Chapter 641: The Curse of the Best
After returning to Manchester from Monaco, Manchester United faced Burnley in the fourth round of the Premier League at Turf Moor.
United started aggressively, but a series of wasted chances from the attackers kept the scoreline level. Finally, in the 27th minute, United took the lead. Jesse Lingard delivered a cross from the left, and Harry Kane headed the ball into the net unmarked from the edge of the six-yard box.
In the 36th minute, Bruno provided a precise through ball to Kane, whose shot from the left side of the box was denied by a quick reaction save from Joe Hart.
Just before halftime, United doubled their lead. Kane's clever back-pass set up Kylian Mbappé for a powerful shot at the edge of the box. The shot deflected off a defender, leading to a miscontrolled clearance by Burnley's Ashley Westwood. Kane capitalized on the mistake with a low shot into the net, making it 2–0.
Second Half: United Seal Victory
Both teams made no changes at halftime.
Shortly after the restart, United came close to scoring again. João Cancelo crossed from the right, and Bruno volleyed from the edge of the box, but Hart saved comfortably.
Later, Marcus Rashford replaced Lingard, adding fresh energy to the attack.
United secured the victory in the 69th minute. Lennon fouled Rashford inside the box, and Bruno converted the penalty, making it 3–0.
Nations League Begins
With the Premier League paused for the first international break, Bruno joined the Portuguese national team to compete in the UEFA Nations League.
The newly introduced tournament divided UEFA's 55 member associations into four leagues (A, B, C, D) based on rankings. League A consisted of 12 teams, split into four groups of three. The group winners advanced to the Finals in June, while the bottom teams were relegated to League B.
Portugal found themselves in Group 3 alongside Italy and Poland. Other notable groups included Germany, France, and the Netherlands in Group 1, and Spain, England, and Croatia in Group 4.
During this international break, Portugal had one Nations League match and a friendly against Croatia on September 6.
Portugal vs. Croatia
Meeting for the first time since the World Cup quarterfinals, Croatia faced a Portuguese team without Cristiano Ronaldo. Bruno captained Portugal for the first time.
In the 18th minute, Croatia took the lead after a defensive error. Mateo Kovačić intercepted in the midfield, and Ivan Perišić scored with a clinical shot.
Portugal responded in the 32nd minute through a Bruno Fernandes set-piece. His precise delivery found Pepe, who headed the ball into the net to equalize.
The match ended 1–1, with both teams failing to find a winner.
Portugal vs. Italy
Four days later, Portugal hosted Italy in their Nations League opener. The absence of Ronaldo placed more responsibility on Bruno to lead the team.
Italy, managed by Roberto Mancini, had struggled in their opener, with Mario Balotelli underwhelming. Injuries kept Balotelli out of this match, and Italy fielded a forward line of Ciro Immobile, Simone Zaza, and Federico Chiesa.
In a cagey first half, both teams struggled to create clear chances, and the score remained 0–0 at halftime.
Portugal came out stronger in the second half and broke the deadlock in the 48th minute. Italy's defense failed to clear, and Bruno intercepted, driving into the box before setting up André Silva for a powerful left-footed strike.
Portugal held on to their 1–0 lead, claiming three crucial points and the top spot in Group 3.
Back to the Premier League
Returning to Manchester United, Bruno prepared for a tough away fixture against Watford, the league's surprise package. The Hornets had started the season with four consecutive wins and were third in the table, just behind Liverpool and Chelsea on goal difference.
Watford's manager, Javi Gracia, was named the Premier League Manager of the Month for August, leading to speculation about whether the so-called "Manager of the Month Curse" would strike.
At the pre-match press conference, Mourinho praised Watford's defensive solidity:
"They've been incredibly difficult to break down. They've conceded the second-fewest goals in the league. Scoring against them will be a challenge."
Gracia returned the compliment:
"I admire Manchester United. Mourinho has built a fantastic team. Every time I study their games, I'm left in awe."
Despite the media's attempts to stir conflict, the two managers expressed mutual respect, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie before the match.
Game Day: Mourinho's Pep Talk
Inside the visitor's dressing room at Vicarage Road, Mourinho addressed his players:
"Watford is a solid team. But remember, teams like this crumble when the tide turns against them. Your job is simple: win."
Pointing at the door, he added with a smirk:
"Now go out there and kick that Spanish nose's team off the park."
With a collective roar, United players charged out of the dressing room, ready for battle.
Inside the home team's locker room.
Javi Gracia stood before his Watford players, his tone unusually impassioned:
"Chelsea is in chaos. Guardiola at City is losing trust from his board. Liverpool is still rebuilding. This is our moment!"
"Gentlemen, the title isn't impossible. Three years ago, Ranieri showed us what's possible!"
"But to prove ourselves, we must overcome Mourinho's United."
"Win this game. Take down United. Show that old man and his young squad that Watford is no longer the same!"
Gracia wasn't known for rousing speeches, but this time, his energy was infectious.
Pre-Match Drama
The clash between Watford and Manchester United was scheduled late, giving Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City enough time to secure wins earlier in the day. If United failed to win, they would fall at least four points behind the league leaders.
Jurgen Klopp expressed his hope for a draw, while Pep Guardiola, despite claiming he wasn't interested in the result, gathered his team to watch the match together.
"I'm not concerned about this game," Guardiola told reporters earlier. "We just need to focus on ourselves."
But back at City's base, Guardiola's real interest was clear: Mourinho.
The Match Begins
As the game kicked off, Watford attacked aggressively, clearly aiming to unsettle United.
"What's your take?" Guardiola asked his coaching staff.
Mikel Arteta replied, "Gracia is using attack as a form of defense. He's trying to keep United pinned back to limit their space."
Another assistant countered, "But United's counterattacks are lethal. This strategy could backfire."
At that moment, the commentator's voice boomed:
"Counterattack! Counterattack!"
All eyes turned to the screen.
"GOOOOOOOOAL! Harry Kane! Harry Kane! Harry Kane!!! What a brilliant move! Bruno Fernandes with the perfect through ball, and Kane weaves past two defenders before smashing it in. Watford's defense is in tatters!"
Guardiola's Assessment
Guardiola turned to Arteta.
"Your thoughts?"
Arteta nodded, "United's strength lies in their attack. They can afford to go head-to-head, but their deadliest form is defensive counterattacking."
"And so?" Guardiola asked.
Arteta smirked, "With the lead, United will now fall back into their defensive shell. Gracia isn't on Mourinho's level tactically."
Another assistant disagreed, "Watford has been solid this season. They're at home, their attack is effective, and their style is beautiful. I wouldn't count them out yet."
Guardiola said nothing, his mind evaluating Gracia's possession-based system. While effective against most teams, it lacked the incisive transitions needed to break a tightly-knit side like United.
Mourinho's Confidence
On the sidelines, Mourinho smiled. Not just because of the goal, but because his game plan was working. He had anticipated Watford's slower build-up and identified weaknesses in their predictable crossing patterns.
Minutes later, United doubled their lead. In the 38th minute, Bruno delivered a corner to the far post, where Kane headed it down for Chris Smalling, who controlled it on his chest before volleying it home.
"2-0! United looks unstoppable!" the commentator roared.
Mourinho celebrated with his assistants, confident the game was in the bag.
However, Watford hit back just before halftime. In stoppage time, Abdoulaye Doucouré's pinpoint cross found Andre Gray unmarked, who smashed it in from 12 yards out.
Halftime Adjustments
Despite leading, Mourinho was furious about the late goal, blaming Marcos Rojo for his lapse in concentration.
"I don't mind conceding a goal," Mourinho told his players. "But I will not accept gifts to the opposition!"
Second Half: United's Killer Instinct
Watford pressed hard in the second half, determined to equalize. But in the 65th minute, United struck again.
Bruno Fernandes exchanged a clever one-two with Juan Mata, bursting into the box. He faked a shot before passing to Harry Kane, whose effort was parried by Ben Foster. The ball looped up and fell to Kylian Mbappé, who unselfishly squared it to Bruno for a tap-in.
"3-1! Bruno seals it for United!"
Watford looked rattled. Despite Gracia's substitutions and tactical tweaks, they couldn't regain their composure. Mourinho countered every change with precision.
A Dominant Victory
United cruised to a 3-1 victory at Vicarage Road. Aside from a brief spell late in the first half, the game was entirely under their control.
"Watford simply couldn't handle United's quality," said pundit Andy Gray. "Aside from a few minutes, Mourinho's team dictated the tempo."
The "Manager of the Month" Curse
Many British outlets pointed out the "Manager of the Month Curse." Gracia, after receiving the award for August, saw his Watford team's perfect start abruptly ended.
"Watford came in with confidence," one headline read, "but Mourinho's United brought them crashing back to reality."
With the win, Manchester United stayed level on points with Liverpool and Chelsea, keeping their title ambitions alive.
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