Chapter 577: The Perfect Ending
Without a title race, relegation battle, or even a fight for European spots, the 38th round of the 2017-2018 Premier League season was arguably the least suspenseful finale in history.
In fact, even the question of whether Manchester United could finish the season unbeaten seemed without much suspense. Given United's current form and their head-to-head record with Watford, it appeared unlikely they would lose.
This was the 30th encounter between the two teams, with United holding a commanding record of 20 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses. In their last 14 meetings, United had won every match. In their previous encounter this season, United had thrashed Watford 5-0 away.
Before this round, Watford had accumulated 41 points in 37 matches, sitting 13th in the table, safe from relegation but also out of contention for European qualification. Thus, today's match was essentially meaningless for Watford.
Watford's starting lineup suggested they weren't planning to go all out against United at Old Trafford. In fact, there were connections between the two clubs. Watford, nicknamed the Hornets, and Udinese shared the same owner, the Pozzo family. After Udinese sold players like Bruno, Maguire, and Cancelo to United, the clubs established friendly relations. This extended to Watford and another Pozzo-owned team, Granada in La Liga.
Watford's squad included former United player Tom Cleverley, and midfielder Roberto Pereyra, who had played with Bruno at Udinese. Goalkeeper Karnezis had also been Bruno's teammate at Udinese.
Playing at home, United started aggressively. The trio of Rashford, Harry Kane, and Mbappe pressured Watford's defense, while Gundogan, Kante, and Bruno controlled the midfield.
United's attacking style had been dominant in the Premier League this season, greatly enhancing their offensive power. Bruno's goal tally had increased significantly, and other players also achieved career-high goal counts, thanks to this free-flowing style of play.
Bruno and Gundogan were particularly active from the start, taking long shots in the first ten minutes that threatened Watford's goal, demonstrating United's strong desire to win and their attacking prowess.
Watford was forced to defend from the outset, but as the game progressed, United identified weaknesses in Watford's defense.
In the 17th minute, Bruno switched to the left side of the box, cut inside, and took a long-range shot that hit the post and bounced back, much to Bruno's frustration.
Bruno's movement became more unpredictable, appearing wherever there was space, creating threats and opportunities for his teammates.
In the 26th minute, United's most dangerous attack came. Bruno, after receiving the ball in the center, passed to Rashford and then made a quick diagonal run to the byline. Rashford delivered a through ball to Bruno, who outmaneuvered Janmaat and passed back to Gundogan at the penalty spot. Gundogan's shot went straight into the bottom right corner.
The German midfielder, overjoyed, celebrated by kneeling before Bruno and wiping the grass off his boots with his shirt to show gratitude for the assist. Old Trafford echoed with the fans chanting their names.
For United fans, although the team had already secured the league title, an unbeaten season would be the perfect conclusion to a fantastic campaign.
Despite falling behind, Javi Gracia's team did not push forward recklessly, knowing that counterattacks were their best chance and pushing forward would only make them more vulnerable.
They did create a chance in the 31st minute when Brazilian forward Richarlison went one-on-one with De Gea, who rushed out to save the ball.
In the 36th minute, Bruno made another run into the box and shot, only for Brazilian goalkeeper Gomes to tip it onto the post again.
With two shots hitting the post, it seemed Bruno's luck was off, but United's attack grew more fluid and dangerous.
Five minutes later, Rashford and Luke Shaw combined on the left, with Shaw delivering a precise cross that Harry Kane headed just wide.
As the game neared halftime, Bruno was fouled on the right wing, earning a free-kick. Known for his exceptional crosses, Bruno delivered the free-kick into the box, but Kane couldn't beat Irish international Cathcart to the ball, and it was cleared. The ball fell to Mbappe, who fired it back into the net.
Gomes had to retrieve the ball from his net for the second time. 2-0!
In the second half, Watford initially tried to fight back, but United quickly responded. Bruno, combining with Gundogan and Rashford, saw his left-footed shot saved by Gomes.
"Bruno seems to have left his shooting boots at home tonight. Two shots off the post and now this well-coordinated play but a poorly angled shot."
"He's still the standout player, but his luck isn't with him tonight."
Mourinho substituted Ibrahimovic for the out-of-form Harry Kane. The English striker's tactical importance was clear, and United would need him for upcoming league and Champions League matches.
This could be Ibrahimovic's final appearance at Old Trafford, as the Swedish veteran planned to move to Major League Soccer after the season. Mourinho wanted to give him a chance to bid farewell to the United fans.
Ibrahimovic's presence invigorated United's attack. Watford's defense, now divided between focusing on Bruno and Ibrahimovic, allowed Bruno more freedom.
Bruno finally scored in the 71st minute. After a direct pass into the box, Ibrahimovic's powerful shot was saved by Gomes but rebounded to Bruno, who tapped it in from close range.
After hitting the post twice and missing several chances, Bruno's goal seemed almost anticlimactic. He smiled wryly, shaking his head as he embraced his teammates.
Sometimes, goals come when least expected. This simple, scrappy goal marked Bruno's 41st Premier League goal of the season. 3-0, United sealed the victory.
Mourinho then brought on veteran Michael Carrick for Bruno. Although Carrick had joined the coaching staff at the start of the season, he hadn't officially retired. With his retirement planned for the end of the season, Mourinho gave him a chance to say goodbye to the fans.
As Bruno left the field, he handed the captain's armband to Carrick.
Without Bruno's threat, Watford became more aggressive in their attacks, but United capitalized on counterattacks, scoring twice more through Ibrahimovic and Rashford.
With goals from Gundogan, Mbappe, Bruno, Ibrahimovic, and Rashford, United defeated Watford 5-0.
United ended the season unbeaten, with a record 104 points, surpassing Juventus' single-season record from four years ago. Their 121 goals matched Mourinho's 2011-2012 Real Madrid team's record for most goals in a single season in Europe's top five leagues.
"Game over!!" Sky Sports commentator Andy Gray shouted. "Game over! United finish the 2017-2018 season unbeaten, becoming the second team in Premier League history to achieve this. Mourinho's team have been extraordinary! Congratulations to Mourinho and Manchester United!"
"The referee blows the final whistle—game over! United are champions! Old Trafford is a sea of celebration!"
"This is United's night, filled with miracles! Congratulations to them."
"Watford couldn't stop United. From start to finish, they never showed the will to win, succumbing to a heavy defeat. Congratulations to United on their unbeaten season and 104 points. Mourinho and Bruno Fernandes are the big winners!"
As the final whistle blew, United players began celebrating wildly.
Captain Carrick raised his arms, shouting. The veteran, used to big moments, remained composed, unlike his ecstatic teammates.
Ibrahimovic, shirtless, threw his jersey to the fans, tears streaming down his face. The 36-year-old veteran was overwhelmed with emotion.
Rashford knelt, pointing to the night sky, tears flowing. The homegrown United player dedicated his goal to a recently deceased friend.
Kante and Mbappe, acting like children, punched and hugged each other, then lay on the field gazing at the night sky.
Bruno and Mata embraced, the two midfield rivals ran to the sidelines, waving their arms.
Harry Kane, hands over his face, cried. The usually cheerful striker was overwhelmed, knowing his move to United was the best decision he ever made.
Mourinho initially tried to shake hands with Watford manager Gracia but was swarmed by reporters.
"Mourinho, congratulations on breaking records."
"Thank you."
"Mourinho, although the season isn't over, United's unbeaten Premier League title and many records make this a great and successful season, right?" asked a BBC reporter.
"I'm thrilled with our unbeaten season. It's the result of everyone's hard work," Mourinho replied, smiling. "But as you said, the season isn't over. We can't stop moving forward."
"Mourinho, congratulations. What do you want to say at this moment?" another reporter asked.
"Thanks to the players, the boys who worked hard, the club's support, and especially the fans. This title is the best gift for United fans," Mourinho said emotionally.
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