Chapter 424: Return to Stamford Bridge
After a surprising draw against Bournemouth, Manchester United's lead at the top of the Premier League was cut to five points.
Yes, Chelsea defeated West Ham 2-1 in their next match, bringing their total to 66 points, having played one more game than United.
When the gap was in double digits, many believed the Premier League title race was all but decided. However, with the gap now reduced to five points, the situation felt different, even though United still had a game in hand.
Points not yet earned are uncertain, especially when the remaining game is against their fierce rivals, Manchester City.
...
Although Mourinho expressed satisfaction with his team's last-minute equalizer during the post-match press conference, his demeanor changed when training resumed on Monday.
The first thing Mourinho did during Monday's session was gather all the players on the training field to criticize them.
When the team underperforms, Mourinho believes everyone is responsible, regardless of individual performances. Even the best player of the match must stand with the team and take the criticism. Conversely, when the team wins, the glory belongs to everyone, not just a single player. Thus, everyone, including Bruno, was reprimanded.
After thirty minutes of scolding, Mourinho finally announced the start of training.
Mourinho's training methods differ from most coaches. Instead of having two daily sessions, he divides training into three shorter sessions—morning, afternoon, and evening. This method ensures players are more prepared during matches but also increases the risk of injuries due to the inconsistent schedules, especially given the frequency of matches in the Premier League.
...
After three days of training, the team flew to Rostov for the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 match.
With an upcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea, Mourinho rotated the squad, leading to a 1-1 draw in Russia.
This marked United's second consecutive match without a win, a stark contrast to their earlier consistent form. Media speculated that United's form was dipping, especially with a demanding schedule of three matches in five days, starting with Chelsea, who had thrashed United 5-2 earlier in the season.
...
TV pundits shared their thoughts on the upcoming match.
"Manchester United shudders at the mention of Chelsea!"
"Yes, their first Premier League loss this season was a heavy defeat to Chelsea. Historical records show United often struggle against them. Chelsea has a psychological edge."
"But United has been impressive this season, losing just two matches overall. Despite near losses recently, United might have the upper hand in this match due to their determination to beat Chelsea, not just for revenge but to halt their current slump."
"I agree. United's motivation is clear."
"I'm backing United. They've scored 124 goals in 45 matches this season, averaging nearly three goals per game. They are the strongest attacking team in Europe, which can help them beat Chelsea."
"However, recent games against Bournemouth and Rostov show United struggling to score despite their attacking prowess. Bruno's recent form, having not scored in three matches, indicates potential issues."
"This team, despite leading the league, can falter under pressure. They've shown nerves in key moments, like against Middlesbrough in December."
Bruno watched these pundits with amusement, treating it as an entertainment show.
Three games without scoring constitutes a drought? What about players who go ten or more games without a goal?
Yes, we want revenge, but that's motivation, not a burden.
...
On March 13th, the final FA Cup quarter-final took place at Stamford Bridge. United faced Chelsea, who humiliated them earlier in the season.
Previous quarter-finals saw Manchester City beating Middlesbrough 2-0, Arsenal thrashing Lincoln City 5-0, and Tottenham demolishing Millwall 6-0, ensuring no underdog teams remained in the semi-finals.
Thus, the United vs. Chelsea match was set to be a high-stakes encounter, with either team's victory being a normal outcome unless another huge scoreline like the previous 5-2 arose.
"This is our chance for revenge!" a United fan declared, holding the latest issue of the Manchester Evening News, with TV cameras capturing the headline.
...
Light rain had been falling since early morning, making the ground wet.
Despite the chill and rain, Stamford Bridge was packed with enthusiastic fans. The advanced drainage and heating systems ensured the pitch remained in good condition.
United players warmed up diligently, knowing the importance of this match.
They saw this game as a chance for revenge. Their first loss of the season was to Chelsea, a humiliating 5-2 defeat.
...
After that match, many thought United would crumble, but they persevered, continuing strong across all competitions. However, the loss to Chelsea lingered.
Even after securing the half-season title and beating rivals like Liverpool, Arsenal, and City, the memory of that defeat persisted.
This match was more than just an FA Cup game; it was about redemption.
Chelsea fans taunted United, trying to add psychological pressure.
"5-2 last time, 5-0 this time!!"
"Three in a row, send United packing in tears!"
Similar banners were seen across the stands.
(End of Chapter)
Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.
Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10