Chapter 678: The Cherries That Stuck in the Throat
Manchester United's next opponent in the league was Bournemouth. Known as "The Cherries," this team had spent much of its history in the lower tiers of English football. In the 2014-2015 season, they secured promotion to the Premier League as Championship runners-up, marking their first-ever entry into England's top flight in their 116-year history.
In their debut Premier League season (2015-2016), Bournemouth finished 16th, successfully avoiding relegation. The following season, they exceeded expectations, finishing 9th. Last season, they maintained their top-flight status, securing 10th place in the league table, once again surprising many.
This season, with half the fixtures completed, Bournemouth sat 10th, just two points behind 7th-placed Leicester City. This strong performance underscored their consistent ability to punch above their weight.
Despite Bournemouth's commendable position, media and fans alike doubted their ability to end United's historic unbeaten streak. Even local media in Bournemouth expressed caution, pointing to Arsenal's failed attempt to stop United as a reason not to provoke or overestimate their chances against the Red Devils.
Bournemouth's manager, Eddie Howe, also downplayed his team's chances. When asked by reporters whether Bournemouth could end United's unbeaten run, Howe waved off the suggestion, remarking, "Let's be realistic. Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs, and Arsenal—none of these giants have managed to beat them. We're not here to make bold claims; we just want to play football."
Suspicion and Caution
Bruno Fernandes paid no attention to Howe's statements. In fact, the manager's overt humility struck him as suspicious.
Eddie Howe, despite having fewer than four full seasons of Premier League managerial experience, was far from an unknown figure. A product of Bournemouth's academy, he made 270 appearances for the club during his playing career, earning legend status. After retiring, he led Bournemouth as a coach from League One to the Premier League, where they managed to establish themselves as a mid-table side.
Howe's managerial acumen earned him the 2015 English Football League Managers Association's Manager of the Year award.
Underestimating Bournemouth would be foolish. Mid-to-lower table teams have historically posed challenges, particularly for clubs on long unbeaten streaks.
José Mourinho shared Bruno's wariness. Ahead of the match, he repeatedly warned his players not to be fooled by Bournemouth's deferential pre-match rhetoric and to remain vigilant.
A Surprising Start
Despite Mourinho's warnings, Bournemouth shocked United with their intensity and determination.
The supposedly "humble" Cherries unleashed incredible energy at kickoff. Though their pre-match words were understated, their actions on the pitch told a different story—they were hungry for victory and eager to etch their name in football history by breaking United's streak.
For Bournemouth, a win would mean more than just three points. Beating United, the team with an invincible aura, would propel them into the global spotlight. Every media outlet would laud their achievement, and the name of the player who scored the decisive goal would echo worldwide.
For smaller clubs like Bournemouth, such an opportunity was priceless. Unlike the Premier League giants who compete for trophies, Bournemouth's chances of winning silverware—like the League Cup—are slim in the increasingly competitive English football landscape.
"GOOOOOOOOAAALLLL!"
"Aké! Nathan Aké scores!" exclaimed commentator Gary Lineker. "It's injury time in the first half, and Bournemouth have taken the lead! A header from close range after a scramble from Brooks' cross, and the Cherries are ahead at Old Trafford!"
While Bournemouth's players celebrated wildly, United's players looked dejected and frustrated.
United had dominated possession and had far more shots on goal. Yet, Bournemouth had capitalized on a single opportunity during a counterattack to take the lead.
Mourinho's Anger
Mourinho stood on the sidelines, his face a mask of frustration.
The players seemed overly focused on maintaining their unbeaten streak, which affected their fluidity and composure on the pitch. This overemphasis on the record had made them hesitant and error-prone, deviating from their usual clinical style.
Mourinho understood the psychology behind this. After 58 unbeaten matches, complacency—or at least mental fatigue—inevitably sets in.
It wasn't arrogance or overconfidence; the players still hungered for victory. However, a sense of weariness had crept in—physical, mental, and even emotional fatigue from constantly hearing about the streak in the media.
Despite his understanding, Mourinho had no intention of letting Bournemouth be the team to end United's unbeaten run.
Halftime Reset
At halftime, with United trailing 0-1, the players braced themselves for Mourinho's fury. Yet, instead of yelling, Mourinho calmly addressed them.
"I understand you're tired," he said, pacing the locker room. "I understand the pressure. But I'll ask you this—why should Bournemouth, of all teams, be the ones to beat us? Why let them take the glory? They don't deserve it."
His words lit a fire in the players.
"Exactly!" one player exclaimed. "Why should they?"
The atmosphere in the room shifted. By the time the second half began, United's players had regained their focus and determination.
The Legacy of Old Trafford
This match held additional significance—it was United's final game at the historic Old Trafford stadium.
Following a year and a half of preparation, the reconstruction of Old Trafford was set to enter a new phase. Starting in 2019, the century-old stadium would be demolished to make way for a modern, state-of-the-art facility.
For the next two years, United would play their home games at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
Playing their last match at Old Trafford, the players were determined not to lose. Not here. Not now.
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