanding young players who need their compensation to be comprehensively considered.
Like Ling.
After two seasons of training, he has undoubtedly become the strongest wide attacker currently in the Premier League, in his debut season no less.
Mourinho frowned deeply, "I'll consider this issue. I will choose more suitable players based on next season's squad balance."
Woodward suddenly had an idea: if Manchester United were to sell David De Gea to Real Madrid, could they take advantage of the situation to get a star player in return?
Finally, Mourinho couldn't help but complain, "I told you to buy Harry Maguire before, but you absolutely refused. Now look at the gap between him and Lindelöf. If we try to buy him now, we'll probably have to pay an extra 20 million euros."
However, with Angel Di Maria's failed transfer example in mind, they were all acting more cautiously.
"But the key point is that Chelsea is not short of money," Woodward countered regarding Kanté.
"Abramovich's financial crisis has just ended, and it's said they might even sell goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois to fund replacements."
"Toby Alderweireld, Maguire, and Jerome Boateng all require prior discussions with the players, their clubs, and their agents," Mourinho listed his targets.
Mourinho paused for a moment, "We also need to strengthen the midfield. If we can sign Mateo Kovačic permanently next season, we shouldn't just loan him. He can serve as Pogba's partner."
Woodward fell silent upon hearing this; he knew the midfield needed reinforcement.
"I need another defensive midfielder with extensive coverage—Everton's Idrissa Gueye, Watford's Abdoulaye Doucouré, or Shakhtar Donetsk's Fred."
The football transfer market is volatile.
Most clubs have already identified their desired players, while the remaining clubs are keeping an eye on the World Cup, hoping to discover young, promising talents.
Woodward wasn't sure if Mourinho was joking or seriously proposing the list of players mentioned.
"Of course, if we win the Champions League, not just Kanté, I could even try to get Ronaldo for you," Woodward joked back, though a hint of ambition lingered in his eyes.
Rather than pushing through with a full squad, it would be better to forfeit the next round and conserve energy for the decisive match against Watford if needed.
Indeed, Manchester United can afford this money and is willing to spend it.
But who could have expected Manchester United's injury-prone nature?
Bailly alone missed most of the season, Rojo hasn't fully recovered from last season's injury, and Phil Jones goes without saying.
Thinking of this, Woodward sighed.
But at most, he could only think about it.
...
Manchester United's management gathered again to discuss player contract renewals.
However, compared to transfer matters, a more important issue lay on the table.
"Should we renew Ling's contract?" The deputy director cracked a joke.
The meeting room instantly fell silent.
It wasn't really a question.
Ultimately, Woodward broke the awkward silence, "We should aim to reach the Champions League final—that would increase the team's exposure and bring in more broadcasting revenue."
"What I really want to talk about is next season. The club's financial situation is excellent, with ample funds on the books, enough to make significant purchases in the transfer market."
"Premier League, English League Cup, FA Cup, Champions League..."
Hearing the terms Woodward listed, Mourinho suddenly smiled—he was never one to save money.
This was why he had originally seen eye to eye with Abramovich.
In his championship blueprint, he still lacked a top-class right winger.
After all, Rashford wasn't originally a right winger, and his dominant foot is his right.
Gareth Bale or Antoine Griezmann would both be excellent choices.
But securing either of them would be extremely difficult, almost impossible.
Riyad Mahrez, however, remained a more feasible option.
Soon, the transfer discussion came to an end, and Woodward moved on to contract renewals.
"We don't need to say much about salary increases for the others, but mainly about Jeremy Ling. What are your thoughts?"
"Thirty-six matches, thirty-four goals, tied with Liverpool's Salah at the top of the scoring charts. And he's only eighteen, backed by the immense commercial value of the Chinese market."
"So I suggest offering him the same salary level as Pogba and making concessions on the image rights percentage."
The deputy director pondered for a long time before speaking in a very serious tone.
"That's quite generous!"
Woodward sighed with emotion, showing no intention of refusal.