Chapter 428: Have They Really Collapsed?
On the evening of March 16, 2017, local UK time, Manchester United hosted FC Rostov in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16. United won 2-0, with Bruno contributing a goal and an assist, helping the team advance to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
By this time, the quarter-finalists of the European competitions for the season had been decided. In the Champions League, Arsenal was eliminated with two consecutive 1-5 losses, bowing out with a 2-10 aggregate score, making them the most humiliating team in the knockout stages. Guardiola's Manchester City also exited, losing 1-3 away, and tying 6-6 on aggregate but being eliminated due to the away goals rule. On the contrary, Leicester City, who had been underrated, defeated Sevilla 2-0 at home in the second leg, advancing to the quarter-finals with a 3-2 aggregate score, becoming the lone English team in the Champions League quarter-finals.
As for the Europa League, Manchester United stood as the sole representative from the Premier League.
On the evening of March 17, the draw for the quarter-finals took place. Leicester City was drawn against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, which was considered a favorable draw. In the Europa League, Manchester United, seen as the favorites to win the tournament, were drawn against Belgian giants Anderlecht.
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At midday on March 19, having rested for less than 60 hours, Manchester United faced Middlesbrough away in the 29th round of the Premier League. Despite missing their main striker Ibrahimovic, Middlesbrough could not stop United, succumbing to a 1-4 defeat.
United took the lead in the 23rd minute when Mata crossed from the left, Rashford's close-range shot was saved by Valdés, and Bruno scored from a tight angle on the right side of the box. This marked Bruno's 28th Premier League goal of the season, keeping him atop the scoring charts.
In the 30th minute, United doubled their lead. Ashley Young crossed from the left, and an unmarked Bruno headed into the near corner, bringing his Premier League goal tally to 29.
Although Middlesbrough dominated the early part of the second half, they couldn't create significant scoring opportunities. Instead, United sealed the victory in the 62nd minute with a counter-attack. Middlesbrough pulled one back in the 77th minute when Phil Jones's clearance was misdirected, and Gestede scored. In the 93rd minute, Valencia capitalized on Valdés's error to score into an empty net, finalizing the score at 4-1.
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Manchester United's 4-1 victory over Middlesbrough maintained their five-point lead over Chelsea, despite having played one game less. This victory marked United's 610th in Premier League history, another milestone for the club.
Since the inception of the Premier League, United became the first team to reach 600 wins, boasting a record of 951 matches, 610 wins, 196 draws, and 145 losses. Arsenal follows with 517 wins, Chelsea with 508, Liverpool with 472, Tottenham with 390, and Everton with 346.
Among United's 600 victories, Sir Alex Ferguson secured 528, laying the foundation for United's dominance. Moyes added 17 wins, interim coach Giggs contributed 2, and Van Gaal secured 39 in two seasons. Mourinho, in his first season, has already garnered 24 wins in 27 Premier League matches, an impressive record.
Following Ferguson's retirement, United struggled to find a coach to lead them back to the top. Moyes and Van Gaal failed to achieve this, but Mourinho has improved United's results and spirit. So far, Mourinho has led United to win the Community Shield and the League Cup, maintained an 18-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League, and reached the Europa League quarter-finals.
United fans hope Mourinho can return the club to its former glory. Winning the 610th Premier League match could be the beginning of a new era for Mourinho and United.
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Entering late March, the international break arrived with 2017's first international fixtures. Portugal had two matches: a World Cup qualifier against Hungary and a friendly against Sweden.
In the qualifier against Hungary, Portugal won decisively. Bruno opened the scoring, Ronaldo added two goals (one from a free-kick), and substitute André Silva scored, leading Portugal to a 4-0 victory, solidifying their lead in Group B.
Three days later, Portugal faced Sweden in a friendly in Madeira, seen as a tribute to Ronaldo. To avoid overshadowing Ronaldo, Santos rested Bruno. Ronaldo showcased the European Championship trophy to the home crowd, creating a warm atmosphere.
On the pitch, Ronaldo scored first and forced an own goal, giving Portugal a 2-0 lead. However, in the second half, Sweden equalized with two goals from Claesson. In the 93rd minute, Cancelo's own goal resulted in a 2-3 defeat for Portugal, leaving Ronaldo visibly frustrated on the bench.
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On April 1, the 30th round of the Premier League kicked off with several upsets, demonstrating the impact of the FIFA virus. United faced West Brom at Old Trafford. Despite dominating possession (78%) and taking 22 shots, United couldn't break down West Brom's defense, ending the match in a 0-0 draw.
United's players were off-target, with only three of their 22 shots on target. Mourinho remained composed post-match, attributing the result to West Brom's defensive strategy. Chelsea fared worse, losing 1-2 to Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. This surprise defeat meant United's draw had less impact on the title race.
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Mourinho's good mood didn't last long. In the midweek Premier League match against Everton, United again faced challenges. Everton took the lead in the 22nd minute through Jagielka's goal. United responded with intense pressure but were repeatedly denied by the woodwork, with Bruno hitting the post twice.
United thought they equalized in the 71st minute, but the goal was controversially disallowed for offside. Deep into stoppage time, Williams handled the ball in the box, earning a red card. Bruno converted the penalty, scoring his 30th league goal and securing a 1-1 draw for United.
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Despite the draw, Manchester United's pursuit of glory continues. They aim to conquer domestic and European competitions, striving to return to their dominant position in football.
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