Chapter 343: Double Kill Against Spurs: Is the Gap Between Manchester United and Manchester City Only 5 Points Now?

Pinned post: The Tottenham vs. Manchester United match is underway; the current score is 2:1.

Live match report: Tang Ye delivers a precise horizontal pass, Rashford fires into the near corner to score, and Manchester United equalizes at 2:2!

"United! United! United!"

Just like the Manchester United players on the pitch, the Manchester United fans are gradually finding their rhythm.

Ten Hag sits on the bench, watching Rashford on the field and sinking into deep thought.

Rashford's recent form is truly excellent!

Could Ratboy be about to become Manchester United's second Mr. Hundred Million?

A rat valued at 100 million euros sounds somewhat absurd.

But it feels like Rashford is not far from that goal anymore!

"Mark Tom tightly!"

That was Pochettino shouting.

The Tottenham head coach is starting to panic!

It's just that the difference between this season's Tottenham and last season's Tottenham is too great.

This season's Tottenham finds it very difficult to turn the tide when they lose momentum!

"Manchester United launches a counterattack..."

"Ashley Young immediately looks for Tang Ye; that's a good choice, because we all know Tang Ye's long-passing ability is quite extraordinary."

"Tang Ye sends it directly to Rodri!"

Rodri runs straight ahead of Tang Ye, while Tang Ye, having completed the pass, drifts toward the wing.

Manchester United's attack down the wing just now achieved considerable success, and Tang Ye wants to replicate that success.

Rodri carries the ball himself!

The Spanish defensive midfielder possesses outstanding physical confrontation abilities.

In Tang Ye's eyes, Rodri is like a fast-moving tank!

Go, Rod!

After driving forward, he passes to Rashford!

Rashford controls the ball, feints slightly in the attacking third, then returns the ball to Rodri.

At this moment, the Tottenham defenders are unwilling to retreat further; Sánchez charges out, preparing to tackle.

Rodri passes straight back to Tang Ye!

Beautiful play, Rod!

Facing the rolling pass coming toward him, Tang Ye lifts his head to assess the situation.

Hmm, this is a very good opportunity!

Smack!

【De Bruyne 45-Degree Cross Lv5: Replication】!

Inside the penalty area!

Haller!

It's not a good shooting opportunity; Haller heads the ball back to Rodri.

Rodri takes control of the ball, shifts laterally, and prepares to charge into the penalty area himself.

Although he is a defensive midfielder, little brother Rod also has dreams of dribbling past opponents inside the box!

Rodri is brought down!

"Beep!"

The referee reacts extremely quickly, decisively blowing the whistle and calling a defensive foul by Tottenham.

This is a penalty for Manchester United!

"United!"

Boom boom!

"United!"

Boom boom!

Cheers erupt from the stands, and the live-stream commentators are equally excited.

Just as the fans expect this penalty to be taken by Haller, Ashley Young picks up the ball from the ground and hands it to Tang Ye.

Ashley Young pats Tang Ye on the back: "Go for it, Tom."

Dongqiu Di live match report: Rodri wins a penalty in the box; Tang Ye prepares to take the spot-kick.

"Manchester United's penalty—it's still given to Tang Ye."

【Damn, awesome!】

【Even though Saint E bought Wu Lei, I now declare that Saint E's status is inferior to Saint Teng's!】

【Could Ten Hag be directly appointing him as the first-choice penalty taker?】

【Holy crap, not giving it to Haller?】

Even with Haller on the pitch, Manchester United still gives the penalty rights to Tang Ye.

Saint Teng!

I'm hyping him up to the skies!

Placing the ball on the penalty spot, Tang Ye locks eyes with Lloris before him.

A penalty opportunity with the score at 2:2, and the opponent is Tottenham.

This can be said to be the most high-pressure penalty Tang Ye has faced so far.

【You purchased Tang Ye's chewing gum】

Slightly easing his emotions, Tang Ye began to retreat slowly.

"Huff, huff huff..."

The teachings of Fan Fan Dejiahe and De Gea echoed in Tang Ye's ears.

"Beep!"

"Tang Ye, run up!"

"Shoot!"

"Goal!"

"3:2!"

"Manchester United takes the lead!"

Having scored from the penalty kick, Tang Ye raised both arms high as Manchester United players quickly surrounded him.

【Brace achieved; you gain extra Counterattack Points *30】

"Tom!"

"Viva Tom Tom (Long live Tom)!"

"Viva Tom Tom!"

The familiar Song of Tom!

The camera focused on Tang Ye on the pitch.

Two shots and one assist, involved in all three of Manchester United's goals so far.

Fuck.

This fucking is worth 200 million euros!

"Pull yourselves together, pull yourselves together!"

Lloris and Kane encouraged their teammates.

Going from leading to trailing, the Tottenham players' moods were certainly unpleasant now.

After the match entered the 84th minute, Ten Hag had the idea of substituting Lin Lin Jiade for Tang Ye.

Of course, they had to wait for this Tottenham attack to end!

Son Heung-min's cross found Ai Ai Kesen, and Ai Ai Kesen looked for a passing opportunity.

Slap!

To Kane inside the penalty area!

Pinched between Smalling and Phil Jones, Kane simply had no chance at all.

"Fuck..."

Pochettino squatted on the ground sighing, his two arms hanging naturally.

Tottenham was drifting further and further away from victory!

Check Dongqiu Di Match Report: Away 3:2 comeback against Tottenham, Manchester United starts the February league campaign perfectly, Tang Ye scores twice, Rashford scores.

"Hey Tom!"

"Tom, over here, over here!"

During the post-match acknowledgment, Tang Ye followed his teammates to the away stand.

Picking up a jersey from the ground, signing his name on it, and then tossing it back to the fans in the stands.

This was a club requirement and also part of the work Tang Ye had to do during the match.

Although it was work, Tang Ye greatly enjoyed this feeling.

Winning a thrilling match, then giving fans what they liked amidst their cheers.

The cultural subject teacher at the football school had long taught him the principle that giving roses to others leaves fragrance in one's own hands.

Tang Ye liked seeing the smiles on fans' faces when they received signed jerseys.

"Not an easy match, don't you think?"

Ten Hag appeared beside Tang Ye without knowing when; the Manchester United manager was also signing autographs for fans in the stands.

"Haha, of course!"

"But if it were too simple, it would be meaningless instead."

Ten Hag laughed: "So you like stronger challenges?"

"But I don't like losing."

Tang Ye expressed Ji De Kan Fa: "It's best to have a very difficult match and then secure victory; that brings the most joy. But if we lose, that's bad; Young and Mata wouldn't like losing either, and of course, neither do I."

Returning to the player tunnel, Ashley Young directly put his arm around Tang Ye's neck, pressing Tang Ye's head against his chest: "Beautiful, Tom, haha!"

"Young, I didn't miss the penalty this time."

Breaking free from Ashley Young's embrace, Tang Ye said very proudly.

"Right, it was us who didn't miss the penalty."

Click click!

As a Big Six focal match, the press conference room after this game was naturally lively.

Manchester United coming back to beat Tottenham 3:2 was big news, but reporters first focused their attention on Tang Ye.

"With the score at 2:2, you won a penalty; Rodri drew the foul, yet you chose to let Tom take it."

"And at that time, penalty specialists Adli and Rashford were both on the pitch; may I ask if letting Tom take the penalty was pre-arranged?"

Ten Hag hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

He hadn't expected the press conference to start with questions about Tang Ye, but it didn't matter anymore.

Come to think of it, the timing was about right anyway.

"Tom is the first penalty taker I have arranged."

"When the first penalty taker is on the pitch and the team wins a penalty, it should be taken by the first penalty taker; that is simply logic."

!!!

Click-click-click!

"So, Erik, you have already made Tom Manchester United's first penalty taker? When did this happen?"

"Is this because of Ibrahimović's departure?"

"Erik, will Rashford and Martial agree to your arrangement?" The press room suddenly erupted in noise.

An eighteen-year-old player serving as Manchester United's primary penalty taker, and a midfielder at that.

This news was simply too exaggerated for football journalists.

"Whoosh, whoosh."

Ten Hag blew into the microphone, and the venue fell silent.

"The time... it was recently, just in the last few days that I appointed Tom as Manchester United's first penalty taker; this was the result of a collective team discussion."

A female reporter in the front row attempted to speak, but Ten Hag cut her off.

"I know you will question my arrangement, given that Tom lacked penalty-taking ability during his time at Villarreal."

"However, you must also understand that people grow; this season, I discovered and cultivated Tom's penalty talent. He has developed extremely quickly, boasting a high penalty success rate in both training and actual matches. As you have seen, Tom has taken many penalties this season yet missed only one."

Ten Hag spread his hands: "My point is, do not judge whether a player is suitable to be the first penalty taker based on age, qualifications, or similar factors."

"We should look at ability; since Tom's penalty statistics are the best, he logically ought to be our first penalty taker."

!

The reporters below exchanged bewildered glances.

Click-click-click-click!

"Actually, I have long been the first penalty taker."

Tang Ye whispered to Ale: "But Mr. Erik insists on saying I only recently became the first penalty taker, which is incorrect."

"Tom, I recall discussing this matter with you before."

Also watching the interview broadcast in the locker room, Rodri suddenly turned his head: "He simply doesn't want the reporters to know you became the first penalty taker just three months after joining the team; that would create too much pressure."

"Letting Marcus and Zlatan and the others bear the pressure for you."

Rodri nodded slightly, feeling immense admiration for Mr. Erik's approach.

At the same time, he felt a bit regretful.

If only he too had a Utrecht résumé!

"Rod, you probably don't understand Mr. Erik."

Tang Ye shook his head: "That would be unfair to Marcus and the others; Mr. Erik would never do such a thing."

Casting his mind back to when he played for Utrecht years ago.

Apart from extra evening training sessions, Mr. Erik had always treated everyone equally!

Rod was a good person, but he shouldn't misunderstand Mr. Erik!

"The Athletic" Front Page Headline—Tom Becomes Manchester United's First Penalty Taker: Is Ten Hag, Who Heavily Relies on Young Players, Attempting to Completely Transform Manchester United?

Soon, news of Tang Ye becoming Manchester United's first penalty taker spread across the internet.

Eighteen years old, a penalty taker for the giant club Manchester United.

Reading just this headline, one might think Manchester United is already in decline, actually letting a youngster with little match experience shoulder the team's destiny.

But the fans could not bring themselves to say those words.

Because what they saw was not Manchester United's decline.

But rather... Manchester United's rise!

Securing their first victory in February, the Red Devils climbed even higher in the league standings.

"Manchester Evening News" Front Page Headline—3:2 Comeback Victory Against Tottenham, Manchester United Fiercely Chases Mancheng.

Attached: Premier League Standings (as of Round 25)

1. Mancheng, 68 points.

2. Manchester United, 63 points.

3. Liwupu, 54 points.

4. Tottenham, 48 points.

5. Arsenal, 48 points.

Originally, the gap between Manchester United and Mancheng was as high as nine points, clearly creating two tiers between first and second place.

But now the situation has changed somewhat; through a continuous string of victories, Manchester United has narrowed the gap with Mancheng to five points.

A nine-point gap is an insurmountable chasm, but five points...

Hiss—

This points difference is truly somewhat ambiguous!

"We can feel the pressure from Manchester United; fans say Mancheng is invincible this season, but it now appears we are under threat from Manchester United, and we must remain vigilant," Mancheng head coach Guardiola told reporters in the post-match interview.

【De Bruyne Curved Through Pass Lv4: Realistic】

Proficiency: 944/1000

After finishing passing training, Tang Ye stood on the grass, staring blankly.

Reaching Lv5 for the 【Curved Through Pass】 was not far off.

What Tang Ye now wondered was whether upgrading the 【Curved Through Pass】 could push his passing attribute to 90.

After all, the difference between 89 and 90 was still significant.

Upon closer thought, he suspected that having only one 【Curved Through Pass】 might not be enough.

Fan Fan Dejiahe walked toward Tang Ye, signaling that Tang Ye and Rashford should practice direct free kicks.

Unlike the January schedule, United would face many strong teams in February.

Among them was Villarreal, their opponent in the Champions League knockout stage!

Their experience against Tottenham had taught United's coaching staff one lesson: their current tactics struggled against strong teams.

Beyond open play, United needed to focus on free kicks and corners.

Pop, pop, pop!

Tang Ye juggled the ball as he walked slowly toward Rashford: "Marcus, a lot of fans are saying we're chasing Mancheng now—have you seen those news reports?"

"Yeah, I've been keeping up with the news."

"Wow, you're just like Rod, he loves reading news too."

Tang Ye nodded lightly.

It seemed Marcus was just like Rod—a well-read guy.

"So, do you think we can overtake Mancheng?"

Rashford tapped the ball underfoot: "Hmm, I know you might not like hearing this, but… honestly, I don't think our chances are great. Once the Champions League starts, our league win rate might drop, but we can't just abandon the Champions League."

"That's exactly what I think."

Tang Ye's words made Rashford look surprised: "You think the same? Hmm, I thought you'd say something like…"

Rashford looked upward, mimicking Tang Ye's tone: "Marcus, you're wrong—we're definitely going to win!"

"Haha, no way, Marcus—I don't talk like that!"

"No no no, you do talk like that, Tom—I know you well, don't bother explaining."

Tang Ye shrugged helplessly: "No, Marcus, I'm actually a serious person. I've considered the issue you mentioned—that our league win rate might drop after the Champions League starts."

"So when you said that just now, I didn't argue, because you and I think the same."

"But!"

Tang Ye looked toward Training Field No. 1, where Mata, Rodri, and Ashley Young were practicing backline pressing.

"We have very talented players, so we will definitely win."

As soon as Tang Ye finished speaking, Ten Hag's voice came from Training Field No. 1.

"Tom, what are you two doing? Get moving! If your training performance is poor today, you'll eat in the reserve team's cafeteria!"

"Damn, Mr. Sitting Like is mad—Marcus, let's move!"

…

"Beautiful, Tang Ye!"

"Direct free kick—goal!"

"2:0!"

Before halftime, United took a two-goal lead thanks to Tang Ye's direct free kick.

The opposing team, Huddersfield's goalkeeper, stood helplessly in place.

Snowflakes suddenly fell from the sky, but the stands at Old Trafford blazed as if on fire.

In Premier League Matchday 26, United, playing at home, were in excellent form.

They were about to secure two consecutive wins!

The camera panned to the topmost tier of the stands, where several United fans unfurled their matchday banner:

【Dear Mr. Sitting Like, please lead us to chase Mancheng!】

The second half had begun!

United still held a clear advantage in this match, but because there was a long gap before their next game, Ten Hag had no intention of substituting Tang Ye.

On February 21st was the Champions League Round of 16—United needed to build momentum through these earlier matches to perform well against Villarreal.

Pop!

A teammate passed the ball to him.

He carried the 【Kroos Safe Ball Template】, but Tang Ye was not a player who liked to pass back.

Very boldly, he chose to dribble and shield the ball himself.

Rodri came to support!

"Forward, forward!"

Pretending to drive forward, he suddenly slipped the ball between the defender's legs as the defender's feet spread apart.

"WOWW!!!"

The United fans screamed—Tang Ye's between-the-legs pass found Rodri perfectly!

Look at Rodri!

Receiving Tang Ye's through pass, United's defensive midfielder quickly split the ball to Rashford on the left flank.

Rashford controlled and moved.

Shot!

The goalkeeper parried the ball, but the striker Aleix rushed up and easily scored with a follow-up shot.

"Goooo——aaaaaa——llll!!!"

Goal!

3:0!

After a brief celebration, Manchester United quickly resumed their attack.

Check Dongqiu Di live match report: Rashford's long-range shot was saved, Aleix scored from distance, and the goal difference between Manchester United and Mancheng narrowed to single digits.

A nine-goal difference.

Although the gap was still quite large, Manchester United had undoubtedly taken a huge step forward.

Over 70 minutes.

The Huddersfield players were already somewhat stunned by Manchester United's counterattacks.

It was still Manchester United's chance!

Pointing at the opponent's goal, Tang Ye kicked the ball out.

Pa!

【De Bruyne Curved Through Ball Lv4: Replication】

Proficiency: 957/1000

A curving through ball from Tang Ye!

It pierced the defensive line!

It reached Mata in the front field!

Mata pushed the ball into the net, successfully extending the score to 4:0.

Huddersfield was being completely crushed!

……

(End of Chapter)