Chapter 421: Securing the Win
Puel looked towards the bench, feeling inexplicably anxious. He glanced at United's bench and felt a tinge of envy. On United's bench, there were attacking players like Rooney, Rashford, Gundogan, and Fellaini. His Southampton? Only Boufal and Shane Long were trustworthy substitutes.
"Get Boufal and Shane Long warmed up," Puel said after a moment of consideration.
Three minutes later, Southampton made a substitution: Boufal came on for Tadic. Seeing this change, Mourinho had a subtle smile. During a stoppage in play, he called center-back Van Dijk to the sidelines for instructions. "Watch out for Redmond's crosses. Tell the others to be cautious of Boufal's cuts inside."
With United leading 2-1, they started to sit back and play on the counter. This led to an interesting scenario. Southampton's attacks focused on both wings. On the right, Redmond tried several crosses, but his delivery was subpar. Van Dijk successfully intercepted them, preventing any real threats.
On the left side, Boufal frequently attempted to dribble past defenders but failed to deliver decisive crosses. His advances either ended with United defenders breaking up the play or him making ineffective passes when cornered.
Puel, on the sidelines, was visibly frustrated, while Mourinho covered his mouth, chuckling. He knew Redmond well—fast and powerful, but with poor crossing ability. As for Boufal, previous encounters had shown him to be reluctant to cross unless absolutely necessary.
Puel's idea of using Redmond and Boufal to spearhead the attacks from the wings was good in theory, but the execution fell short.
...
By the 71st minute, the score remained 2-1 in United's favor. Carrick received a pass from Rojo, turned, and skillfully avoided Romeu's challenge before passing to Mata. The ball deflected slightly off Romeu's leg.
"Nice!"
Just as the ball was about to go out of bounds, Mata hooked it back and controlled it smoothly. The Spanish midfielder was in excellent form, having also initiated the attack leading to Ibrahimovic's goal earlier.
Mata moved the ball forward and accelerated down the wing. Redmond chased him, hoping to intercept. Seeing Redmond closing in, Mata suddenly stopped. Redmond adjusted his balance, ready for a second attempt at a challenge. Mata calmly pulled the ball back with his right foot, then pushed it past Redmond with his left and swiftly moved past him.
"A beautiful dribble from Mata! Showing great skill."
Davis came to help but was too aggressive. Mata seized the moment, stopped, and changed direction to beat Davis. As Redmond rushed back, Mata used a backheel to evade him again.
"Wow, brilliant!"
United fans applauded enthusiastically, celebrating Mata's performance. Mourinho also clapped from the sidelines.
"Today's Mata is unstoppable," praised Gary Lineker.
...
Bertrand came to challenge Mata. In the box, Herrera, Ibrahimovic, and Lingard were making runs. Southampton's keeper Fraser Forster was nervous, shouting instructions to his defense.
Bertrand knew Mata's footwork was exceptional. He stayed close, ready to block any movement. Mata shifted the ball with his left foot, pretending to accelerate. Bertrand prepared to intercept but was stunned as Mata didn't dribble past but instead adjusted and took a powerful left-footed shot!
Bertrand rushed to block, but it was too late. The ball flew past Bertrand's face, curving beautifully. It bypassed everyone in the box, veering outwards before curling back in just inside the post.
Forster leapt desperately, but the ball's curve was too much. It nestled into the net, brushing the intersection of post and bar.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLL!!!!!"
"Juan Mata with a beautiful goal! In the 72nd minute, he dismantles Southampton! The Spaniard, once discarded by Chelsea and now at United, changes the score to 3-1 with a stunning strike!"
"Mata's goal must be one of the top ten this season!" exclaimed Lineker. "Southampton's defense had no answer!"
...
After scoring, Mata was elated. He tore at his shirt, ran, and shouted, only to be swarmed by his teammates.
Mourinho stood up, pumping his fists in celebration. With over seventy minutes played and a two-goal lead, this goal was a crucial moment.
He glanced over at the fuming Puel, feeling a sense of satisfaction.
Puel was furious, not because of a defensive lapse but because Mata's brilliance made it impossible to fault anyone. The goal was a testament to individual talent.
Commentators continued to praise Mata and the beauty of his goal.
...
Ten minutes later, the score was still 3-1. Mourinho made another substitution, bringing on Rashford for Lingard. United fans applauded Lingard, who had a good game, scoring a penalty and playing a key role in United's attacks.
As Lingard left the field smiling, Mourinho gave him a high-five and some encouraging words.
In the 88th minute, Southampton pulled one back. Boufal crossed, and Gabbiadini headed in to make it 2-3.
"Gabbiadini scores! The Italian strikes twice!"
"Game on!" Southampton's commentator exclaimed. "It's not over yet!"
Puel applauded, smiling broadly. Despite being outplayed, this goal gave him some relief.
...
Mourinho walked to the sidelines, clapping and giving instructions to stay calm. He then made a substitution, bringing on Fellaini for Ibrahimovic.
United fans stood up, applauding Ibrahimovic, who had been instrumental with a goal and an assist.
Mourinho hugged Ibrahimovic and signaled the team to stay composed.
Southampton, fueled by Gabbiadini's goal, pushed forward aggressively. They had nothing to lose and threw everything into attack.
...
This desperate approach left Southampton vulnerable. United capitalized on the gaps. Carrick sent a long ball to Rashford on the left. The young forward sprinted down the wing and crossed into the box.
Fellaini's header was punched away by Forster. Mata collected the ball and feigned a long shot, then slipped a pass through.
The ball rolled past Stephens, who didn't react in time. Yoshida attempted a sliding tackle but only deflected the ball slightly. Rashford, coming from behind, seized it.
Facing Forster, Rashford's low shot was deflected but fell to Herrera, who calmly slotted it into the open net.
"GOOOOOOOOOOALLLLL!!!!"
"Fourth goal! Herrera scores!"
"4-2! That seals the game!"
"Southampton can't come back from this with just two minutes left. The match is over!"
(End of Chapter)
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