Chapter 307: Commander Tom Prepares to Take the Field

On the third morning, they returned to base, and the coaching staff held a morning meeting for the players.

"Hey, Marcus!"

Tang Ye high-fived Rashford, then sat down beside him with Rodri.

Ha…

He blew warm air into his palms, shook his head, and searched for the meeting room's air conditioner: "It's pretty cold today."

"Is it really that cold? I don't think so."

Rashford didn't agree with Tang Ye.

It's not even December yet—Manchester can't possibly be that cold.

"I think it's plenty cold. Marcus, if you've got time, come visit my place—where I only need a coat in December, sometimes even a short-sleeve shirt."

Tang Ye loved the weather back home.

In other words, he hated the cold.

Utrecht, Villarreal, Manchester, and Weifang—the home of the Lueng Football Academy—all felt too cold to him.

"You're in for trouble then—next month we'll get snow, and it'll be overcast all the time."

Rashford's words made Tang Ye uneasy.

He hated winter training because his body always felt stiff when playing in the cold.

And don't forget headers!

Tang Ye had been practicing headers lately—he'd have to cut down on them next month.

Once the weather turned cold, the ball felt like a cannonball hitting his head.

Tom's head doesn't have a helmet!

Tang Ye and Rashford kept chatting about Manchester's weather when Vander Gaag finally got the projector ready.

Today's meeting focused on the next three matches in November.

After the Newcastle game, Manchester United's November schedule became extremely tight.

"Play Basel on the 22nd, Brighton on the 25th, and Watford on the 28th…"

Vander Gaag looked up at the players: "Two of these are away games, and the Basel match requires us to leave England. The travel will take a lot of time. To ensure you're at your best for the matches, our training intensity will be very low over the next few days."

Fitness coach Craig chimed in: "Just maintain your competitive condition—no progression training for now."

Tang Ye noted the coaches' key points.

His speed was still 74—he needed 75 to unlock the long-sealed 【Cruyff Turn Template】.

Lowering training intensity meant Tang Ye would remain farther away from reaching 75 speed.

Not being able to activate this legendary template wasn't comfortable, but Tang Ye's mindset remained good.

One Champions League and two league matches—he could tackle two tasks at once.

The Manchester United Legend Chest was within reach!

…

Snap!

【De Bruyne Standard Long Pass Lv4: Realistic】

Proficiency: 702/1200

The long pass sailed over the dummy, striking the goal precisely.

"Beautiful!"

Vander Gaag clapped, but Tang Ye shook his head: "Uh… that pass wasn't quite right."

"You hit the target."

Vander Gaag reminded him.

Tang Ye's long pass had perfectly met the training goal: clearing the dummy and hitting the goal.

"Too high."

Tang Ye glanced toward the goal: "It cleared the defender, but Marcus can't reach it—he can't jump that high."

"I think if Marcus jumps, his header power drops—he can't head it mid-air."

"Alright, you're right."

Vander Gaag spread his hands.

Tom was just too considerate!

Tang Ye took the ball Vander Gaag passed him and adjusted his stance.

Observe.

Snap!

【De Bruyne Standard Long Pass Lv4: Realistic】

Proficiency: 704/1200

The ball flew out, kicking up blades of grass.

Over the dummy's head!

Into the goal!

"Huh!"

Tang Ye exhaled.

That one was good.

Whether it was Marcus or Martial, United's forwards could all reach that header.

Sitting on the ball to rest, Tang Ye turned his attention to his system.

The 【Standard Long Pass】 was leveling up incredibly fast.

Just one pass in training gave him two proficiency points!

And Tang Ye only had the 【Ronaldo's Broccoli】 equipped—he hadn't even bought the 【Bogba Hair Gel】 to boost proficiency!

He still needed 500 proficiency points to upgrade 【Standard Long Pass】 to Lv5.

A quick calculation suggested he'd likely reach Lv5 in January or February.

Plus, the curved through-pass!

【De Bruyne Curved Through Pass Lv4: Realistic】

Proficiency: 682/1000

The curved through-pass needed over 300 more points—both should level up around the same time.

Sitting on the ball, Tang Ye clenched his fists silently.

Next January or February, he'd unlock two Lv5 growth templates at once!

…

DQZ Top Post: Manchester United releases starting XI for away match vs Basel—Martial and Rodri lead, Tang Ye on bench.

"Opponents will likely play three center-backs, so our tactics remain the same…"

Ten Hag spoke in the center of the locker room; Tang Ye leaned comfortably against the locker behind him.

United had won four straight Champions League matches and already qualified for the group stage, so their pressure was low.

Considering this, Ten Hag chose to rest Tang Ye today to prepare him for the upcoming match against Brighton.

As for his exact playing time…

Ten Hag hadn't told Tang Ye yet, but he could guess.

As long as United didn't lead by two or three goals in the first half, he'd get on.

After all, he still had a Champions League task to complete!

Knock knock!

The locker room fell silent.

Creak—

The door opened from outside, and staff entered.

"Substitutes can go out now."

Time to go!

Tang Ye stood up from his chair and high-fived Rodri and Rashford: "Good luck, Rodri. Good luck, Marcus."

Rodri spread his arms: "We'll score plenty—you won't get a chance to play."

"Haha."

"I'll cheer for you from the bench."

Tang Ye patted Rodri's shoulder, then walked out with Lingard.

"Hey, Tom!"

Basel fans waved at Tang Ye; he waved back, then sat down with Lingard on the substitute bench.

Basel's home ground was small, but the facilities were excellent.

Tang Ye loved the locker room benches and substitute chairs—they were all so soft!

"Now introducing the away team's starting lineup—Manchester United!"

The stadium announcer's voice rang out, listing both teams' starters and substitutes, then the starters emerged from the tunnel.

The United substitutes on the bench stood up.

"Go Rodri! Go Marcus! Go Ma Ta!"

Manchester United (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: De Gea

Defenders: Valencia, Bailly, Smalling, Luke Shaw

Midfielders: Mata, Rodri, Herrera

Forwards: Mkhitaryan, Martial, Rashford

"The match has started!"

"You can see Manchester United have once again deployed their season-opening 4-3-3."

Tang Ye is on the bench today because Manchester United have already secured advancement to the Champions League knockout stage; Ten Hag's decision is likely preparing for their next Premier League match against Brighton.

【Damn, the King of Tang isn't playing?】

What the hell is Ten Hag doing?

【Guys, I'm setting a 60-minute alarm—I'll wake up for the second half.】

True Ten Hag fans will watch the whole match.

Tang Ye's rare appearance on the bench dampened the enthusiasm of many fans staying up late.

But it also added a new point of interest to the match.

Five minutes after the starting lineup was announced, the well-known betting company Betway opened a new odds line related to Tang Ye.

Tom sleeps on the bench, odds 1:13.5.

Tom does not sleep on the bench, odds 1:1.12.

Since sleeping is hard to judge objectively, Betway established a clear criterion.

If you bet one pound on Tom sleeping on the bench, and Tom keeps his eyes closed for 100 consecutive seconds on the bench, you win 13.5 pounds.

【Believe in the King of Tang】

【Yeah, I believe in the King of Tang—I'm betting on him sleeping on the bench.】

【???】

【The odds of 1.12 are way too low—better to bet on sleeping.】

【Don't bet on sleeping—GGBond won't sleep again!】

At just the 6th minute of the match, the camera zoomed in on Tang Ye on the pitch.

His head swayed left, then snapped up sharply, then swayed right.

"..."

Betway real-time odds.

Tom sleeps on the bench, odds 1:8.5.

Tom does not sleep on the bench, odds 1:1.22.

True Tang Ye fans clenched their hands tightly together.

Come on, GGBond!

Show some grit—you can do it!

"Tom!"

Lingard punched Tang Ye's thigh; the latter instantly snapped awake.

"Huh!"

He shook his head, and Lingard's voice came from beside him: "Don't fall asleep, Tom!"

Before taking the field, Rodri had specifically sought out Lingard.

Originally, preventing Tang Ye from sleeping on the bench was Rodri's task, but since Rodri was starting this match, the duty fell to Lingard.

If Tang Ye fell asleep again on the bench, fans would surely curse him—so Lingard had to take this task seriously!

He yawned, then looked up at the pitch.

Manchester United's attack broke down; Basel gained possession.

The home team's counterattack!

The match suddenly grew intense; Tang Ye focused his attention.

Basel's holding midfielder dribbled forward; Tang Ye, seated on the bench, captured all twenty-two players on the field in his vision.

Quick calculation.

Hmm… if Rodri marks No. 20, Mata closely guards No. 28, and Rashford covers the left winger No. 5, Basel's ball-carrier will be trapped immediately.

This would likely allow Manchester United to break up Basel's attack!

But the players on the pitch had no god's-eye view and no computational ability.

Rodri and Rashford both picked the wrong players to mark!

Snap!

Akani sent a low through-ball to Steffen on the flank; Steffen dribbled toward the penalty area.

To the overlapping Oberlan!

Oberlan crosses!

Petretta!

Boom!

Petretta's powerful shot.

"G——ooooo——aaaaa——lllllll!!!"

Goal!

At the 11th minute, Basel opened the scoring against Manchester United!

"Damn..."

Tang Ye shook his head—and suddenly, he wasn't sleepy anymore.

Clearly, Basel had learned from their previous match against Manchester United.

Their counterattacks had improved!

Petretta, the goalscorer, moved near the corner flag as Basel players celebrated. "Roar—!!!!!!"

Basel's celebration spot was close to Manchester United's bench; Tang Ye could clearly hear the goalscorer's shouts, and it stung.

"Rodri shouldn't have marked that No. 5."

Tang Ye muttered, though he knew it was useless to say so now.

Manchester United were behind!

Basel's anthem echoed across the pitch; it was the 35th minute of the first half!

Manchester United still trailed by one goal; Ten Hag, having just given instructions, walked toward the bench and gestured to Tang Ye to raise his head.

"Tom, warm up!"

Here it comes!

Tang Ye high-fived Lingard, then began adjusting his socks and boots.

He stood up from the chair.

"Wow!"

!

"Don't bring him on! Don't bring him on!"

"Stay seated! Stay seated!"

Basel fans in the stands grew anxious.

"Please, Tom—I'll buy you a KFC, just don't come on!"

Tang Ye placed his jacket on the chair and spread his hands toward the Basel fans.

KFC?

Tang Ye shook his head.

Basel fans clearly thought he loved burgers—this was the biggest misunderstanding of Tang Ye.

Earlier in the player tunnel, Tang Ye had once talked with Hazard.

Tang Ye actually didn't like burgers—he loved the bread buns and spicy chicken legs!

DQZ Real-Time Match Report: Tang Ye is warming up.

After nearly forty minutes of warming up, Tang Ye is highly likely to come on in the second half.

At this moment, the bettors who didn't trust Tom were silently crying.

Tom didn't sleep!

At the 42nd minute, Tang Ye paced beside Ten Hag.

Left leg kick, right leg kick.

Then he twisted his waist.

At that moment, Tang Ye suddenly stopped—he saw Luke Shaw's long pass find Rodri on the right flank.

And Rodri was now right in front of Tang Ye!

He turned to face the pitch, watching his teammates move.

This sideline view was perfect—like playing a game.

Tang Ye was the player, controlling the Manchester United players on the field.

He frowned in thought, imagining he held a game controller.

"Henrik! Henrik!"

Tang Ye shouted loudly.

Rodrigo quickly passed the ball to Mkhitarian ahead, who stopped it with his foot.

"Middle! Middle! Mata!"

Mkhitarian passed again to Mata.

Mata advanced with the ball!

Ten Hag turned to look at Tang Ye.

The conducting was well done, but Ten Hag still had one unanswered question.

If you're commanding, why are Tang Ye's fingers moving around?

Turning his attention away from Tang Ye, Ten Hag looked at the pitch.

Mata dribbled toward the arc!

Found an opening!

Bang!

A through ball pushed into the penalty area!

Rashford!

Bang!

A powerful shot—Rashford opened the door to Basel's goal!

No offside!

"Hah!"

Tang Ye suddenly raised both arms, watching the scoreboard change from 1:0 to 1:1.

Equalized!

"Well done, Tom!"

Ten Hag slapped Tang Ye's hand.

Donyu Real-Time Report: Mata's through pass assisted Rashford; Manchester United equalized.

【GGBond switched to Commander Mode!】

【Tang Ye? Tang Sheng!】

【So awesome hahahaha】

Tang Ye merely demonstrated his commanding ability, yet fans immediately crowned him Tang Sheng.

This was really too embarrassing!

Compared to commanding, Tang Ye actually preferred playing on the pitch with his teammates!

No problem—wait for the second half!

【Chain Quest · Stage Three】

Objective: Achieve 6 assists in the Champions League.

Current Progress: 0/6

Looking at the quest on his person, Tang Ye resumed stretching.

……

Half-time locker room.

"Not bad, Tom!"

Rodrigo pushed the door open and immediately found Tang Ye.

"What's up, Rodrigo?"

Tang Ye shifted his butt sideways, making room for Rodrigo.

"You told me to pass to Henrik"

Rodrigo pointed behind him to Mkhitarian, who had just entered—another beneficiary of Tom's command.

Tang Ye recalled the situation at the time.

"Oh, you had to do that then, or you'd have had to pass back."

Tang Ye disliked passing back.

Because defenders' positions changed every second; if you passed back, you might lose the current attacking opportunity.

Tang Ye didn't want to lose attacking opportunities.

Rodrigo sat beside Tang Ye; soon Ten Hag and Van Dijk returned together.

Creak—

The tactics board was pulled to the center; Van Dijk was writing, while Ten Hag went straight to Tang Ye.

"Get ready—you're coming on in the second half."

"Yes, Mr. Eric!"

Tang Ye had already expected he'd be subbed on in the second half.

"You can tie your laces now."

Ten Hag pointed at Tang Ye's boots—both pairs of laces were still loose.

Tang Ye glanced at the clock on the wall: "Twelve minutes until the second half starts—no rush."

"Just don't forget."

Thump! Thump!

Ten Hag tapped the tactics board, drawing all the players' attention.

Slight tactical adjustments, but the main 4-3-3 formation remained unchanged.

……

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back—this is the Champions League..."

"Manchester United make their first substitution: Tang Ye replaces Herrera!"

Here we go!

At the 46th minute, Commander Tom comes on as a substitute!

Glancing toward the away fans' section, Tang Ye immediately saw the banners they held up.

【Tom, the Strongest Midfielder!】

Honestly, Tang Ye still couldn't handle the title "Strongest Midfielder."

But the title was really cool—he'd work hard to earn it!

Slap!

High-fived Herrera, Tang Ye sprinted to his position.

"Xuuu—!!!"

The moment Tang Ye stepped on, he was met with boos from the home fans.

Ten Hag stood on the sideline, hands in his pockets.

Just from the boos, you could tell Basel fans were already panicking.

They wanted to disrupt Tom with all their might.

But!

Ten Hag knew it was useless!

"Basel!"

Thump! Thump!

"Basel!"

Thump! Thump!

The second half reached the 68th minute!

"Go! Go! Go!"

Under Tang Ye's urging, Mkhitarian moved down the right flank.

Found the opening!

Bang!

A direct pass found Mkhitarian at the right baseline!

After completing the pass, Tang Ye quickly scanned the field and made his decision.

Follow Mkhitarian!

"Huh! Huh! Huh!"

Since he'd just come on in the second half, Tang Ye was full of energy.

He dodged defenders and slipped behind Mkhitarian.

While Mkhitarian tangled with Basel's defender, Tang Ye sprinted straight to the baseline from behind his teammate.

Mkhitarian passed to him!

To Tang Ye!

Here it comes!

Tang Ye had already prepared his movement—he swung his right leg.

Snap!

【De Bruyne's inverted triangle pass Lv3: Simulation】

Proficiency: 102/400

The inverted triangle found Smolkin making a run from behind!

Smolkin takes a long-range shot!

Thud!

The goalkeeper parried the ball out, and it fell to Ma Xiaer.

Calmly, Ma Xiaer and Lu Ke executed a one-two, holding the ball near the penalty area.

"Here!"

Tang Ye stretched out his hand, sprinting all the way from the byline.

Ma Xiaer delivered the pass!

This is a chance!

Start running—see whether the left foot or right foot is closer.

Right foot!

Then use the right foot!

Snap!

【Modric's outside-of-the-foot template】!

Tang Ye struck the ball off the grass, sending it straight toward the left post.

The Basel goalkeeper leapt again but couldn't reach Tang Ye's curling shot.

"Gooo——aaaaa——llllll！！！！"

"Goal!"

"Tang Ye!"

"Outside-of-the-foot shot!"

"Ssshh, didn't Tang Ye score a similar goal during the World Cup qualifiers?"

"Yes, but this one's angle is even sharper."

Tang Ye, having completed the goal, stood still and shook his head.

His task was to assist.

But there was nothing he could do—he'd already made his judgment.

In this situation, shooting was the best choice!

【You gained 20 Comeback Points】

【Quest Progress: Assist (0/6)】

……

(End of Chapter)