Star Card System

Leading by two goals again, Manchester United was full of momentum.

There are still fifteen minutes left before the end of the game. It will not be easy for Manchester City to reverse the situation.

Despite this, Guardiola still adjusted his formation to strive for the last hope.

However, under Manchester United's fierce midfield defense, it is difficult for them to pass and shoot with high quality.

Mourinho replaced Mkhitaryan and replaced Schneiderlin.

In this way, with Xia Xing and Fellaini, Manchester United directly formed a three-midfielder formation.

In this case, it will be even more difficult for Manchester City to tear apart Manchester United's defense.

With the dismissal of Ibrahimovic and Rooney, Manchester United completely ended their offensive rhythm.

In the last ten minutes, just hold on to the victory.

Under the leadership of Xia Xing, Manchester United successively let Manchester City players return without success.

The referee's whistle sounded and the game was over!

4 to 2!

Manchester United beat Manchester City three times in a single season!

Two Premier League games and one EFL Cup game!

This season, the sky in Manchester is red!

After this game, Mourinho made an exception and gave the players an extra half day off.

In fact, it is not surprising to take more vacations, but with such a dense schedule, Mourinho rarely takes more vacations.

Especially three days later, Manchester United will usher in an important final-the EFL Cup final.

Mourinho doesn't care.

Because he had already made plans to be on the bench in the EFL Cup final three days later!

This decision caused many objections within the Manchester United management and coaching staff.

You must know that Manchester United has not won a championship for a long time. Although this championship is of average weight, it is better than nothing.

If substitute players are allowed to play, they may lose the championship, which would be a pity.

Even assistant coach Perlan made a cautious suggestion: "Although the opponent is not strong, I suggest that we should send the strongest lineup."

But Mourinho didn't.

He was stubborn and fielded almost an entire substitute squad.

Especially goalkeeper Romero, central defenders Rojo and Blind, midfielders Lingard, Herrera and other players.

Manchester United can reach the EFL Cup final, these players have experienced the whole process.

On the training ground, Mourinho announced the starting lineup for this game in front of everyone.

Some of the players were surprised, some were puzzled, and some were excited.

Looking at the whole team, Mourinho had a sincere expression.

"From the first day of this season, I told everyone that my focus is mainly on the Europa League and the Premier League.

"After all, our lineup is not that big, the number of people is limited, and we will encounter many unpredictable troubles during the intensive schedule.

"So I don't want to be greedy, just like to win the Europa League and the Premier League in a down-to-earth manner.

“But what makes me happy is that you actually made it to the end in the EFL Cup!

"I'm so proud of you!

"Especially Romero, I have to praise you!

“Your performances in the EFL Cup and FA Cup were both world-class!

“Argentina’s number one goalkeeper is well deserved!

"And Rojo, Blind, Herrera, Lingard,

“You all did a great job, I’m very pleased with you!

"Every one of you is an important part of Manchester United during this long season!

"Manchester United has rotation, but no supporting cast!

“You won this EFL Cup championship with your own strength.

"Of course I will give you the chance to compete!

"In this game, I hope to see you win the championship trophy for Manchester United and yourself!"

Mourinho's words made many Manchester United players feel excited.

Especially those who are usually substitute players are even more warm.

In this final, we must go all out and fight bloody!

On the evening of March 1, at Wembley Stadium, the EFL Cup final came as scheduled.

The two sides facing off are Manchester United and Southampton.

Southampton is in good form this season. They are currently ranked ninth in the league and have a good chance of fighting for a European spot.

Amid the ups and downs of the top players, Southampton relied on its stable performance to keep a low profile and not fall behind.

Especially in the English League Cup, they passed the test, eliminated big giants like Arsenal and Liverpool along the way, and reached the final.

In the quarter-finals against Arsenal, they won 2-0.

In the two games against Liverpool in the semi-finals, they scored 1-0 in both games.

With these three games, it is obvious that Southampton's excellent overall defensive ability can be seen.

They don't have a big-name top defender on the team, but they have excellent overall performance and solid defense.

Goalkeeper Fraser Forster has comprehensive skills and is good at saving close shots.

Central defender Van Dijk is Dutch. Although he has only joined the team for more than a season, he has already become the backbone of the defense.

Central defender Maya Yoshida is from Japan. He is 189cm tall and is very good at heading the ball.

Hojbjerg, the young midfielder introduced from Bayern last summer, is good at both offense and defense and is Southampton's all-around midfielder.

Italian forward Gabbiadini, who just joined the team this winter, has first-class ball-making and finishing abilities.

Such a dynamic team is a force that cannot be underestimated in the Premier League.

At Wembley Stadium, the referee blew his whistle and the game began!

As soon as the game started, Manchester United launched a fierce attack!

Rashford and Martial on the two wings took turns attacking, and Lingard made continuous cross-running runs in the frontcourt.

The positions of the three players are not fixed. Because they are young and powerful, they can run very flexibly.

Herrera and Mata behind them also quickly move forward to assist.

Seeing his teammates' excitement, Xia Xing even retreated directly to the defensive midfielder position and defended with all his strength.

In this case, Southampton was completely pressed into their own half.

But they didn't care, because they were originally in a 4-5-1 formation in this game and retreated all the way.

Except for Gabiadini on the front line as a counterattack point, all the players retreated.

Manchester United's half-time offensive training began.

The cooperation between Lingard and Mata, the two sprinted from the middle!

Mata's last shot!

Goalkeeper Foster punched out with both fists!

The ball fell at Lingard's feet, and Lingard volleyed!

The ball was slightly off!

Manchester United missed a good chance to score a goal at the start!

Then, Rashford got a great chance to attack from the wing!

Directly passed the wing defender!

The opponent's Dutch central defender Van Dijk kicked and shoveled!

The ball was directly shoveled away!

Rashford missed a great opportunity!

A few minutes later, this attack was launched from the right!

Herrera's pass penetrated the Southampton midfield line!

Martial received the ball and shot from outside the penalty area!

The ball bypassed the goalkeeper Foster's ten fingers!

Van Dijk made a goal-line shovel at the back point and successfully saved the danger!

In the 19th minute of the game, this time it was Xia Xing's free kick cross, and Manchester United players competed for the header in the penalty area!

But the ball was still cleared out of the penalty area!

It was still Van Dijk!

The performance of the Southampton central defender today was superb! (End of this chapter)