Chapter 651: Red Devils Never Back Down
As Mourinho had planned, the game followed a predictable trajectory. West Ham unleashed a fierce five-minute assault, but Manchester United's defense stood firm against the relentless barrage. Realizing their attacking strategy might leave them vulnerable to counterattacks, West Ham pulled back.
Manchester United seized the opportunity, abandoning their defensive stance to engage in open, end-to-end play.
Bruno, tasked with controlling the tempo, grew increasingly reluctant to initiate high-risk attacks. This resulted in a back-and-forth midfield battle, with occasional flashes of brilliance squandered by both teams' forwards.
By the 80th minute, West Ham manager Pellegrini signaled his team to go all-out. With only 10 minutes left on the clock, excluding injury time, they needed to throw everything forward.
Mourinho responded by substituting Harry Kane—who had scored United's leading goal—with center-back Lindelöf. Manchester United switched to a 5-3-2 formation, with Rashford and Mbappé leading the attack.
Both Rashford and Mbappé excel at exploiting space with their speed, dribbling, and one-on-one prowess—perfect for counterattacking scenarios. The addition of another center-back bolstered United's defensive line, making it harder for West Ham's attackers, such as Yarmolenko, to find gaps in the box.
Final Tactical Adjustments
As Harry Kane walked off, Mourinho embraced him warmly.
"You did great, Harry. Take a well-earned rest," Mourinho said, patting Kane's back.
On the bench, Kane exchanged high-fives with his teammates. With United just 10 minutes away from extending their unbeaten streak to 47 Premier League games, spirits were high.
Mourinho's defensive acumen was on full display. Against West Ham's comparatively modest firepower, players like Arnautović, Yarmolenko, and Anderson struggled to convert opportunities into goals. Despite creating one or two chances, they couldn't breach the defense.
The 2–1 scoreline held until the final whistle.
United on the Brink of History
With their victory over West Ham, Manchester United extended their Premier League unbeaten streak to 47 matches. They were now just two games away from equaling Arsenal's historic 49-match unbeaten record from 14 years ago.
The win also pushed United up to second place in the league standings, trailing Guardiola's Manchester City only on goal difference.
City had been in scintillating form, scoring 21 goals and conceding just 3 in their first seven games, giving them a +18 goal difference. Meanwhile, United had scored 19 and conceded 7, with a +12 goal difference.
Liverpool shared the same points as United and City, but their 15 goals scored left them in third place, just behind United on goals scored. Chelsea sat fourth with 17 points, the only other undefeated team in the league.
European Adventures
As October began, Manchester United turned their focus to the Champions League, where they faced Bundesliga dark horses Hoffenheim.
Hoffenheim, a club once relegated to Germany's lower leagues, had risen dramatically after SAP founder Dietmar Hopp invested heavily. Under coach Julian Nagelsmann, the team had earned a place in Europe's elite competition after finishing third in the Bundesliga the previous season.
In their opening group match, Hoffenheim had drawn 2–2 with Shakhtar Donetsk, showing they were no pushovers.
A Rocky Start in Germany
Nagelsmann, known as one of the brightest young minds in football, had anticipated Mourinho's tactical adjustments. Instead of relying on star players like Kramarić or Vogt, Hoffenheim caught United off guard with a blistering opening.
Just 44 seconds into the game, Hoffenheim's Demirbay sliced through United's defense with a surgical through ball to Belfodil, who calmly slotted past De Gea. Hoffenheim led 1–0.
Bruno's Leadership
Despite the early setback, United remained composed under Bruno's leadership. By the 8th minute, they leveled the score.
Bruno delivered a precise through ball to Rashford on the left wing. Rashford surged forward and squared the ball to Harry Kane, who fumbled slightly but managed to bundle it into the net.
United continued to dominate, with Mbappé and Kane missing several chances in the first half. Bruno himself came close with a long-range strike that sailed just over the crossbar.
In the second half, Hoffenheim's counterattacks tested United's defense. De Gea's quick reflexes and Bruno's tireless tracking back kept the game in balance.
In the 86th minute, Bruno seized his moment. After intercepting a loose ball in the box, he fired a clinical shot into the far corner, putting United ahead 2–1.
In stoppage time, Bruno capitalized on a goalkeeper error, lofting a shot from near the halfway line into an empty net, securing a 3–1 victory.
Premier League Drama
Back in domestic action, United faced Newcastle at Old Trafford. Fatigue from their hectic schedule was evident as defensive lapses allowed Newcastle to score twice in the first 10 minutes.
Manchester United's attack became disjointed, with players like Bruno and Rashford attempting to break through individually rather than coordinating as a team.
Sensing the urgency, Mourinho substituted Maguire for Mata in the 18th minute, bolstering United's attack. His halftime message to the team was clear: "Be brave. Take control. Victory will come!"
His words reinvigorated the squad. In the 70th minute, Bruno scored a stunning free kick to pull one back. Six minutes later, Rashford equalized with a low strike following Bruno's clever backheel assist.
In injury time, Cancelo's pinpoint cross found Bruno, who headed home the winner.
For the third consecutive match, United had staged a comeback victory. Their reputation as the Red Devils who never give up was further cemented across Europe.
Eyes on the Record
With City and Liverpool drawing 0–0 at Anfield, United climbed to the top of the Premier League table.
The dream of breaking Arsenal's unbeaten record was now within reach.
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