Chapter 311: Ibrahimović Returns from Injury, Unlocks Manchester United Legend Chest

Dongqiu Di match preview: At 4:00 AM on November 29, the final match of November, Manchester United away against Watford, as Tang Ye aims for his first Premier League Player of the Month.

【4 AM? I'm up】

【Two years ago, I wouldn't have been able to play in a match like this】

【Fun fact: Tang the Ball King isn't just an adult—he's about to turn 19!】

【Man, this time is brutal—I'm only staying up for ggbond, but I'll set an alarm to watch】

A 4 AM match is terribly inconvenient for Chinese fans; in the past, even loyal Manchester United supporters might have skipped it.

After all, Watford really isn't an interesting opponent.

But now it's different!

China's ggbond is at Manchester United!

This match is crucial for Tang Ye's bid for his first Premier League Player of the Month!

Chinese fans want to see Tang Ye put up strong stats, and then…

Win that damn Player of the Month!

…

"My jersey's gone—Tom, did you steal my jersey?"

"What the hell, Luo De, why would I steal your jersey?"

At Ma Ta's reminder, Tang Ye looked down at his training shirt.

Number 30.

"Holy shit, I knew this shirt felt off—it's way too big."

Tang Ye wanted to run back to the locker room to change, but Ten Hag and Fan Dejia emerged at that moment.

He quickly thought—if he went back now, Ten Hag would assume he was late.

I'll ask Mr. Eric after warm-up.

"Take it slow—it's cold today, our warm-up will be long."

Under the coach's guidance, Manchester United players began their warm-up.

Tang Ye followed behind Rashford and Ma Ta, then suddenly spoke: "Zlatan?"

"What? Where?"

Rashford followed Tang Ye's gaze and saw a figure slowly walking toward the training ground from the parking lot.

"Wait, how can you see that clearly from here? Are you sure it's Zlatan?"

"Definitely."

Tang Ye had seen Zlatan once at training a few days ago—he knew exactly what he looked like.

The players kept running; as the distant figure drew closer, other Manchester United players gradually noticed him too.

It really was Zlatan!

"Impressive, Tom."

Ma Ta gave Tang Ye a thumbs-up; the latter shook his head: "It's nothing—he's tall, his build is unmistakable."

Suddenly, Tang Ye asked: "So why did he get injured for half a year?"

Tang Ye himself had been injured while playing for Utrecht, but he fully recovered in under two weeks.

Zlatan took six months to recover—hard to imagine what kind of injury he suffered.

"Anterior cruciate ligament tear."

Luo De piped up.

"Wait, what's that?"

"It's when the ligament in your knee snaps."

Rashford gave a clearer explanation: "Last season's Europa League—Zlatan jumped and landed, twisted his knee. I was on the pitch then."

"Last season's Europa League… yeah, I played that too."

Tang Ye hadn't realized Zlatan got injured during the Europa League.

Tang Ye had played in that tournament too—it made him feel like Zlatan had gotten hurt right beside him.

Shit—

That's scary!

"I heard Zlatan's amazing—I've never played with him, just read the commentary."

"He's definitely amazing, but he still needs time to recover."

Warm-up ended; players gathered before Ten Hag.

Ten Hag motioned for Zlatan to stand beside him, but then his attention suddenly shifted to Tang Ye.

Rashford and Luo De stepped aside; Tang Ye took a step back.

"W-what's wrong, Mr. Eric?"

"Why are you three times bigger?"

Huh?

Tang Ye looked down at his shoulders: "Mr. Eric, I've been training hard—muscle growth is normal."

"Uh… I meant your jersey number."

"Oh, right."

Tang Ye shook his head quickly and pointed at Luo De: "I grabbed the wrong jersey—I'll change before training starts."

Ten Hag: "This jersey's that much too big—and you still put it on?"

"I was chatting with Ma Ta—I didn't notice."

Tang Ye shrugged helplessly.

Tom isn't like Ten Hag—he's not a saint; he makes mistakes.

"Fine."

Ten Hag took two steps back; Tang Ye sidestepped, hiding again behind his teammates.

Without rushing to announce today's training, Ten Hag first delivered good news.

Zlatan was back!

And unlike Luke Shaw's return, Ten Hag chose to let Zlatan join full team training immediately.

"Wow."

Tang Ye nodded slightly.

Mr. Eric letting Zlatan join full training meant he'd recovered well—he'd be ready for a real match soon.

Rubbing his hands, thinking of Zlatan's lethal heading ability, Tang Ye suddenly felt excited.

Training began; Tang Ye returned from the locker room and ran into Zlatan chatting with Ma Ta.

A huge guy—Tang Ye felt nervous, but remembering Zlatan was his teammate, he walked up to greet him.

"Z… Zlatan?"

"Oh, Tom!"

Zlatan turned and slapped hands with Tang Ye: "You've got serious fame—Twitter's full of you right now."

"I've seen Twitter—there's a lot of bad commentary."

"But more praise."

Zlatan smiled.

Like Tang Ye, he too was looking forward to the upcoming match.

He'd long heard of Tom's long-passing ability—he wanted to see it firsthand!

Tang Ye sized up Zlatan, then asked the question he'd always wondered: "Zlatan, how tall are you?"

"1.95 meters."

"Wow."

Tang Ye nodded slightly: "I had a friend who was a striker—he was 1.91 meters. You're taller."

Tang Ye hadn't seen Zlatan play yet, but just by his build, he knew this was an elite player.

Like a big tiger!

…

Pin: Manchester United announce starting XI for away match vs Watford—Tang Ye paired with Luo De, Zlatan on bench.

Manchester United's striker Ibrahimović, fully recovered a week ago, was placed directly on the substitute list for today's match.

Manchester United fans were genuinely surprised by this news.

But there was no choice—the team truly had no forwards left!

"This match is highly watchable—if we win, Manchester United will complete a perfect November across all competitions."

"Yes, and for Tang Ye too—if he performs well here, he has a real shot at his first Premier League Player of the Month!"

Immediately after the starting XI was announced, the studio commentators began talking.

The live viewership for a 4 AM match was so high it surprised CCTV.

But it made sense.

It's ggbond's match!

"United!"

"Xuuu—!!!"

「United! 」

「Xuuu——!!!! 」

The home team's fans were mocking Manchester United, unaware that United's players had already prepared to launch an attack.

「Go straight! Go straight! 」

Tang Ye pointed to the right flank Dixian and swiftly delivered a through pass through the center.

To Mkhitaryan!

Mkhitaryan passed again to Valencia!

It was a quick combination; Tang Ye was also sprinting toward the right flank Dixian.

He wanted to help his teammate execute this attack.

He glanced back at Rodri, pointing to the arc: 「Arc! Arc! 」

After giving Rodri his assignment, Tang Ye called for the ball from Valencia.

First, control the ball, then dribble past the defender in front of him.

He caught a glimpse of Rodri out of the corner of his eye.

Once Rodri was in position, Tang Ye passed to him.

「Back post! Back post! 」

Rodri lofted a high ball to Rashford!

Rashford controlled the ball!

Tang Ye moved toward the arc, glancing at the penalty area as he ran, then signaled for Rashford to return the ball to Rodri.

「Shoot! Shoot directly! 」

Rodri took one step to adjust, then fired a long-range shot.

「This one's in! 」

「Beautiful! Rodri! 」

「That's an absolutely, absolutely massive defensive blunder by Watford! 」

「There's no one in front of Rodri! 」

The camera cut to Rodri on the pitch; Rodri hugged Tang Ye, while Tang Ye stared at Watford's penalty area with a strange expression.

To be honest, when he saw that massive gap, he barely reacted.

Is this really the defense of a Premier League team!

Clearly, Watford's defenders never expected Rodri to shoot directly!

1:0!

Manchester United is leading!

He rubbed his neck, then turned his attention to the system.

【Progress: Goal (3/6) / Assist (4/6)】

Only two more assists needed.

This was the distance between Tang Ye and Manchester United's Legendary Chest!

Manchester United's momentum was high today.

If things continue like this… two more assists might not be impossible?

Time: 22nd minute of the first half!

Still Manchester United's attack!

Luke Shaw accelerated with the ball; Tang Ye glanced at his teammates' positions, then decided to sprint forward himself.

The supporting runners behind were in place; Tang Ye needed to create a forward passing option.

「Luke Shaw! 」

「Speed up and bypass Femenía! 」

「Beautiful! 」

Luke Shaw used his pace on the wing, evaded the defender, and delivered a direct pass to Rashford ahead!

Great opportunity!

「Give me! Give me! 」

Rashford reacted quickly, crossing the ball to Tang Ye before the defenders could settle.

!

OK, it's GGBond's chance!

The defender pressed; Tang Ye pulled the ball left with his left foot, then pushed it right.

【Busquets 'V'-pull dribble template】!

Tang Ye had mastered it to perfection!

He dodged the defender in seconds; he knew he had to seize this chance.

Snap!

【De Bruyne Arc Through Pass Lv4: Realistic】

Proficiency: 721/1000

The through pass sliced between Watford's two center-backs, finding Martial perfectly inside!

Bang!

Martial smashed a shot into the top corner.

Goal!

「Beautiful, Anthony! 」

Tang Ye shouted and sprinted toward Martial's position.

Bang!

Tang Ye collided with Martial, then both sprinted toward the corner flag.

【You gained 10 Reverse Points】

Ten Reverse Points—but that wasn't the most important thing.

Check the mission progress!

【Progress: Goal (3/6) / Assist (5/6)】

Only one more assist needed!

As he slowly walked back toward his own half after celebrating, the home fans' taunts reached his ears.

But it didn't matter; Tang Ye would respond to those taunts in the coming moments.

He would climb his chest upgrade by stepping on Watford!

「Watch the right flank—it's open! 」

Ten Hag and the defenders emphasized the problems exposed in the match.

Time: 35th minute of the first half.

Manchester United's possession rate had reached 71%; this showed they held absolute dominance.

But Watford wasn't without chances.

A quick counterattack: Puddester's long pass found Richarlison up front.

Richarlison showed off a heel flick to control the ball for the fans.

「Oh, Watford's young Brazilian…」

「Find Zehral making the run down the flank! 」

Bang!

Watford's midfielder fired a low shot.

Goal!

Watford pulled one back!

【Damn, that control!】

【Manchester United's defense was too slow—this goal shouldn't have happened】

【Whatever, wait till the second half—I, Tang the Ball King, will step in】

【Second half? Wait till Watford equalizes】

In under 40 minutes, three goals had been scored; fans in the livestream were getting excited.

This match would likely see many goals.

Staying up was worth it!

43rd minute!

Snap!

【De Bruyne Standard Long Pass Lv4: Realistic】

Proficiency: 762/1200

「Wow! 」

Tang Ye loved this feeling—every time he launched a long pass forward, he heard the fans roar.

To Martial!

Martial controlled it perfectly!

Shoot!

The goalkeeper punched it away, but the ball bounced right back to Ma Xiaer's feet.

Take another shot!

"gooo——aaaaa——llllll！！！！"

Another goal by Ma Xiaer!

"wow!"

Tang Ye raised both arms.

The goal difference has been cut by two again.

But unfortunately, Ma Xiaer's first shot was saved, so this goal doesn't count as an assist from Tang Ye.

Just one more assist away from the Legendary Chest!

"united! united!"

DQD halftime report: Man United leads Watford 3-1 away, Tang Ye provided the through pass assist, Ma Xiaer scored twice.

【Ibrahimovic is back, so Ma Xiaer feels the pressure, right?】

【Man United really needs to sign more forwards—Ma Xiaer needs this kind of pressure.】

【Suggest signing a midfielder to put some pressure on GGBond too.】

【Ten Hag: if Tom doesn't start, nobody starts.】

Fifteen minutes passed quickly; fans chatted briefly on DQD as the second half was about to begin.

Shaking his body, Tang Ye was now brimming with confidence.

At the 50th minute, Ibrahimovic on the bench began warming up.

Half a minute after Ibrahimovic started warming up, Tang Ye and Ma Ta miscommunicated and lost the ball.

Watford's counterattack opportunity!

"Cleverley's rhythm is excellent."

"..."

"Willes Hughes!"

"Goal!"

"2:3!"

"Watford has pulled one back!"

Back and forth, both sets of fans were thoroughly entertained.

But at the same time, they were all panicked!

It felt like either Watford or Man United had a great chance to win!

At the 65th minute, Man United's corner kick was entrusted to Luke.

"Big butt!"

"xuuu——！！"

Ignoring Watford fans' taunts, Luke delivered the corner.

Find the back post!

Valencia!

Valencia controlled and shot in one fluid motion.

Goal!

"Man United scores again!"

"2:4!"

Tang Ye leapt onto Valencia's back to celebrate.

The director replayed Man United's goal, then cut to both benches.

Ten Hag's expression was serious.

If Ten Hag looked this serious, there was no need to look—the Watford manager was undoubtedly panicking.

DQD report: At the 71st minute, Tang Ye's high cross went out for a corner, Ashley Young replaced Luke.

The fans' hoped-for Ibrahimovic still hadn't come on, but now everyone's focus wasn't on the bench.

Man United, leading 4-2, still maintained a rapid offensive pace.

That's because Tom is pushing hard!

He's taken control of the game's rhythm!

One more assist!

"Huff! Huff!"

Panting heavily, Tang Ye dribbled to the right flank.

Pah!

【De Bruyne 45-degree cross Lv5: Replicate (Exceeding State)】

Proficiency: 89/3500

Directly found Ma Xiaer in the box.

Ma Xiaer has been excellent this match—let's see if he can complete a hat-trick!

Thud!

Too eager for his third goal, Ma Xiaer rushed his shot and blasted it over.

Glance at the clock.

It's the 75th minute.

Even with stoppage time, there's barely any time left!

Keep watching!

At the 82nd minute, Ten Hag finally brought on Ibrahimovic.

Ma Xiaer, substituted off, was in low spirits and walked straight to the bench without speaking to Ten Hag.

Ma Xiaer wanted a hat-trick, but the coach chose not to give him the chance.

Of course, there was no choice—Man United's December schedule was absurdly grueling; Ten Hag had to preserve Ma Xiaer's stamina!

"Ibrahimovic comes on as a substitute—this is his first match since his Europa League injury on April 25..."

"Hey, Tang Ye!"

Pah!

【De Bruyne reverse triangle pass Lv3: Simulate】

Proficiency: 158/400

A long, precise reverse triangle pass found Ashley Young sprinting up from the left flank.

Ashley Young fired a powerful long-range shot!

"gooo——aaaaa——llllll！！！"

Goal!

5:2!

Confirming Ashley Young's long-range goal, Tang Ye finally secured his second assist of the match.

"Phew..."

Compared to the excitement of unlocking Man United's Legendary Chest, Tang Ye felt mostly relief.

That match was truly grueling!

【You gained 10 Reverse Points】

【With two assists, you gained an extra 20 Reverse Points】

Standing in place, panting heavily, Ashley Young and his teammates were celebrating on the left flank.

Tang Ye, of course, couldn't miss the celebration.

He shifted slightly, then sprinted toward his teammates on the left.

"Perfect pass, Tom!!!!!!"

Ashley Young grabbed Tang Ye's head and roared.

Though he could guess how Ashley Young would celebrate, being screamed at like this still made Tang Ye a little scared.

Ashley Young's roar was deafening—even louder than Aile's!

【Upgrade Progress: Goals (3/6) / Assists (6/6)】

Status: Completed

【Claim Man United Legendary Chest?】

OK!

Mission complete!

(End of Chapter)