Chapter 298: Tang Ye's Forbidden Zone Creation, Manchester United Star Chest!

Dongqiu Di pinned post: Premier League Round 10, Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur in progress, current score 0:0.

Early in the second half, Pochettino substituted Dembélé on for Sissoko.

Standing on the grass, Tang Ye watched Tottenham's number 19 run onto the field from the sidelines, a guy who shared the same name as his good friend.

He remembered encountering him last year at the Golden Boy award ceremony too!

Of course!

Tang Ye could say with 100% certainty that Tottenham's Dembélé was absolutely not as good as his good friend Dembélé!

This held true for both video games and real football!

"Focus a bit more!"

Mata called back the distracted Tang Ye, who shook his head and began adjusting his positioning on the pitch.

He had already notified his teammates about this while in the player tunnel earlier.

Tom would play very aggressively in the second half!

Because he wanted to defeat Tottenham Hotspur!

"Dembélé, also one of last year's Golden Boy nominees, while today's opponent Tang Ye was last year's Golden Boy winner."

"Yes, this is a direct showdown between two Golden Boy players."

Fortunately, Ten Hag couldn't hear the CCTV commentators' remarks; otherwise, Ten Hag would definitely be angry.

Comparing Dembélé to Tom?

That was absolutely, absolutely wrong!

Dembélé and Tom were simply not on the same level, okay!

"Slow down, slow down! Defend! Watch the wings, watch the wings!"

It was still the same tactic discussed at halftime: if Manchester United wanted to score in the second half, they absolutely had to solidify their defense first.

Defend!

Tackle!

Then counter-attack!

This was Manchester United's offensive trilogy!

"Son Heung-min!"

"He's cutting inside!"

"Tottenham are already getting somewhat impatient now; Son Heung-min seems to be trying to create opportunities through individual ability..."

Son Heung-min was too impatient, just like Tang Ye had been in the previous EFL Cup match!

But in high-level competitive matches, the side that gets impatient first usually ends up at a disadvantage!

Valencia and Smalling worked together to intercept Son Heung-min, with Smalling ultimately winning the ball.

Boom!

A counter-attacking opportunity for Manchester United!

Faster, faster!

Tottenham's attack had been so quick that Son Heung-min had already reached the edge of the penalty area before Tang Ye had even run back to the halfway line.

This made the current counter-attack extremely comfortable for Tang Ye.

He had plenty of time to run and observe!

Herrera dribbled forward!

Snap!

Passing ahead to Mata!

Great chance!

After assessing the situation on the field, Tang Ye ran toward the right side of the arc.

Simultaneously, he pointed at the open space in front of him.

"Here, here!"

Mata played the ball out!

Dier had originally intended to mark Tang Ye one-on-one, but fearing Tang Ye might play a direct through-ball into the box, he retreated into the penalty area instead.

This gave Tang Ye ample space to advance.

Closing in slowly!

None of his teammates were in a position to receive the pass.

Gritting his teeth, he decided to drive into the penalty area himself!

"Wow!!!"

Fans in the stands erupted in shouts.

The playmaking midfielder was coming!

"Is Tang Ye going to take it on himself?"

"Acceleration!"

Tang Ye's sense of rhythm was incredibly strong, putting immense pressure on Dier.

A pause!

Then acceleration!

!

Something was wrong; Dier immediately stuck out his foot.

Tang Ye fell to the ground.

"He's down! He's down!"

"Tang Ye is down!"

"It's a penalty! It's a penalty!"

Beep beep beep beep!!!

Beep beep beep beep!!!

The stadium was filled with fake whistles blown by Manchester United fans.

Of course, the referee Anthony Taylor had indeed blown his whistle as well.

It was indeed a penalty!

Check Dongqiu Di live match report: 64th minute of the second half, Tang Ye charged alone into the penalty area and was tripped by Dier; Manchester United awarded a penalty.

"Referee, listen to me, listen to me!"

Tottenham players surrounded the referee, with Ai Ai Kesen attempting to plead Dier's case.

But this did not change Taylor's decision.

"Manchester United has been awarded a penalty!"

Slap!

Mata grabbed Tang Ye's hand inside the penalty area and yanked him forcefully off the ground: "Well done! Well done!"

"Haha!"

Tang Ye was overjoyed now.

He certainly knew what this penalty meant!

With the score currently locked at 0-0, Manchester United would very likely take the lead thanks to this penalty!

"There are currently no particularly outstanding penalty takers within the Manchester United squad, which means there will be some issue regarding who takes this penalty."

The camera cut to the top of the arc, where Rashford, Tang Ye, Mkhitaryan, and Herrera were gathered together whispering.

With Martial, the designated first penalty taker, absent, everyone had ideas about taking this penalty.

After some discussion, the Manchester United players ultimately decided to give this penalty opportunity to Herrera.

Seeing Herrera carry the ball into the penalty area, Ten Hag wanted to say something, but after hesitating for a moment, he finally gave up.

Ten Hag wanted Tang Ye to take the penalty, but he knew doing so would be bad for Tang Ye.

A player with a record of zero penalties last season at Villarreal would be granted penalty-taking rights less than three months after transferring to Manchester United.

This was a penalty during a draw.

It would be fine if he scored, but what if he missed in the end?

Ten Hag could bear this public opinion pressure, but Tom could not!

Squinting his eyes, Ten Hag watched Herrera on the pitch.

Ander, the time has come to demonstrate your loyalty!

Don't waste the penalty Tom created!

"Herrera!"

"Run-up... shoot!"

"Goal!"

"66th minute of the second half, Herrera scores from the penalty spot, Manchester United successfully changes the score!"

Haha!

Jumping up on the spot, Tang Ye and Rashford ran together toward where Herrera was standing.

Herrera naturally did not forget Tang Ye's contribution; he opened his arms and fiercely pulled Tang Ye into an embrace.

【Manchester United is awesome!】

【I don't really approve if this goal isn't given to our Tang Tang Qiuwang】

【I've watched Tang Tang Qiuwang play football for 20 years; Tang Tang Qiuwang simply doesn't know how to take penalties】

【Can't take penalties, shouldn't Ten Hag hurry up and make GGBond practice extra? No need to sit in jail for extra practice now】

"Woww!!!"

"Wow!!!"

When the score was 0-0, Manchester United fans were extremely nervous.

Now leading in the score, Manchester United fans directly released all the pressure they had accumulated earlier.

"We are fucking Man United!"

Clap clap clap!

Applause from head coach Ten Hag.

Indeed!

God will step forward at the right moment!

This statement has always held true for Manchester United!

【Mission Progress: Goals (2/3) / Assists (1/3)】

Winning a penalty did not count as an assist for Tang Ye.

Therefore, to obtain the treasure chest now, the best method was still to score a goal himself.

Similar to the previous match against Swansea, Tang Ye still had more than 20 minutes remaining.

But one difference was that scoring against Tottenham would definitely be much more difficult than scoring against Swansea.

Otherwise, Manchester United wouldn't have only managed one penalty goal up to this point!

72nd minute!

"Ai Ai Kesen, take a shot from the outside!"

Crack!

Ai Ai Kesen's long-range shot was extremely threatening, but De Gea, worthy of being a Ballon d'Or candidate, displayed truly rapid ground coverage.

The Manchester United goalkeeper blocked Ai Ai Kesen's shot!

"This should be Tottenham's best scoring opportunity of the match so far."

"But unfortunately, De Gea successfully kept Ai Ai Kesen's long-range shot out!"

De Gea hugged the ball and quickly ran to the edge of the penalty area.

"Rodri, Rodri, Rodri!"

Shouting the receiver's name loudly, once Rodri dropped back, De Gea threw the ball out with his hand.

Rodri took possession and began pushing forward on the counterattack!

Shaking off the pressing Ali, Rodri reached near the center circle.

He immediately looked for Tang Ye.

Tang Ye's position wasn't ideal, but Rodri saw the gesture Tang Ye gave.

Left side!

Crack!

Rodri sent out a long pass, accurately finding Rashford.

The Manchester United winger controlled the ball with his chest, then quickly dribbled forward.

The ball had already been delivered to the attacking third; now it depended on the Manchester United forwards' execution.

"Get to the byline!"

Tang Ye's voice came from behind, and Mkhitaryan immediately ran to the left byline, successfully providing support for Rashford.

Tang Ye moved to the top of the arc.

Mkhitaryan passed the ball to Rashford!

Rashford dribbled, compressing the defensive line!

"To me, to me!"

Tang Ye ran into the receiving position, and Rashford decisively sent a cutback pass to Tang Ye.

Lifting his right foot to let the ball roll behind him, Tang Ye then turned and cut inside.

Aim for the far corner!

Lift the right foot!

【De Bruyne curls a shot toward the far corner...】

Noticing Dale charging out of the corner of his eye, Tang Ye decisively trapped the ball with his right foot.

Executing half a Cruyff turn, he passed the ball from his right foot to his left!

Dale prepared to dive for an interception; Tang Ye had no extra time to adjust, so he decisively struck a toe-poke shot with his left foot.

Lloris jumped out!

But it was useless!

"GOOOO——AAAAA——LLLLLL!!!!"

"Goal!"

"Manchester United launched an excellent counterattack, resulting in a goal from Tang Ye!"

"2:0!"

After the shot, he was knocked down by Dale and fell to the ground; after a moment of pain, Tang Ye immediately stood up again.

He accelerated, running toward the corner flag on the left!

Faster!

Knee slide!

Boom!

Whoosh—!!!

"Roar ah—!!!!"

【You obtained Counterattack Points *15】

【Mission Progress: Goals (3/3) / Assists (1/3)】

Status: Completed

Tottenham is indeed strong; like Liwupu, they are a very formidable team.

But it is useless!

Tang Ye will step over Tottenham to claim his mission rewards!

"Ah!!"

Ten Hag raised both clenched fists.

Herrera's penalty was timely aid, while Tang Ye's toe-poke goal in the box was icing on the cake.

But perhaps because he desired a more magnificent scoreline, Ten Hag's reaction was even more intense after Tang Ye scored with the toe-poke.

Other home coaches only hope their team can win; securing three points is enough for them.

But Ten Hag felt it was not enough.

The Manchester United head coach demands a victory by a large margin!

"United!"

Boom boom!

The fans in the stands shouted Manchester United's team name.

The match had now reached the 85th minute, with Manchester United leading by two goals.

Then there was no need to say more about the result of this match!

Manchester United was today's victor!

Check Dongqiu Di live match report: In the 87th minute, Lin Lin Jiade came off the bench to replace Tang Ye.

"Viva Tom Tom~~"

"Viva Tom Tom~~"

Jogging off the pitch, Tang Ye received overwhelming applause from the fans on site.

He clapped hands with Lin Lin Jiade: "Go for it, Jesse!"

Check Dongqiu Di match report: Manchester United defeated Tottenham 2:0 at home to secure the final battle of October; Tang Ye scored and won a penalty in the box, while Rodri played a full match for the first time.

【Manchester United's strength is still decent, at least much better than last season】

【I feel Tottenham just had bad luck; if they had Kane, Manchester United probably wouldn't have had a chance】

【Tang Tang Qiuwang will punish Kane!】

【Did anyone see Ten Hag's expression after Tang Ye scored? Damn, it died laughing me haha】

"We are fucking United! (We are Manchester United)"

"Haha!"

Tang Ye did not rush to claim his mission reward; instead, he celebrated together with his teammates in the locker room.

Defeating Tottenham 2:0 was a very joyful matter, and soon an even more joyful matter arrived.

Fan Fan Dejiahe brought good news to Tang Ye.

He was the Man of the Match!

"Was it me?"

"It was definitely you!"

Herrera pushed Tang Ye slightly: "You were the one who won that penalty for me."

"Oh, but I didn't take that penalty,"

Tang Ye reminded him.

"But you scored another goal afterward,"

Herrera added, as Rodri and Tang Ye went together to receive the trophy.

It was still the familiar water-cup-shaped MVP trophy; Tang Ye tossed it from his left hand to his right, then from his right to his left, walking leisurely through the circular corridor beneath the podium.

Noticing that Rodri kept staring at the water cup in his hand, Tang Ye asked, "Rod, do you like this thing?"

"Of course."

Rodri answered quickly.

He had only ever won the La Liga MVP trophy; eager to become a star, Rodri naturally hoped that one day he could, like his big brother Tom, also win the Premier League MVP.

"Then I'll give this one to you; I have many of them."

Tang Ye handed the water cup in his hand to Rodri, who stepped back and blocked with both hands in front of him: "No no no no, absolutely not, absolutely not, this is yours."

Tang Ye glanced back: "It's not like it can't be given away, right?"

"You won this."

Rodri pushed Tang Ye's hand back: "If I need it, then I should win it myself; only then would it be meaningful."

Tang Ye felt that what Rodri said made great sense; nodding gently, he said, "Then Rod, you will definitely win it; I have that feeling."

"Haha, are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure."

Tang Ye's expression turned serious: "I don't lie; before, I said you would become a starter, and then you really became a starter. Now it's the same; you will win the MVP trophy. I feel it's not far off!"

Click click!

The press conference scene at Old Trafford Stadium!

Manchester United's traffic was arguably exaggerated; today the press room was already packed to bursting, with some late-arriving reporters having to sit on temporary chairs in the aisle.

The reporters first asked Ten Hag about his feelings regarding the victory, and then about Rodri's situation.

To this, Ten Hag's answer was:

"I have already said once before that when you have made enough contributions to the team, you can earn a starting position."

"So, has Rodri made enough contributions to Manchester United?"

Ten Hag did not rush to answer this question; instead, he first recalled in his mind the scenes of Rodri covering for Tang Ye, sending an assist to Tang Ye, and helping Tang Ye up when he fell.

"Yes, I believe the contributions he has made to the team are already sufficient."

"Rodri is now one of the options for the starting lineup."

Click click!

Rodri was now one of the options for Manchester United's starting defensive midfielder; the reporters recorded this key information.

"Then can you say something about the victory in this match?"

"We won the match; that is the result."

Ten Hag answered very decisively, but clearly what the reporters wanted to ask was not this question.

"But Kane did not play; although you led by two goals, the goal-scoring opportunities you created should be about the same as Tottenham's. If Kane had played..."

"The result might have changed?"

The reporter used Ten Hag's own words to counter him: "Do you feel you won this match relying on luck?"

"..."

Ten Hag grew somewhat angry, his expression turning unpleasant.

Click-click!

Click-click-click!

"That is a very good question; if Kane had played, he could indeed have changed the scoreline. Because I admit Kane is an extremely outstanding player."

Ten Hag's answer surprised the reporters somewhat.

The Manchester United manager had actually agreed with a viewpoint unfavorable to himself!

"However, I must remind you that an injury is an injury; Kane is injured, so he cannot play. We also have injured players: Luke and Zlatan (Ibrahimović). In fact, we have one more injured player than Tottenham."

"Both Luke and Zlatan are key players for us; their absence has had a truly massive impact on our team."

Ten Hag spread his right hand toward the camera.

"So, following your logic, if Kane weren't injured, then our players wouldn't be injured either, and both Luke and Zlatan would be playing."

"You must understand that the current Manchester United lacks a center forward; if we added a center forward, our strength would rise to another level entirely."

Ten Hag raised his right hand upward.

"In that case, the scoreline of this match wouldn't be some 2-0, but rather 3-0 or 4-0. Of course, as I said, Kane is an excellent player who should be able to score, so the score could also have been 3-1 or 4-1."

Click-click!

Ten Hag left the scene, wearing an expression of speechlessness on his face.

These English football reporters were truly dull-witted.

Did they actually believe the current Manchester United was the strongest Manchester United possible?

How could that be!

Such a viewpoint was absolutely, absolutely wrong!

The current Manchester United had not yet displayed their full strength!

【Ten Hag is at it again, haha!】

【But it actually makes quite a bit of sense, brothers; right now Manchester United just lacks a tall center forward. If Ibrahimović were here, pairing up with Tang Tang Qiuwang would make them invincible.】

【Can only say Ten Hai is just like this; you think he's bluffing, yet you don't know how to refute him. Hmm... I also think Manchester United would become much stronger with Ibrahimović and Luke Shaw added.】

【Ibrahimović's injury is quite serious; he probably hasn't even returned to the team yet.】

In the apartment that evening, Tang Ye, lying in his gaming chair, scrolled through comments on Check Dongqiu Di.

Oh, right!

Ibrahimović!

That was his teammate!

A super center forward nearly two meters tall!

Tang Ye only knew he had such a teammate, but he had never actually seen him.

He also didn't know what had caused Ibrahimović to suffer such a severe injury.

Tang Ye's impression of Ibrahimović remained limited to Rashford's descriptions.

Rashford had said Ibrahimović was a very fierce guy!

However, Tang Ye felt he himself was quite fierce when playing football; he just didn't know who would be fiercer compared to Ibrahimović.

Forget it!

Shaking his head, since Ibrahimović hadn't returned to the team for training yet, pondering such matters was meaningless.

Better to check his treasure chest first!

【Mission Progress: Goals (3/3) / Assists (1/3)】

Status: Completed

【Claim reward?】

【You have obtained the Manchester United Treasure Chest·Superstar】

PS: Tomorrow, 3 updates totaling 14,000 words.

(End of chapter)