Chapter 362: Final Opponent Is Juventus? United Advances

"Juventus..."

Seeing the English words "Juventus" displayed on the TV screen, Tang Ye frowned.

When he played for Huang Qian last season, they faced Juventus, but back then Juventus was in terrible form, so those two matches held little reference value.

"How are they doing this year?"

Tang Ye turned to look at Luo De.

If it were Luo De, he would certainly know very well.

Luo De shook his head.

He often scrolled through things online, but he really didn't know much about Juventus.

"Alright then."

Tang Ye nodded lightly and pulled his phone out of his pocket.

If you want to understand a team's competitive form this season, the league standings are definitely the most valuable reference.

This was Mr. Michel's exact words, and Tang Ye remembered this principle clearly.

Let's check the Serie A standings...

"Wow, Luo De, they're top of Serie A!"

Looking up and meeting Luo De's gaze, Tang Ye looked surprised.

Beyond surprise, he also felt a faint sense of tension.

Clearly, Juventus was not an easy opponent!

He tossed his phone aside, leaned back against the sofa, and turned his attention to his system.

【Stage Three Task Progress: Assists (3/6)】

He still needed three more assists to complete Stage Three's task.

If the opponent is Juventus, completing this task will still be very difficult.

Hmm... if United can beat Juventus and advance to the semifinals, things might become much simpler?

【Playing Juventus? Feels like a bad draw.】

【At least better than Bayern or Real Madrid, Barcelona is strong too, but Juventus is still manageable.】

【Juventus is manageable? Juventus is absolutely terrifying!】

United's Champions League draw sparked fierce fan discussions.

Facing Juventus in the quarterfinals is a major challenge for United.

But upon closer thought, by the time you've reached the Champions League quarterfinals, hoping to draw weak teams is unrealistic.

How many weak teams are left? If you want to go further, you must face the strong ones!

After the draw ended, United's coaching staff immediately began studying Juventus.

Fan Dejia assigned new training tasks based on Juventus's characteristics, including overlapping runs on the flanks.

The overlapping runs between Tang Ye and Rashford were considered by United's assistant coach to be a crucial element in the match against Juventus.

"Come on, raise your arms!"

Craig led the team through stretches; Ma Ta noticed Tang Ye smiling broadly: "What's up, Tom?"

Tang Ye was clearly distracted, and Rashford beside him called out to remind him.

"Huh? What's wrong, Ma Ta?"

"You look really happy? Is it because of the Champions League draw?"

Ma Ta gestured to Tang Ye: "I have to tell you, Tom, Juventus isn't as easy to handle as you think."

"Oh, no, Ma Ta."

Tang Ye knew Juventus wasn't an easy opponent—he wasn't happy because of the Champions League draw.

He'd just heard Escriba's explanation a few days ago.

The fact that his respected Mr. Feran wasn't a serial killer was simply amazing news.

Conan's analysis had been seriously wrong, but he was very willing to accept this reality.

Mr. Feran was absolutely a good man!

A kind, good man!

Slap! Slap!

One-two pass!

Another overlapping run with Ma Kusi.

Tang Ye moved to his favorite left flank baseline.

Cross!

Martial!

Goal!

"Hah!"

This overlapping run tactic with the winger felt tailor-made for Tang Ye.

Pretending to be a winger and cutting to the baseline to cross—he was incredibly skilled at this!

"The effect is still very good."

Watching the players train on the field, Fan Dejia murmured.

"They're adapting quickly. This tactic can be used in the FA Cup."

Ten Hag said.

The coordination between Tang Ye and Rashford was simply too fluid.

It was like...

Hmm, like the chemistry between Tom and Jerry in the cartoon.

That kind of Moqi took several seasons of animation to develop!

Because Tang Ye and Rashford adapted so quickly to the overlapping runs, United slightly adjusted their plan.

Besides the Champions League, they would also try this tactic in the FA Cup and the league.

With Tang Ye's precise crosses and Alaire's excellent heading ability, United's attack would become even more ferocious!

"Tom!"

"Tom! Over here! Sign here!"

"Thank you for bringing us the trophy."

The fans were too enthusiastic; Tang Ye, just stepping off the bus, felt slightly embarrassed.

"It wasn't me—it wasn't me alone—we won the trophy with my teammates."

Tang Ye fist-bumped the fans, then took out a pen and signed on their shirts.

He spoke the truth, but the fans' recognition gave him a deep sense of accomplishment.

"Can we win another trophy? The FA Cup! The FA Cup trophy!"

"This..."

Tang Ye returned the signed jersey to the fan.

It was not an easy question to answer.

Winning the FA Cup is much harder than the EFL Cup—teams like Tottenham and Chelsea haven't even been eliminated yet.

Ma Ta walked up from behind and signaled Tang Ye to hurry inside.

Tang Ye followed Ma Ta, turning his head to answer the fan who had asked him.

"It's a bit hard—we'll do our best, we'll do our best!"

Entering the pitch through the side gate, Ma Ta smiled at Tang Ye: "What did the fans say to you?"

"They asked if we could win the FA Cup trophy."

Tang Ye shook his head, walking with his teammates: "It's hard to answer—winning the FA Cup is very difficult."

Tottenham is manageable, but if we face Chelsea, it'll be terrible.

After all, last month United lost 2-0 to Chelsea!

"..."

Looking left and right, confirming no reporters were lurking nearby, Ma Ta suddenly spoke.

"Actually, I think our chances are pretty good."

"Really?"

Tang Ye's eyes lit up.

The English FA Cup trophy!

That sounded amazing!

CCTV didn't hold the broadcasting rights for the FA Cup, so someone had to step forward and help fans who wanted to watch Tang Ye's matches.

"Alright guys!"

"FA Cup quarterfinal—this will be Tang the King's second trophy at United, guys!"

【There he is, Tang Ye's lickspittle!】

【You're using "bro" like a comma, streamer, you're a genius】

【Wang Chao: Brothers, brothers, okay brothers】

【Wang Chao's a fake fan, Tang the Ball King plays friendship football, not brother football】

The livestream was buzzing; Wang Chao wore a brilliant smile as he saw the backend data.

He was always mocked by fans for being Tang Ye's lickspittle.

But think carefully—aren't those fans who go wild searching for livestreams whenever Manchester United plays also Tang Ye's lickspittles?

In truth, we're all the same kind of people.

Some just lick harder.

…

Swish swish!

Stepping out of the tunnel, Tang Ye rubbed his hands.

The weather today was super, super cold, so he borrowed a pair of gloves from Ma Xiaer.

The gloves were very warm, but Tang Ye had a question that remained unanswered.

He looked up at the sky.

It was already March 17th—why was Manchester still snowing?

Compared to Villarreal, Manchester's weather was truly awful—so awful that Tom had to maintain enough enthusiasm just to keep his body warm.

"The match has started, brothers!"

"Tang Ye's massacre!"

As the match began, the football data site TheScored posted a tweet.

Data from the past two seasons showed Tang Ye's on-field performance noticeably declined in cold weather.

Could this become Brighton's chance to pull off an upset against Manchester United?

Fourteenth minute of the first half!

Soft snow drifted down from the sky, trying to block Tang Ye's vision.

In the past, Tang Ye might have been truly disturbed by such harsh weather.

But now his vision wasn't 91 anymore.

It was 97!

"Pass it! Pass it now!"

He received a pass in the central area.

He turned toward Brighton's goal.

Look far side, then near side!

Brighton's defender closed in to press; Tang Ye made a simple feint.

Snow was falling everywhere on the pitch—the opposing defender would surely be affected.

Now was the chance!

Plop!

A curved through pass shot straight into the forward area!

Target: Rashford, making a run down the left flank!

"Wow!"

Rashford controlled the ball!

He stopped sharply just outside the box!

Rashford's sudden halt caused the Brighton defender to overshoot his position.

Heh, didn't see that coming, did you?

This is something I learned from Tom!

Boom!

A low drive shot—Rashford's strike grazed the right post and flew into the center of the net.

"So accurate, Ball King Tang!"

Wang Chao and the livestream fans erupted in celebration; the on-site commentator loudly announced the scorer's name: Rashford.

Marcus Rashford—that's my big name!

Clap clap clap!

Applause came from Ten Hag and Manchester United fans; Brighton now felt overwhelming pressure.

Defender Dunk stood with hands on hips, shaking his head endlessly inside the box.

The falling snow made Tang Ye's passes even more deceptive.

A ball suddenly flew toward him—only Brighton's players could truly feel this pressure.

Manchester United's number 10 now looked like a demon wielding a trident!

A red demon!

The match continued; on the bench, Lingard and Ma Xiaer began warming up.

Replace Tang Ye with Ale?

"Damn, brothers, Ten Hag isn't even treating Brighton like humans!"

"Can't you wait a bit longer to sub out my Ball King?"

Wang Chao now only hoped Ten Hag would show some sense.

"Forward a bit, forward a bit!"

Tang Ye directed his teammate Luo De.

Brighton's forwards were struggling to link up—so Manchester United's goal was still quite safe.

Time: 36th minute!

Valencia dribbled down the right flank.

Reached the byline!

Tang Ye signaled Herrera to move up and support Valencia, while he himself moved into the center to claim space.

As he ran, he turned his head to observe Ale and Rashford's positioning.

Inside the box, Ale was intensely focused.

He knew Tom might send him a pass at any moment!

Boom!

Valencia cut sharply, drove to the baseline, then cut inside.

Herrera and Ma Ta executed a diagonal run; finally, Ma Ta received Valencia's return pass.

Tang Ye glanced back at Ale.

Received Ma Ta's pass!

"Hey!"

Tang Ye shouted, turned, and held off Brighton's defender.

Lifted his right leg!

Boom!

A heel flick sent the ball straight into the box!

Ale held off the defender's tug and headed the ball into the net.

2:0!

【You gained 5 Reverse Points】

【Assisted a brace—you gained an extra 10 Reverse Points】

"Hoooor!"

Came from his good friend Sebastian; Tang Ye's excitement slowly settled.

Scoring felt great, yes—but the gratitude from teammates and the awe from fans after an assist gave Tang Ye just as much comfort.

"Bee, bee-bee!"

Half-time whistle blew; Manchester United players returned to the locker room with a 2:0 lead.

"Luo De, I feel our attack has become smoother lately. Yeah, I'm not just talking about me and you, but me and Marcus, me and Sebastian."

Tang Ye was extremely sensitive to his surroundings.

He could sense his friends' emotions—and thus, he could feel the chemistry between himself and them.

"We played well in the first half, so we'll make a personnel change in the second."

In the previous 45+2 minutes, Ten Hag and Fan Daike had already assessed Brighton.

The Blue Seagulls were deemed by Eric as harmless—so there was no need to keep the core players on.

Lingard replaced Tang Ye; Ma Xiaer replaced Ma Ta—these were the substitutions Manchester United needed to make at the start of the second half.

Learning he was being subbed off, Tang Ye felt a pang of disappointment—but he quickly adjusted his mood.

He had once thought Mr. Ferran was a serial killer.

After experiencing such a tragic event, little could still affect Tang Ye's emotions.

Leaning against the locker, Tang Ye chewed his gum.

Calm and unruffled.

Perhaps this is what it means to be a true adult!

Tom is an adult now!

……

DQD Match Report: Manchester United 2–2, won 4–2 on penalties against Brighton to advance to the FA Cup semifinals.

"Damn, scared the shit out of me."

Bang!

Jumping down from the players' tunnel steps, Tang Ye could still feel his heartbeat.

He bought a 【Tang Ye's Gum】 while sitting on the bench, and its duration has now expired.

【You purchased Tang Ye's Gum】

"Phew…"

He exhaled deeply, and his body instantly felt much better.

At the start of the second half, Ten Hag immediately substituted two starters.

I thought the match was a sure thing, but damn, Brighton suddenly started pressing hard!

Luckily, the teammates delivered—otherwise Manchester United might have been eliminated in the quarterfinals!

"Rode"

Tang Ye fist-bumped Rode as he came off.

Manchester United held the draw in the second half thanks entirely to Rode's brilliant performance.

That's the power of little Tom.

"Mr. Erik is too full of himself—Eric and Mata should've stayed on longer."

Tang Ye was right.

Top-league teams change tactics at lightning speed; the second-half strategy can be completely different from the first, which is why Premier League substitutions often happen around the 60th minute.

Tang Ye complained, and Rode pinched his arm.

"What's wrong, Rode? That hurts… damn."

Tang Ye turned his head and saw Ten Hag standing right beside him.

He'd slipped into Tang Ye's blind spot!

"Eh, Mr. Erik, I didn't mean to criticize you—Brighton just seemed weird."

"I know, I know."

Ten Hag walked over, patted Tang Ye on the back, then continued walking: "These are just small moments, Tom. You'll face many more. Many teams suddenly wake up in the second half—it's unpredictable, but we'll learn from this."

Ten Hag walked away slowly, while Tang Ye stood there, gazing at him with admiration.

Mr. Erik is absolutely right.

Failure isn't such a big problem.

Pick up the experience orbs dropped by failure, and you level up and grow stronger!

……

In the restroom, Ten Hag leaned against the door, wiping sweat from his forehead.

"Puff, puff… puff…"

"Fuck, fuck, fuck…"

That was fucking terrifying!

Ten Hag couldn't even bear to imagine it.

What would happen to Manchester United if they lost this match?

What would happen to him and Tom?

Creak!

A sound came from outside the restroom—Ten Hag tensed up instantly.

He wiped his sweat, then regained his calm demeanor.

"Michel?"

Seeing it was Fan Dejia, Ten Hag exhaled deeply and leaned back against the door.

"Erik, you okay?"

"Fine, fine. Got any gum?"

"Oh, yeah."

Fan Dejia pulled out a piece of gum from his pocket: "Tom gave me this before the match."

Ten Hag took the gum from Fan Dejia's hand, put it in his mouth, and chewed hard.

Fan Dejia stood beside him, unsure what to say.

"Erik, we still won in the end."

"I know, I know—you don't need to keep reminding me."

Ten Hag slowly shook his head, his expression uneasy.

"By the way, was anyone following you when you came in? Keep watch for me—I need a moment."

"Yeah, I'll be quick."

……

Today's Headline: FA Cup semifinal draw—Manchester United face Tottenham.

Drawing Tottenham among Chelsea, Tottenham, and Southampton isn't the best outcome for Manchester United, but it's not the worst either.

Good news: the semifinal is still at Manchester United's home ground!

【Ten Hag's insane substitutions—I'm truly impressed. Next time, please don't play with fire.】

【Haha, Rode's solid! Of course my Tang King's friends won't let me down.】

【Odds for the FA Cup final already have Manchester United listed—do I need to say more, guys?】

After the semifinal draw, Betway released updated FA Cup winning odds—Manchester United rose to the top at 2.95.

As runners-up in this season's Premier League, Manchester United was widely favored by fans.

The Times: The FA Cup title will be Manchester United's goal this season, but Tottenham and Chelsea aren't as weak as imagined.

This season, both Tottenham and Chelsea have played Manchester United twice.

Manchester United won both matches against Tottenham, and split the two against Chelsea.

There's also Southampton—they beat Manchester United in the first half of the league.

Overall, Manchester United has a strong chance—but only a fully fired-up Manchester United can win the FA Cup!

……

(End of Chapter)