Chapter 281: When You Have Made Enough Contributions to the Team, You Deserve the Starting Position

Dongqiu Di Match Preview: Premier League Round 6, Manchester United away against Southampton, Tang Ye and Rashford lead the lineup, Rodri makes his first start.

【Teng Sheng has finally seen the light, hasn't he?】

【Did you guys climb the ladder to spam comments on Teng Sheng's account? Does Teng Sheng even have a habit of reading comments?】

【Rodri performed so well in the last match; it's perfectly normal for him to start this one.】

【I suggest Manchester United buy Bruno too and directly transplant the entire Villarreal midfield over.】

【Impossible, Bruno never played for Utrecht; Ten Hag would absolutely not want him.】

Why does a brilliant 40-minute performance against a lower-division team in the EFL Cup earn Rodri a promotion from the bench to the starting lineup?

With 30 minutes remaining until kickoff, fans engaged in fierce debate regarding Manchester United's lineup.

But in the end, the fans simply did not know the reason.

Of course, Ten Hag's bold use of new talent is a good thing for Manchester United's long-term development.

Just as both teams emerged from the tunnel, Ten Hag shook hands with Southampton coach Pellegrino and returned to the substitutes' bench.

"So, why is he starting?"

Fan Fan Dejiahe smiled as he looked at Ten Hag.

He had previously stated that Rodri would become a Manchester United starter, but he never expected Ten Hag to act so quickly!

So fast that even he, as an assistant coach, hadn't fully reacted yet!

Watching Tang Ye bouncing around on the pitch, Ten Hag's expression remained calm.

"When you have made enough contributions to the team, you deserve the starting position."

Hearing Ten Hag's reply, Fan Fan Dejiahe first froze for a moment, then let out a long sigh.

Previously, he had feared Ten Hag would favor his own protégés too much, leading to some erroneous decisions.

But now it seemed Fan Fan Dejiahe had misunderstood Ten Hag.

As long as Rodri's performance was outstanding enough, even without wearing the "Teng armor," Ten Hag would still hand him the starting spot!

"Hmm..."

Thinking carefully, Fan Fan Dejiahe now had only one question in his mind.

Hiss—

Was Rodri's performance in the last match really that perfect?

Before Fan Fan Dejiahe could think any further, the match on the field was about to begin!

"China Central Television! This is the live broadcast bringing you..."

"The referee is checking his watch!"

"The match has begun; allow me to introduce the starting lineups for both teams!"

"First, the home team, Southampton!"

Southampton (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Forster

Defenders: Suarez, Yoshida, Huth, Bertrand

Midfielders: Romeu, Steven Davis, Lemina

Forwards: Tadic, Shane Long, Lei Mengde

Less than half a minute into the match, the director's camera cut directly to Pellegrino standing in front of the home team's substitutes' bench.

An explanation appeared at the bottom of the CCTV-5 screen.

【Southampton Head Coach: Pellegrino】

"I believe many viewers in front of their TVs are somewhat familiar with the name Pellegrino, but perhaps just can't recall who he is."

"Yes, haha."

"He was the head coach of Alavés in La Liga last season!"

Alavés!

Upon hearing this team name, the fans watching the match immediately realized.

This was the team that nearly toppled Villarreal in the Copa del Rey Round of 16!

Pellegrino!

It was he who devised the tactics specifically against Villarreal!

That damned high press, that disgusting tactic that wouldn't let Tom get possession!

The tactic subsequently copied by Ajax and Barcelona!

He is the source of all evil!

【Kill him, damn it!】

【I feel Villarreal's losing streak in January and February this year was related to him.】

【No, who gave you the guts to research tactics specifically against my Tang Tang Qiuwang?】

Dongqiu Di Pinned Post: Southampton vs. Manchester United, the fated showdown between former Villarreal players and Pellegrino!

"Southampton!"

"Southampton!"

The home fans began building momentum right at the start of the match.

And now, in the 15th minute of the first half, the loyal Southampton fans had still not stopped their cheering!

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.

Running on the pitch, spotting an opportunity on the right flank, Tang Ye didn't bother chatting and charged straight over.

Here it comes!

Mata quickly ran toward the position Tang Ye had vacated, only to discover that Rodri on his left was also pushing forward.

That was too comfortable!

Mata did not stand on ceremony with Rodri.

Covering a position is itself an extremely stamina-draining task; since Rodri was willing to do it, Mata certainly would not refuse.

Mata ran off with a smile.

And there was a smile on Rodri's face as well.

Mata was still secretly delighted, unaware that his post-match rating in this game would be lower than Rodri's!

Tang Ye received the ball on the right flank.

The space ahead was filled with tall and sturdy Southampton defenders; under these circumstances, Tang Ye would absolutely not charge through.

He planted his foot on the ball and held still!

At the same time, he observed his teammates' positions!

Lei Mengde wanted to come over and challenge for the ball!

This was a Manchester United attacking opportunity; Tang Ye would absolutely not give the ball away easily.

He dragged the ball with his left foot, pushing it from the left side of his body to the right, then dribbled forward.

Busquets' "V" drag!

However, Lei Mengde's reaction speed was fast; immediately after being feinted, he caught up!

Mkhitaryan and Martial were calling for the ball from Tang Ye, but with Lei Mengde pressing so closely, any attempt by Tang Ye to pass would likely result in a tackle by Lei Mengde.

There was no other way!

After a moment's thought, Tang Ye directly planted his left foot in front of Lei Mengde.

This was an application of the 【Hazard Self-Sacrifice Ball Shield Template】.

Lei Mengde was forced to stop abruptly!

Now was the chance!

Bang!

A square pass into the center!

Martial!

Facing pressure from two opponents, Martial chose to directly pass the ball to Mkhitaryan, who was making a run down the right flank to the byline.

At the same time, Tang Ye was drifting toward the center!

"Inside!"

He shouted at Rashford, signaling the Manchester United winger to charge into the penalty area.

Then he instructed Mkhitaryan to play a cutback!

Mkhitaryan very considerately played the ball into space, allowing Tang Ye to strike it very comfortably.

Hold the first touch!

Take a few more steps forward!

Slap!

Striking with the outside of his right foot, he lifted the ball off the grass; it soared over the defenders' heads directly to the far post.

"Rashford!"

From this position, he should have headed the ball straight for goal, but Rashford did not do so.

The Manchester United winger chose to control the ball first, but this action gave the defenders the timing to step up and challenge.

Rashford lost possession inside the penalty area!

"It's okay, it's okay."

Tang Ye raised his hand to signal Rashford.

Just now he had gotten too carried away, thinking it was Allé making the run into the box.

Tom's new teammate Marcus lacked confidence in his heading ability!

He shouldn't have passed such a high cross for Rashford to head!

"This was a very good attacking opportunity, but Rashford's handling in front of the goal was indeed a bit lacking."

"However, Manchester United's defensive line at the back remains fairly reliable; Southampton's quick counter-attack did not help them score."

"The current situation might not be good news for Manchester United..."

The CCTV commentator, afraid of being cyber-bullied by Tang Ye's fans, spoke rather tactfully.

The fact was that the market values of the Southampton and Manchester United players were not on the same level at all.

Therefore, even as the away team, Manchester United should have been the side holding the advantage.

But now...

Did Manchester United's advantage seem to have failed to materialize?

"Rodri's passing is far too unstable; this has caused us to lose many opportunities."

Fan Fan Dejiahe lowered his head, recording the players' issues in his notebook.

Although Rodri had exposed some problems due to not being fully adapted to the Premier League, Ten Hag was not in a hurry to substitute the Spaniard.

This was because with Rodri on the field, the number of times Manchester United's front line was hit by counter-attacks had decreased by 50%!

"Tadić!"

"Take a direct shot!"

"What a pity!"

Having failed to score for so long, Southampton's attacking players were now becoming somewhat anxious.

Their current problem is that they cannot break through Manchester United's defensive line in the penalty area.

This is consistent with the problem Manchester United is facing!

However, Manchester United's attacking opportunities are clearly more numerous than Southampton's!

Snap!

【De Bruyne Standard Long Pass Lv4: Realistic】

Proficiency: 521/1200

"Wow!"

A long pass from Tang Ye in the backfield, accurately hitting Martial in front!

Martial's first touch and positioning are quite steady; after receiving the ball, he quickly moves forward!

Because it is a counterattack, teammates supporting on both the left and right sides have not yet arrived.

Martial controls the ball himself!

He wants to pass back to Mata, but Mata is quickly marked by the defending players.

He controls the ball for a moment.

Martial's ball control is quite strong, but Southampton's backline defense is simply too dense; several players block Martial's position.

Bang!

Yoshida Maya completes the interception!

"Damn!"

Ten Hag waves his hand on the sidelines.

Martial's form is too unstable; this is a serious problem Manchester United is currently facing!

Check Dongqiu Di halftime report: Manchester United draws 0-0 away against Southampton; Rodri makes an outstanding debut in his first start.

"Damn, we can't get in."

Walking towards the tunnel with Rodri, Tang Ye shakes his head.

Pellegrino's tactics effectively restricted the performance of Manchester United's attacking players!

"Do you know, Rod, whenever I get to..."

Unsure if it is the left or right side, Tang Ye turns his body and points to the right sideline of Southampton.

"Whenever I get to that side and go down the line, number 18 and number 22 come to tackle me. I have to dodge because I feel they intend to foul me." Rodri lowers his head, thinking about his first-half performance while studying the problem Tang Ye just mentioned: "You can go to the center, left, or Marcus's side. Marcus can help attract a lot of defense."

"But then we lose one flank."

Tang Ye states his opinion: "The attack from Henrik's side is also very important."

"Hurry, hurry!"

Fan Fan Dejiahe shouts on the sidelines; Tang Ye and Rodri immediately start running.

"Carrick!"

High-fiving captain Carrick, Tang Ye jumps over the bench in the middle and finally sits back in his own seat.

Clap, clap, clap!

Ten Hag's hands move quickly; he finishes the tactical board in a few strokes.

"We like strengthened attacks on the flanks. During the attack, our attacking midfielder will run forward, and our opponents know this very well."

Glancing at Tang Ye, who is leaning against Rodri in a daze, Ten Hag continues speaking.

"So we also need more attacking players. We are playing a 4-2-3-1; the full-backs should have opportunities to push forward and join the attack. Ashley Young and Antonio (Valencia) both need to charge forward."

!

"This is what we need to do in the second half!"

Ten Hag's expression is firm.

If Southampton plays dense defense on the flanks, then Manchester United must attack densely.

Tang Ye suddenly sits up straight, opens his mouth, and then closes it.

"Tom, do you have something you want to say?"

"No, Mr. Eric."

Ten Hag shakes his head: "No, you definitely have something you want to say."

Alright...

Mr. Eric is still too terrifying!

Touching his nose, Tang Ye looks up at the tactical board: "If the defensive midfielder also moves forward, it will be very difficult for us when we get countered. During the attack, I basically won't be in the back."

"So Bailly needs to drop back to protect."

Ten Hag points at Bailly with the hand holding the magnetic flag.

Although Tang Ye does not play as a defender, looking at Bailly's expression, he can roughly understand his teammate's current situation.

Bailly's pressure in the second half will be extremely high!

"Huff, huff!"

After inhaling, he jumps twice; outside, the sound of home fans singing their team anthem comes through.

"Tang Sang!"

Yoshida Maya comes to shake hands with Tang Ye.

Tang Ye extends his hand, then carefully recalls the image of Yoshida Maya facing away from him during the first half of the match.

Because the player's name is written on the back of the jersey!

"M-O-Y-A, Y-O-S-H-I-D-A."

To Yoshida Maya's shocked gaze, Tang Ye directly spells out his name.

"Tang, Tang Sang..."

Maya Yoshida's hands were trembling!

Every letter Tang Ye had just spelled was correct!

This proved that Tang Ye had paid attention to Maya Yoshida!

"Tang Sang, thank you very much!"

Being completely remembered by a player worth over a hundred million, Maya Yoshida was extremely excited inside at this moment.

"Hmm?"

Tang Ye had worried that Maya Yoshida would be angry because he couldn't pronounce his name, but he didn't expect this guy to be so happy.

"Go, Tom!"

Ashley Young, the captain on the field, came over to high-five his teammates.

"Go, Rodri!"

"Go, go!"

Without unexpected events, this should be the most difficult match Manchester United has faced this season.

The opponent is in great form!

Then the Manchester United players must also put forth a sufficiently good performance!

"The second half has begun!"

Just as the second half started, Southampton seized an opportunity.

Snap!

Suarez's through ball on the right wing precisely found Tadic at the baseline!

Tadic crossed horizontally to find Sean Long!

While Sean Long ran to receive the ball, the attacking midfielder Davis ran directly to the edge of the penalty area!

He received Sean Long's pass!

After adjusting, he shot directly!

"G——oooo——aaaa——llll!!!"

It was as if Davis knew this ball would go in; after scoring, he ran out quickly.

After about 10 seconds, the voice of the on-site announcer echoed through St Mary's Stadium.

"The scorer is..."

"Steven... Davis—!!!!"

Check Dongqiu Di live report: Suarez's precise through ball, Southampton's lightning strike goal, Manchester United trailing 0:1 away.

【Damn, this tactic】

【What's going on with Ten Hag, think of something】

【If Rashford presses Suarez, wouldn't he be unable to pass?】

【Pass to Tang Ye more! Rodri only knows how to protect Tang Ye's position, what about protecting the back line?】

Southampton's lightning strike succeeded; the Check Dongqiu Di comment section is now a bit chaotic!

"My fault, my fault."

Ashley Young apologized to his teammates, while Tang Ye, who had been wandering in the front field, ran back to his own half.

"Damn, their attack is too fast."

Manchester United is very good at long-ball counterattacks, but they didn't expect to fall first to the opponent's long-ball counterattack.

The coordination between Suarez and Tadic was too perfect!

"Press, where is the pressing!"

Ten Hag emphasizes pressing by the forward players very much, but Rashford and Martial obviously failed to do this!

"Defenders, pay attention to stick close!"

Cupping his hands around his mouth, Ten Hag made his voice as loud as possible.

Simply adjusted the team's tactics.

At this moment, Southampton began their first substitution of the entire match.

Ward-Prowse and Fan Daike came on as substitutes!

The fans' attention was all on Fan Daike; this center-back from the Netherlands had been putting on a very stunning performance since last season.

Importantly, rumors had also spread connecting him with Liwupu, one of the Premier League's Big Six!

However, Tang Ye and the fans had different focuses. Looking at Ward-Prowse, who high-fived his teammates before coming on, Tang Ye blinked his eyes.

This brother's free kicks are very powerful. Don't ask Tang Ye how he knows.

The match had reached the 67th minute of the second half!

Passing the ball to Ashley Young on the left wing, Ashley Young sent a through ball to Rashford!

"Rashford is driving forward with the ball!"

"Very fast! This is what we said earlier; Rashford's explosive ability on the wing is a major asset for Manchester United!"

"Let's see how Southampton prepares to deal with it!"

"Romero is closing in!"

Facing the defense from Southampton's defensive midfielder, Rashford observed for a moment.

Romero's speed was not fast, so he chose to drive directly to the baseline.

Cutting inside to the edge of the penalty area, he dribbled inward bit by bit with the outside of his foot!

And while Rashford was pressing the opponent's defensive line, Tang Ye ran up from who knows where.

However, standing in the path between Rashford and Tang Ye was a Southampton defender.

Tang Ye feigned an acceleration rush into the penalty area, but in reality, his left finger pointed behind him toward Rodri's position.

!

Rashford hurriedly passed the ball to Rodri!

Rodri passed again to Tang Ye!

Got it!

Knowing that Tang Ye possessed certain shooting abilities, Yoshida Maya decisively rushed up to defend.

At this moment, Tang Ye made his choice.

He tapped the ball from his right foot to his left!

Moving laterally to create distance!

His eyes fixed on the top left corner of the goal.

And then...

He struck the bottom right corner!

Pa!

The shot was taken; goalkeeper Forster stood rooted to the spot, motionless.

He had been fooled!

"Goooo——aaaaa——llllll!"

"Goal!"

"Goal!"

"Tang Ye!"

"Beautiful!"

"1:1, Manchester United has equalized the score!"

As the commentators shouted, Tang Ye spread his arms wide and sprinted quickly toward the lower stands.

Bringing Rashford along with him!

"Marcus, look at me, look at me!"

Running at his maximum speed, Tang Ye leaned his upper body backward.

Shua——!!!

With the help of his cleats, Tang Ye successfully tore three stripes into the grass.

"Tom!"

"Tom!!!!"

There weren't many people in the away stand, but as long as Tang Ye listened with his heart, he could still hear the fans' voices!

That's right!

Remembering something, Tang Ye turned around, lifted the arm resting on Rashford's shoulder, and Rodri, who had come running from behind, successfully squeezed in between the two of them.

"Haha! Rod!"

Tang Ye used his hand to ruffle Rodri's hair.

Just like an older brother ruffling his younger brother's hair!

For Tang Ye, this goal was about more than just a statistic on the scoresheet.

His goal had earned Rodri an assist!

This also meant that Rodri would secure a very good rating for this match.

His little brother was very close to becoming an official Manchester United starter!

PS: 7,000 monthly votes received; here is the 10th update of the month.

Please vote with monthly tickets!

(End of chapter)