Chapter 341: A 5-Goal Rout in the FA Cup, Tang Ye's Midnight Dream

"Get in, get in!"

Haller made a forward run into the penalty area, and Tang Ye delivered a through ball from the center.

Slap!

【De Bruyne Curved Through Ball Lv4: Lifelike】

Proficiency: 901/1000

Piercing the defensive line, Tang Ye's through ball easily found Haller inside the penalty area.

Haller shoots!

Goal!

"Sebastian!"

Tang Ye shouted loudly, then high-fived Haller.

The coordination between Tang Ye and Haller was getting better and better.

Tang Ye could feel it, and Haller, as the scorer, could certainly feel it too!

【You obtained Counterattack Points *5】

Standing on tiptoes to hug Haller's neck, Tang Ye whispered, "Run more towards Marcus's side; that way, our attacks will be faster."

Rashford and Mata were both excellent players, but Tang Ye preferred the feeling of combining with Rashford, which was also why most of Manchester United's attacks this season came from the left flank.

"No problem, you are the commander!"

Regardless of anything, Haller would always support Tang Ye's tactics.

Dongqiu Di Halftime Report: FA Cup Round 4, Manchester United leads Yeovil 1:0, Tang Ye provides a precise through-ball assist to Haller.

【With this form, isn't the January Player of the Month award secured?】

【This is the FA Cup, not the Premier League, don't get them mixed up, brothers.】

【Awesome, King Tang Ball, cashing in, cashing in!】

Previously, some fans questioned Ten Hag's decision to buy Haller for 65 million euros, but now it seems those fan doubts were completely wrong.

Although he is a striker valued at 40 million euros, once he combines with Tang Ye, Haller can display at least 50% more of his ability!

How much is 50% more on 40 million euros?

It's 60 million euros!

Buying a striker valued at 60 million euros with a 65 million euro release clause; looking at it this way, Manchester United's winter transfer window deal was quite a bargain, wasn't it?

"Beautiful, Tom!"

In the locker room, Ashley Young hugged Tang Ye: "You weren't angry with me last time in the locker room, were you? You know I'm not very good at controlling my emotions."

"Oh, of course."

"Last time was my fault."

Tang Ye patted Ashley Young's arm, then, in front of the team captain, tugged at the red Manchester United crest on his own chest: "I'll keep working hard, Young."

The fifteen minutes passed quickly; Tang Ye felt like he had just sat down on the bench before the second half was about to begin.

"Okay, brothers! This is the second half of the FA Cup Round 4 match between Manchester United and Yeovil."

"Today's match is being played at Yeovil's home ground; because the stadium is relatively small, visually the players on the field might appear to be running somewhat fast."

Yeovil's home ground is very small, so whether for fans at the scene or those watching the TV broadcast, there is a sensation that the players on the field are running very fast.

One could only say this stadium was simply tailor-made for GGBond.

Now no one can say he runs slowly!

Receiving the ball in the center, he immediately lofted a long pass to Rashford on the left flank!

"Tang Ye has passed to Rashford!"

"Okay! Rashford's control was decent!"

"Charging, charging!"

After receiving the ball, Rashford chose to cut inside, while Tang Ye seized the opportunity to run to the left baseline.

Bang!

Rashford sent a through ball to Tang Ye, and Tang Ye, near the baseline, played the ball back.

At the top of the arc, Rashford chose to curl a shot towards the far corner!

It wasn't a particularly high-quality shot, but because the goalkeeper's line of sight was blocked, he couldn't make a save in time.

"GOOOO——AAAA——LLLLLL!!"

"The scorer is..."

"Marcus Rashford!!! (Rashford)"

【You obtained Counterattack Points *5】

【Assist brace achieved; you obtained an additional Counterattack Points *10】

The camera cut to Tang Ye on the field, currently hanging onto Rashford.

January in England is very cold, but Tang Ye, hailing from near the equator, did not underperform in January as Premier League fans had expected.

On the contrary, Tang Ye's touch with the ball this month was extremely hot!

In every match in January, Tang Ye recorded an assist!

"Same as before, focus on Marcus's flank."

Ten Hag issued tactical instructions to the players: "Maintain high-intensity attacking for another ten minutes, then we slow down the pace."

The 67th minute of the second half!

It was a chance for Yeovil, but Yeovil's attack was far too hesitant, giving Rodri an opportunity to steal the ball.

Bang!

Rodri intercepted the ball in his own half and immediately began his advance.

"Faster, faster!"

Ten Hag's urging voice rang out; Rodri played a low, driven through-ball to Herrera.

Seemingly influenced by Tang Ye, Herrera chose to release the ball immediately upon receiving Rodri's pass.

Find Mata!

"Byline, byline!"

Tang Ye gave directions, then moved toward the penalty area alongside Allé.

Reaching the byline, Mata used his excellent dribbling ability to briefly shake off his defender before delivering a cross.

Glancing at Tang Ye's position inside the box, Allé chose to block his marker.

The chance goes to Tang Ye!

Tang Ye!

Boom!

A very crisp volley.

No technique, just brute force.

Goal!

"Awesome, Manchester United!"

Wang Chao was stunned by the performance Manchester United had put on.

"Hiss, although Allé has many shortcomings compared to Ibrahimović, since Allé transferred in, United's attack has become much smoother..."

Just as Wang Chao was speaking, the broadcast camera cut to Martial on the substitutes' bench.

The French prodigy, Anthony Martial, sat alone on the bench.

He was extremely anxious right now.

The World Cup would begin in just over four months.

If he couldn't even get a starting chance at Manchester United, then in a French national team filled with top talents, his chances would be even slimmer!

Dongqiu Di Match Report: Manchester United thrashed Yeovil 5–0 away to advance to the next round of the FA Cup; Allé delivered an outstanding performance in his first start.

Manchester United legend Neville: Ten Hag's decision to sign Allé now appears correct, but Martial and Lin Lin Jiade are equally excellent players; Ten Hag should give them more opportunities to start.

Manchester United legend Neville was one of the live commentators for today's match. After the game, reporters interviewed Ten Hag about Neville's remarks.

"I know that; of course, all players within the Manchester United squad are equal."

"As I said before, when you have contributed enough to the team, you will get your chance. Hmm... wait a moment."

Halfway through his sentence, Ten Hag signaled the reporter to wait, then pulled out his mobile phone.

【Martial: 2 assists to Tom】

【Lin Lin Jiade: 0 assists to Tom】

The data matched his memory; Ten Hag breathed a sigh of relief and slipped his phone back into his pocket.

"Clearly, the reason I haven't started them is that they haven't yet made sufficient contributions to the team."

"Jessie (Lin Lin Jiade) and (Anthony) should have made the most of their opportunities when coming off the bench, but they failed to do so."

As for Martial, at least he had two assists.

What was the situation with Lin Lin Jiade?

Not a single assist to Tom—what exactly are you trying to achieve playing for Manchester United?

The more he thought about it, the more something felt off; Ten Hag decided he would keep a closer eye on Lin Lin Jiade from now on.

The Sun front-page headline: Having reached the top 10 for the Ballon d'Or, Tom's salary will rise from £265,000 to £305,000 after the winter window closes; this increase will be backdated to the day Manchester United signed Tom, meaning the club will immediately pay him £960,000 in wages.

Manchester United's high wages have always been notorious; after the winter window closed, Tang Ye leaped to become the highest-paid player in the entire Premier League.

A weekly wage of £305,000 sounds extravagant, but one must remember that Tang Ye's market value is equally extravagant.

【Given Manchester United's weekly wage structure, with performances like this, Tang Ye should surely be worth at least £500,000, right?】

【Haha, £500,000 would surpass even Ronaldo; Manchester United wouldn't go that absurd.】

【Martial gets £200,000; why can't King Tang Ball get £500,000?】

【Damn, that makes sense.】

On the last day of January, Manchester United held a team-building event, gathering the first-team players in the club's trophy room.

"Do we need to film this too?"

Touching Mata's shirt, Tang Ye pointed toward the three cameramen at the far end.

"Of course; the video is for the fans."

"It's quite boring; will they really enjoy watching this video?"

Tang Ye felt surprised by this.

A video of players touring the trophy room? If it were up to Tang Ye, he definitely wouldn't be able to sit through it.

It was simply too boring!

But what Tang Ye didn't know was that for Manchester United fans, this kind of vlog featuring their idols was absolutely fantastic!

Stepping inside the trophy room, Tang Ye was dazzled by the brilliantly shining trophies.

Although Tang Ye had only been at Manchester United for half a year and hadn't yet won any trophies with the team.

One had to admit, Manchester United's heritage was truly extravagant!

Seeing Tang Ye's astonished expression, Ashley Young wore a proud look: "Hmm, Tom, is this your first time here?"

"No, I was invited here once when I first transferred last year."

"But it's truly too bright in here; you should turn the lights up even brighter, otherwise it's bad for the eyes."

"Haha."

Ashley Young walked forward with a laugh: "If the lights are too bright, the glare from the trophy will be obscured."

"That is true."

Tang Ye nodded lightly and followed behind Ashley Young.

Soon his attention was drawn to a pedestal; on the platform, which stood a little over one meter tall, sat three different trophies.

"Damn, I remember this is the Champions League trophy."

Crouching down to look, Tang Ye saw the English inscription on the platform.

【1998-1999, Champions League Final: Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich】

Manchester United's Champions League title!

His heart beat faster; Tang Ye lingered for a long time in the special Treble section before continuing forward with Rodri and Alex.

Inside was a massive photo wall, even featuring black-and-white photos from the last century.

Tang Ye recognized many players, including Cristiano Ronaldo wearing the Manchester United jersey.

"This is the team photo after winning the Champions League in the 07-08 season; back then, Cristiano Ronaldo was only 23 years old."

The staff member offered the explanation.

Eyes wide open, Tang Ye looked at the slightly youthful Cristiano Ronaldo in the photo.

A Champions League champion at 23...

Truly amazing!

Remembering that he possessed two of Cristiano Ronaldo's legendary templates, plus his identity as a Manchester United player, Cristiano Ronaldo could somewhat be considered his senior.

Clenching his fists, Tang Ye's brain spun rapidly.

Could he, like Cristiano Ronaldo, win huge titles at a young age?

On the other side, Rashford and Martial had somehow ended up together; the two sat on chairs resting.

This was the visitor rest area; since the Hall of Fame was closed today, only the two of them were in the zone.

Sitting on the chair and thinking for a moment, Martial suddenly spoke: "Marcus."

"Mm, what is it?"

"Do you still remember that incident where Eric called you a rat before?"

Hearing the word "rat," Rashford suddenly furrowed his brows: "Of course, of course I remember; honestly, I was very angry at the time."

"But Tom advised me, and now I've come to terms with it; Eric must have been too angry back then because we lost an important match."

Martial nodded lightly: "Indeed, you've played very well in the recent matches."

Martial remembered clearly that Rashford had even made the shortlist for Player of the Month in December.

This season, apart from Tang Ye who was selected every time, only Rashford had made the shortlist!

"You play very well, but I'm not doing well..."

Martial lowered his head, and Rashford's expression tightened: "Anthony?"

Martial touched his black gloves: "Marcus, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course, go ahead."

"Do you think I look like a rat?"

This, this...

Rashford was speechless.

He looked carefully into Martial's eyes.

Think faster, brain!

What would Tom say right now!

"Uh, you're overthinking it; you aren't a rat."

Rashford placed his hand on Martial's shoulder: "Eric was just making a joke."

"Mm, I won't think about these things anymore."

It was late night in Manchester; snow was still falling outside, but the heating inside was so comfortable that Tang Ye, wearing only a short-sleeved shirt, could sleep very soundly.

"Whoosh, whoosh."

The cold wind blew against the glass, and Tang Ye on the bed turned over.

Where is this...

Opening his eyes again, Tang Ye found himself in Manchester United's Hall of Fame.

Hiss—

He remembered coming here once already this morning; could it be that the video shoot for the fans hadn't finished yet?

He looked around.

Right, where are Marcus and the others?

Tang Ye searched for traces of his teammates.

He didn't find his teammates, but he saw a rat quickly run past his feet.

The rat rushed into the Hall of Fame.

Recalling the Treble trophies displayed in the Hall of Fame, Tang Ye worried the rat might knock over the trophies on the platform, so he quickly followed after it.

"Hey, you can't do that!"

Entering the next room, Tang Ye discovered that the three Triple Crown trophies were missing.

He had clearly seen them just this morning!

The pedestal used to display the trophies was also gone.

Standing in the spot where the pedestal had been was a man; the fellow stood with his back to Tang Ye, wearing a Manchester United jersey.

"Haha."

Overjoyed at finding a teammate, Tang Ye stepped forward, but the fellow suddenly turned around, causing Tang Ye to halt his footsteps at the exact same moment.

"C... Cristiano?"

Tang Ye only then realized that the Manchester United jersey he saw was not from the 17-18 season.

But rather...

The 07-08 season Manchester United jersey he had seen earlier on the photo wall!

The person before him was not Tom's teammate.

It was Manchester United senior Cristiano Ronaldo!

"Cristiano, why are you wearing a Manchester United jersey? You should be a Real Madrid player."

Tang Ye asked tentatively.

A smile graced Cristiano Ronaldo's face: "I am inherently a Manchester United player; number 7 is my number. However, if it were Sitting Like, he probably wouldn't be willing to give number 7 to me."

"This... do you want to return to Manchester United?"

Tang Ye realized something: "Cristiano, although Mr. Sitting Like is very bad, he is quite good when he isn't being bad; if you return to Manchester United, he will definitely give you number 7! Our number 7 is currently vacant."

Just as Tang Ye said, Manchester United's number 7 jersey was currently vacant.

If Cristiano Ronaldo returned, that number 7 would undoubtedly belong to Cristiano Ronaldo.

"No, I will not return to Manchester United."

Cristiano Ronaldo shook his head: "There is no place for me in Ten Hag's plans."

"Even if I return to Manchester United, I can only sit on the substitutes' bench."

"No, how is that possible? Cristiano, you are a Ballon d'Or winner!"

Tang Ye had played against Cristiano Ronaldo; of course, he knew how formidable Cristiano Ronaldo was.

He just didn't know why the Cristiano Ronaldo before his eyes seemed to have aged many years.

"Let's not talk about that. Tom, let me ask you, do you feel pain?"

"Feel pain... this, why is that?"

Tang Ye was puzzled, but Cristiano Ronaldo quickly provided an explanation.

"Because your teammates are scum like Rashford and Martial; playing football with scum, you ought to feel pain."

Sc... scum...

"Cristiano, don't be like this!"

Tang Ye became somewhat angry.

In his memory, Cristiano Ronaldo indeed spoke unpleasantly, but Cristiano Ronaldo shouldn't be the type of fellow to casually belittle others.

What was wrong with Cristiano today?

Cristiano had spoken words that did not belong to Cristiano!

"Cristiano, Marcus and Antony are not scum; you are still Marcus's idol!"

Just as Tang Ye was speaking, a squeaking sound came from the corner.

A large rat ran to Cristiano Ronaldo's feet; Cristiano Ronaldo bent down and picked up the rat from the floor.

"Cristiano?"

Subsequently, Cristiano Ronaldo gripped the rat's neck.

Squeak squeak!!

"Cristiano!"

Tang Ye rushed forward, wanting to save that rat.

He was less than half a meter away from Cristiano Ronaldo, but the scene before Tang Ye's eyes suddenly shifted.

He woke up.

"Huff, huff huff..."

Touching his own body, Tang Ye took off his short-sleeved shirt and casually threw it onto the floor.

His body was covered in sweat, and so was the bed!

"Damn, damn..."

"Huff huff."

So it was a dream...

Tang Ye threw off the quilt, then went to the window and stared blankly at the snowy scenery outside.

Lingering in his mind was the terrifying image of Cristiano Ronaldo gripping the rat's neck.

Dreaming of Cristiano Ronaldo late at night.

Clearly, his recent pressure was a bit too great!

PS: This chapter is an extra update for monthly votes.

Begging for monthly votes, brothers!

(End of Chapter)