Chapter 325: Zlatan and Tom's Coordination Is Too Stiff; I Can't Believe Him

Crack, crack!

After the match ended, Ten Hag accepted an interview from reporters.

"After this match, you will travel away to play Leicester City in the 19th round of the Premier League, and your opponent in the EFL Cup semi-finals is also Leicester City."

The EFL Cup semi-finals differ slightly from the quarter-finals; the semi-finals are played over two legs, which means Manchester United will face Leicester City at least four times this season.

"They were the miracle team of the 2015-16 season; facing such an opponent, Erik, will you have the players make any extra preparations?"

"Well..."

Ten Hag leaned his upper body back: "For now, it seems we won't be making any extra preparations."

"As you can see, Manchester United's schedule is very congested; December is like this, and so is January. Of course, there are teams we need to focus on, but I don't think it's Leicester City."

"Leicester City once made history."

The reporter reminded him; Ten Hag nodded gently: "The Leicester City of the 2015-16 season created a miracle, which is recorded in Premier League history; of course, I am aware of this."

"However, I must remind you:"

"History is something that has already passed, while the match is about the present."

Crack, crack!

Hot discussion on Check Dongqiu Di: When reporters mentioned the Blue Fox Miracle in the post-match interview, Ten Hag stated, "History is something that has already passed."

【Classic】

【Getting hyped up every once in a while, is he?】

【Can't blame Ten Hag; it's the reporters insisting on stirring up topics.】

【But Saint Ten isn't wrong, though; Leicester City really isn't what they used to be now.】

"Forward, forward!"

Shout it out loud!

And then...

Slap!

【De Bruyne Standard Long Pass Lv4: Realistic】

Proficiency: 1007/1200

The long pass goes into the penalty area.

It's Ibrahimović!

Boom!

Goal!

Ibrahimović, having scored, was extremely happy; he ran out of the penalty area and then let out a loud roar.

"Roar!!!"

Tang Ye gave Ibrahimović a thumbs-up, then shifted his attention to the system.

Unknowingly, the proficiency for 【Standard Long Pass】 had already reached over 1000, with less than 200 proficiency points remaining until the next upgrade.

Furthermore, 【Standard Long Pass】 itself is a skill that is relatively easy to gain proficiency in.

Looking at it this way, Tang Ye should basically be able to obtain his next Lv5 skill by next month!

Standard Long Pass; this ability is far too important for Tang Ye, who often distributes the ball from the front field!

Training had nearly concluded, and Tang Ye was chatting with Rashford.

Just as Tang Ye and Rashford were chatting, Ibrahimović was closing his eyes, savoring the goal he had just scored.

The height was just right; Tang Ye had practically served him a perfect header.

And that wasn't even the most exaggerated part.

The most exaggerated part was that this guy Tom seemed to know exactly when he would make his run!

He could always find the best moment to pass!

Glancing at Tang Ye, who had started chatting with Mata at the far end again, Ibrahimović felt it was necessary for him to go to Ten Hag's office.

Knock, knock!

"Erik!"

Ten Hag, who was analyzing tactics together with Fan Fan Dejiahe, looked up and saw Ibrahimović pushing the door open: "Hmm, Zlatan? Come in."

Knowing that Ibrahimović wanted to discuss something with Ten Hag, Fan Fan Dejiahe voluntarily gave up his office chair; after gesturing to Ibrahimović, he sat on the sofa nearby.

Pulling out the chair, Ibrahimović sat in the spot Fan Fan Dejiahe had originally occupied: "Erik, I want to talk to you about the plans for what comes next... You know, I didn't originally come here."

"Back in April, José 【Mourinho】 contacted me; at that time, he thought he would be Manchester United's manager because he had already reached an agreement with Manchester United."

"I know about this matter."

Ten Hag nodded: "José had you contact Manchester United; although he ultimately didn't come to Manchester United. Hmm... Zlatan, I see that your contract negotiations with Manchester United were nearly finalized, and since you are a striker with very distinct characteristics, I had Manchester United complete this transfer."

Looking into Ibrahimović's eyes: "I know you originally intended to cooperate with José, but you also spent a fairly decent season at Manchester United; am I not correct?"

Ibrahimović nodded gently.

Back at the end of 2015, Mourinho was already in contact with Manchester United; Manchester United gave him half a year to consider transfer targets for the summer window, and Mourinho had set his sights on Ibrahimović.

Then, a person appeared: that was Ten Hag, who is now sitting in front of Ibrahimović!

Ten Hag's sudden rise in the Eredivisie gave Manchester United a better candidate for manager; ultimately, after discussion, Manchester United's senior management terminated Mourinho's appointment plan with a mental compensation payment.

It could be said that Ibrahimović coming to Manchester United was purely an accident.

Of course, it was Ten Hag's appreciation for Ibrahimović, combined with Ibrahimović's desire to transfer to Manchester United, that made this accident happen.

"I agreed to this transfer, and you signed the contract; this was your choice."

"Yes, but..."

"Originally, I should have cooperated with Jose."

Ten Hag suddenly looked up: "Zlatan, do you mean..."

"I want to renew my contract."

Hm?

Zlatan's words left Ten Hag somewhat caught off guard.

"Re-renew the contract?"

Hiss—

Ten Hag nodded gently: "Zlatan, your contract still has some time left; there's no need to rush this matter, no need to rush. I will discuss this with you again."

"Thank you, Erik."

Zlatan took his leave and departed, while Ten Hag leaned back in his chair.

"I thought he was dissatisfied with my tactics, but it turns out he wants to renew his contract..."

"Haha."

Fan Fan Dejiahe did not return to his seat but remained leaning against the sofa: "You could have just stated directly that you wanted to renew; stringing him along is meaningless. Zlatan has been a great help to us."

"..."

After a moment of silence, Ten Hag suddenly said: "I have no intention of renewing Zlatan's contract."

He turned his head to look at Fan Fan Dejiahe on the sofa: "I have already contacted Sebastian, and Sebastian's attitude is very positive."

"But Villarreal might obstruct this transfer, Erik. You'd better wait until Ale's transfer is confirmed before making a decision regarding Zlatan."

"A target man is too important for us; if necessary, we must keep Zlatan."

Ten Hag nodded: "Then let it be so."

"However..."

Fan Fan Dejiahe suddenly became interested: "Erik, Zlatan's performance has been excellent; would renewing for another year really do us any harm?"

"I know that, but Michel, haven't you noticed? The coordination between Zlatan and Tom is too stiff; he has scored very few goals so far."

"Sebastian's coordination with Tom will be better."

This...

Alright!

Fan Fan Dejiahe rubbed his nose, but Ten Hag had not finished speaking yet.

"That's only one of the reasons, isn't it?"

"What other reasons are there?"

"I cannot trust Zlatan."

"..."

He wanted to say something, but in the end, Fan Fan Dejiahe said nothing.

Zlatan was ambitious; he wanted to stay and gradually become a key figure for Manchester United.

But what he did not know was that becoming a key figure for Manchester United had a prerequisite.

That prerequisite was earning Ten Hag's trust.

Zlatan had not gained Ten Hag's trust, which meant it was impossible for him to become a key figure for Manchester United.

Repost: Manchester United releases poster for away match against Leicester City, featuring Valencia alone.

"I heard about Leicester City even when I was playing in the Eredivisie; they were the top team in the Premier League at that time."

In the locker room, Tang Ye and Rodri discussed their opponent for the day.

"They are truly formidable; I recall that during that season, they didn't seem to have any particularly expensive players."

Rodri adjusted his football socks: "They are missing some key players now; Kante is gone, but their results are still quite good. Do you know Vardy? He's their striker."

Rodri asked Tom if he knew Vardy, and Tom's answer was naturally affirmative.

The Red Bull that Tom often drank was the Vardy brand!

【Vardy's Red Bull +5】 was Tang Ye's strongest item, bar none!

"He is a remarkable fellow; I came across an introduction to his career on a video website."

"YouTube? (Youguan)"

"No, it was Bilibili."

"Bilibili?"

"Hiss..."

Thinking quickly, Tang Ye found a suitable answer.

"It's China's YouTube; although it's not as powerful as YouTube, it's very interesting, and I quite enjoy watching videos on it."

After every match, Tang Ye would browse videos on Bilibili, because fans would edit highlights of his performances from the games.

Tang Ye greatly enjoyed watching those edited videos, because they gave him a sense of being formidable!

Hm...

Except for the football elements.

Tang Ye did not like football elements; that was not a good fellow!

Clap clap!

Fan Fan Dejiahe suddenly clapped his hands, signaling the players to stand up from the benches. "OK, let's get ready to depart!"

"Start the first half a bit cautiously; remember today's tactics!"

After saying this to everyone, he then specifically found Tang Ye: "Tom, remember, start the first half cautiously; we need to see what rhythm the opponent sets."

Tang Ye spread his hands: "You've already said that once, Mr. Michel."

Fan Fan Dejiahe placed a hand on Tang Ye's shoulder: "I feel it's necessary for me to say it again, because I'm afraid you'll forget it once you step onto the pitch."

"Mr. Michel, I won't forget."

……

"China Media Group! Here is the live broadcast currently being brought to you..."

"The referee is checking his watch!"

"The match has begun! Now, let me introduce the starting lineups for both teams, starting with the home side, Leicester City!"

!

Leicester City (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Schmeichel

Defenders: Danny Simpson, Morgan, Maguire, Fuchs

Midfielders: Ndidi, Gray, Drinkwater

Forwards: Mahrez, Vardy, Albrighton

Head Coach: Pierre

"As for Manchester United... the forward line combination of Rashford, Ibrahimović, and Mata."

"The lone attacking midfielder is still Tang Ye!"

The camera focused on Tang Ye.

Although only eighteen years old, he looked a bit dazed.

But don't be fooled by his appearance.

This is the Red Devils Manchester United's number one star.

Super Tom!

Ninth minute of the first half.

Keeping in mind what Mr. Michel had emphasized, Tang Ye unhurriedly distributed possession through the center.

And this series of actions by Tang Ye also caused Manchester United's match tempo to slow down.

The two teams simply wore each other down on the field until the twentieth minute.

Manchester United made frequent errors in their defensive third, and Leicester City finally could not hold back any longer.

Mahrez suddenly pressed up!

He stole the ball from under Rodrigues' feet!

"Wow!"

Mahrez dribbled forward, while the Manchester United players retreated quickly.

Glancing left, then right, Tang Ye made his decision and ran toward Albrighton.

Before reaching the byline, the pressing Mahrez was blocked by Ashley Young.

Slap!

Mahrez passed sideways to Gray!

"Get up there, get up there!"

Urged on by Tang Ye, Lin Lin Jiade charged toward Gray.

Tang Ye followed over as well!

Every passing option for Gray was blocked one by one by Manchester United players, leaving him no choice but to keep the ball at his feet.

Lin Lin Jiade cut off the position.

Then came Tang Ye!

Bang!

A sliding tackle directly completed the steal on Gray!

"Beautiful play, Tang Ye!"

"Smalling comes up and controls the ball!"

"Let's look at this counter-attack opportunity for Manchester United!"

Slap!

Smalling was very decisive, sending a long pass straight to the front field.

It was aimed at Ibrahimović!

Bang!

Ibrahimović headed the ball back.

Mata!

At this position, Tang Ye knew that running forward would be too late, so he could only rely on Mata!

Cutting inside to the center, Mata and Ibrahimović exchanged passes.

Possession went to Mata again!

Bang!

Mata's long-range shot!

"Gooo——aaaa——llllll!!!!"

"Goal!"

"Mata!"

Leicester City wanted to capitalize on Manchester United's defensive errors, little knowing that their pressing defensive line had given Manchester United the chance to counter-attack!

1:0!

Manchester United takes the lead!

"Mata!"

Shouting it out, Tang Ye leaped directly onto Mata's back.

Uncle Mata has gone up front to impersonate a striker again today.

But he played exceptionally well!

Jumping down from Mata, Tang Ye high-fived Rashford, then turned his attention to his system.

【Mission Progress: Wins (2/3)】

One more win, and Tang Ye could claim the Advanced Chest.

However, he would certainly not be satisfied with just an Advanced Chest.

If they won all three remaining matches in December, Tang Ye could directly obtain the Legendary Chest!

The second half kicked off, and Pierre frowned on the sidelines.

Manchester United's counterattacks were simply too formidable; any offensive error by Leicester City would be punished on the break.

But they couldn't just stop attacking!

Back and forth, they had walked straight into a dead end!

Thump-thump!

Pierre's heart beat faster.

Now, he could only hope his team's strikers would make fewer mistakes.

Don't give Manchester United too many counterattacking opportunities!

While Pierre struggled to think, he was unaware that a pair of eyes on the adjacent substitute bench was fixed upon him.

Those were the eyes of a sage.

A smile appeared on Ten Hag's face.

It was clear that Pierre was now panicking.

This was the first step toward Leicester City losing the match!

"When you're smiling~"

"The whole world smiles with you~"

The stadium echoed with Leicester City's anthem, the Blue Fox fans showing their utmost support for their home team.

The clock struck the 31st minute!

After taking a one-goal lead, Tang Ye increased his passing speed, thereby accelerating Manchester United's rhythm.

"Go, go!"

Crack!

【De Bruyne Standard Long Pass Lv4: Realistic】

Proficiency: 1038/1200

The long pass sailed to the left wing, finding Rashford!

Rashford accelerated forward, stretching out his foot to control the ball!

His first touch wasn't perfect, but it didn't matter; Rashford had created significant space, giving him ample time to settle the ball.

After controlling it, he glanced at the goal; as expected, Rashford cut inside toward the penalty area.

Tang Ye surged forward from behind, running toward the arc!

On the edge of the box, Rashford faced single coverage from Morgan.

"To me, to me!"

Rashford passed the ball back, and Tang Ye, without stopping it, immediately threaded a pass into the penalty area.

Boom!

It pierced precisely through Leicester City's defensive line!

Rashford cut into the penalty area!

He controlled the ball!

"Rashford!"

"Rashford has been brought down!"

Rashford, having penetrated the box, fell to the ground; Rodri rushed over quickly, gesturing with open hands to the referee: "Foul, that's a foul!"

"Rashford goes down in the box; this could very well be a penalty..."

The screen showed a slow-motion replay.

"Hiss—Morgan did indeed trip Rashford's foot, so in that case..."

Before the CCTV commentator could finish, the main referee blew the whistle and pointed to the penalty spot.

It was a penalty for Manchester United!

【Not bad, Rashford】

【Is Zlatan taking the penalty?】

【To be honest, Tang Tang Qiuwang's through-ball was crucial for this one; how about letting Tang Tang Qiuwang try?】

【Don't joke, brother; Tang Tang Qiuwang has only been at Manchester United for half a season】

【Saint Ten, can you give the penalty to my Tang Tang Qiuwang?】

"Marcus!"

Tang Ye ran into the penalty area, reaching out to pull Rashford up from the ground.

Afterwards, Mata walked toward Tang Ye with the ball and, under the gaze of the spectators onsite and the fans in the livestream chat, handed it over into Tang Ye's hands.

【Damn, he actually gave it to Tang Ye?】

【Hell, Ten Hag, you're my biological grandfather!】

(End of Chapter)