Chapter 422: The First Title of the New Era
Herrera ran towards the sidelines, urging the Manchester United fans to cheer louder, and the crowd erupted with immense noise and shouts. Soon, he was engulfed in a celebratory embrace by his teammates. The United players were ecstatic over the goal.
With four minutes of injury time added, and now into the second minute of stoppage time, they were confident the trophy was theirs. Mourinho clapped his hands, feeling both excited and relieved. The title was within reach.
Although it was just the League Cup, it was his first season managing Manchester United. Regardless of whether there would be more honors by season's end, having a cup victory would ease a lot of pressure and earn him greater trust from fans and players alike.
In competitive sports, it's all about winning titles. For Mourinho, this League Cup trophy marked the first step of his envisioned United dynasty.
...
As the game approached its final seconds, and when referee Marriner blew the final whistle, Wembley Stadium turned into a scene of contrasting emotions. Some Southampton fans booed in disappointment, while others clapped to commend their team's effort despite the loss. The Manchester United fans, however, were united in their elation.
The moment the whistle blew, a massive cheer erupted like a tidal wave. It was their first trophy of the season and their first League Cup win in seven years.
"The match is over! Manchester United have defeated Southampton 4-2 at Wembley and are the 2016-2017 English League Cup champions! This is Mourinho's first major trophy as United's manager."
"Congratulations to Manchester United, deserved champions."
"Puel must be feeling disheartened. His team lost a final despite their best efforts, but United gave them few opportunities."
...
The moment the game ended, reporters waiting at the sidelines rushed onto the pitch, heading straight for their chosen interview targets. United's goal scorers—Lingard, Ibrahimovic, Mata, and Herrera—as well as Bruno, who was substituted at halftime, and even players who didn't play, were swarmed by journalists.
Bruno was surrounded by the most reporters, all eager to know why he was substituted at halftime. Bruno candidly explained that he had felt some muscle discomfort, and the coaching staff decided it was safer for him to rest.
There were also reporters interviewing the disappointed Southampton players, but this moment was clearly about the victors.
A larger crowd of journalists gathered around Mourinho, pointing cameras, microphones, and recording devices at him. At that moment, he was like the most desirable piece of cake attracting bees or flies.
"Please wait a moment," Mourinho gestured to the reporters, then walked straight to Puel. Puel was consoling his players. Even though they knew the chances of beating United and winning their first League Cup were slim, the reality of the loss still hit hard.
Seeing the confident figure of Mourinho approaching, with a swarm of reporters in tow, Puel felt a surge of anger. He didn't believe for a second that Mourinho was coming over out of politeness.
"Claude, that was a great match," Mourinho said, shaking Puel's hand. "Southampton is a strong team, a worthy opponent."
Sure, we're strong, but we still lost to you, meaning you're stronger, is that what you mean?
"Congratulations," Puel replied, shaking Mourinho's hand briefly before letting go, feeling irritated by the Portuguese manager.
...
After a brief exchange, Mourinho turned away, followed by the throng of reporters.
"Mr. Mourinho, congratulations on winning your first trophy with United."
"Thank you."
"How would you rate your players' performances today?"
"I'm very satisfied. Everyone deserves high marks. They were fantastic and executed our tactics perfectly on the pitch."
"What about Bruno?"
"He's still the unstoppable Bruno. Even though he only played half the game and didn't score, he constantly threatened Southampton's goal."
"Why did you substitute Bruno at halftime?"
"He told me he was feeling some discomfort. The medical team advised it was safer not to risk further injury."
...
"Winning the League Cup, does this mean a successful season for United?" asked a reporter from The Guardian.
"It's too early for a season review," Mourinho smiled. "We still have three more competitions to play."
Seeing the reporters still eager to ask more questions, Mourinho pointed to his jubilant players. "I need to be with them now. This is a team celebration."
Ignoring the reporters' pleas, he pushed through the crowd and left.
...
Mourinho joined his players by the stands, waving to the Manchester United fans, who responded with loud, enthusiastic cheers.
"Champions! We are the champions! Manchester United are the champions!"
The fans were ecstatic, singing United songs and chanting the players' names repeatedly.
The entire United team lined up to pay tribute to the runners-up, Southampton. However, for the Southampton players and staff, they would have preferred to quietly collect their silver medals and leave, feeling like they were invisible.
When Prince William handed the silver medals to Puel and consoled him with a hug, it was a bittersweet moment for the Southampton manager.
Southampton left with their medals, carrying regret and disappointment, but for United fans, the best part was just beginning.
The stadium announcer's voice boomed, "Now, let's welcome... the champions—Manchester United!"
"Manchester United! Manchester United!!"
United fans were thrilled.
The players climbed onto the podium, one by one, under the loud cheers of their supporters. The camera focused on the players and the sign reading "2016-2017 English League Cup Champions."
Each player received their gold medal from Prince William.
When Mourinho and his coaching staff went up to receive their medals, the crowd's cheers reached a peak.
...
The most thrilling moment finally arrived. Captain Wayne Rooney took the gleaming League Cup trophy from Prince William. The players counted down: "Three, two, one!"
"Champions! We are the champions!"
Rooney lifted the trophy high, and Wembley Stadium erupted. Red confetti and streamers shot out from behind the podium, flying everywhere. Red streamers also descended from the stadium's roof.
The iconic song "We Are the Champions" played over the stadium speakers.
"Congratulations to Manchester United! They are the 2016-2017 English League Cup champions! Congratulations to them!!"
Outside the stadium, fireworks lit up the London night sky, making it the brightest spot in the capital.
When the team returned to Manchester with the League Cup trophy, the city was in full celebration mode.
Manchester United held a grand victory parade.
...
The parade was insisted upon by club chairman Jassim, as it was the first major trophy since he took over Old Trafford. To United, the Community Shield at the season's start didn't really count for much.
Initially, Mourinho thought a parade for just the League Cup was unnecessary, but he soon realized the other executives were right. The past three seasons had been tough for United. Although they won the FA Cup last season under Van Gaal, it wasn't enough for the fans.
This League Cup might seem lesser compared to the FA Cup, but considering United's strong performance across all competitions this season, fans knew this was just the beginning, with more titles to come.
Seeing the ecstatic fans, the sea of raised arms and cheers, the fervent atmosphere was intoxicating.
"This is just the beginning…" Mourinho told himself.
...
Bruno was equally delighted with the title. The team was leading the Premier League, advancing in the Europa League and FA Cup, and now had won the League Cup.
Although the season was not over, the results so far were impressive. However, he reminded himself not to be complacent. One League Cup wasn't enough; he and United needed more trophies.
United's 4-2 victory over Southampton and their League Cup triumph became the focal point of media coverage the next day.
Reuters: "At Wembley, Manchester United defeat Southampton 4-2, claiming the English League Cup for the fifth time in history. This is the first major trophy in Europe's top five leagues this season."
The Times: "Bruno secures his first title with United. His goal? The Treble?"
Portuguese Record: "Bruno leads United to League Cup victory!"
(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