Chapter 371: New Mission: The FA Cup Semi-Final Arrives

【"I said it, Manchester United's set-piece defense is a major problem."】

【"Compared to Mancheng, they are still far inferior; Manchester United lacks strong wingers, and their defenders are no good either."】

【"It feels like Tang Ye is just toying with Herrera; shouldn't Ten Hag substitute Herrera out?"】

【"The problem is, there's no one to substitute him with."】

After an upset loss to Bournemouth, Ten Hag quickly faced condemnation from the fans.

The problems exposed by Manchester United this season are simply too numerous; they have not achieved the same level of perfection as Mancheng, which is precisely why Manchester United has always been suppressed by Mancheng.

The logic is clear.

Manchester United must strengthen their defensive midfield and winger positions if they want to become stronger next season.

Of course, transfers are a matter for after the season ends; Manchester United's current focus is handling the remaining matches of this season properly.

The Guardian: The FA Cup match between Manchester United and Tottenham will be held at Wembley Stadium.

【"Is it at Wembley?"】

On the return train, Tang Ye, upon seeing the news, immediately widened his eyes: "Damn, Rod, I thought we were playing at Old Trafford since Manchester United is ranked higher than Tottenham."

When the schedule was first released showing "Manchester United vs. Tottenham," Tang Ye naturally assumed it was a Manchester United home game, so the venue should have been Old Trafford.

It was only after seeing The Guardian's news that he realized both the FA Cup semi-finals and finals are played at Wembley Stadium.

Wembley Stadium has excellent facilities, and Tang Ye enjoys playing there, but the shift from a home ground to a neutral venue still caused some disappointment in his mood.

But regardless, the FA Cup should be the best opportunity for Manchester United.

This opportunity must be seized!

Just as Tang Ye was pondering, a sound echoed in his mind.

At 40 years old, as a veteran, you are about to lead the team's young players in a charge toward the FA Cup final; this is the necessary path for you to win the FA Cup championship.

【"Mission Objective: Achieve 2 assists or 2 goals in the FA Cup semi-final."】

【"Mission Reward: Random Club Chest · Superstar."】

A mission has arrived!

A long-overdue smile appeared on Tang Ye's face.

He hadn't obtained a new template for quite some time, so the appearance of this mission was a great help to Tang Ye.

The bad news is that, judging by the system's display, this mission appears to be time-limited.

It must be a goal or assist scored in the FA Cup semi-final; if Tang Ye fails to complete this mission during the semi-final, he will miss out on this reward forever.

The pressure is immense!

Leaning back against the seat, Tang Ye exhaled deeply, preparing to chew a piece of 【Tang Ye's Chewing Gum】 to calm his nerves.

But Tang Ye quickly recalled what Fan Fan Dejiahe had told him a week ago.

In fact, pressure was not entirely a bad thing for Tang Ye.

Appropriate pressure could allow Tom to exert greater strength during matches.

Thinking of this, Tang Ye abandoned the idea of buying items and decided to carry this pressure into training and matches.

In the blink of an eye, the day of the FA Cup match arrived!

Manchester United's red bus drove through the streets of London.

Gently pulling the window open just a crack, Tang Ye saw the Manchester United fans outside following the bus forward, and a happy smile spread across his face.

【"Rod, do you feel like time has passed extremely quickly these past few days?"】

Tang Ye suddenly said.

【"There is indeed that feeling."】

Rodri nodded slightly: "We've had many matches recently, and our opponents have generally been quite strong; I feel that must be the reason."

Turning to look at Tang Ye, he added: "Having too many matches isn't very good for us; as you know, if we had fewer matches, we could perform better."

Tang Ye squinted, displaying an expression of contemplation.

If there were fewer matches, he and his teammates could perform better; Tang Ye supported this statement, though he felt having many matches also had some benefits.

That benefit being: immediately after experiencing defeat, one gets another chance to prove oneself!

Clenching his fist, Tang Ye became certain of one thing.

That today, Tottenham was going to have bad luck!

【"Brothers!"】

【"Today is the FA Cup semi-final: Tang Tang Qiuwang's Manchester United versus Tottenham, who do not have Tang Tang Qiuwang!"】

CCTV did not hold the broadcasting rights for the FA Cup, so this was the moment for Wang Chao to demonstrate his capabilities.

【"Mm, brothers, although today isn't an exclusive live broadcast, I hope you all call everyone over to my livestream room, because brothers familiar with me know that in matches I broadcast, Tang Ye's win rate is extremely high!"】

【"Isn't it just that Tang Ye's win rate is inherently high to begin with... Brothers, I know Tang Ye's win rate is already high originally, but with me it can become even higher; look, Manchester United even won the EFL Cup."】

【"Tottenham hasn't beaten Manchester United once this season; decisively go all-in on Manchester United."】

【"But Manchester United's form hasn't been good recently, right? They seem to have been knocked silly by Juventus; why didn't they draw Bayern instead? Manchester United could beat Bayern."】

【"I'll guess 2:1 or 3:2; I feel Manchester United should win by one goal."】

【"Wait until they lose, then they'll be honest."】

Fans in the livestream room rapidly sent bullet comments; at this moment, the players began entering the field.

It was a match at a neutral venue, yet the stands were mostly filled with Tottenham fans.

Because Tottenham is a London team, while Manchester United had traveled from Manchester, they were naturally at a significant disadvantage.

"OK, you're seeing me, Tang Tang Qiuwang!"

The camera focused on Tang Ye; he was seen fist-bumping teammates like Rodri, Rashford, and Mata one after another, looking fully prepared.

"The match has begun!"

"For the starting lineups on both sides, Manchester United remains the same as before, with Tang Ye serving as the offensive core up front, and then Tottenham..."

"There's not much to say about Tottenham."

Wang Chao didn't really want to introduce Tottenham's starting lineup, but fearing some idiots in the livestream would claim he didn't recognize the players on the field, he decided it was best to go through them anyway.

Tottenham (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Vorm

Defenders: Ben Davies, Vertonghen, Davinson Sánchez, Trippier

Midfielders: Dembélé, Alli, Dier

Forwards: Son Heung-min, Harry Kane, Ai Ai Kesen

Head Coach: Pochettino

It's Dembélé again!

But this isn't Tom's comrade Dembélé.

This is Tottenham's Dembélé!

Tottenham's Dembélé is no friend of Tom's, so Tom won't show any mercy!

Shortly after the match began, Ai Ai Kesen carried the ball forward down the right flank.

His speed wasn't particularly fast, but Ai Ai Kesen's excellent passing ability was putting immense pressure on Manchester United's defenders.

Here it comes!

Slap!

A 45-degree cross into the box for Harry Kane!

"Kane shoots!"

"Holy crap, damn, you scared the hell out of me!"

Kane's shot was aimed too straight at the goalkeeper and was securely caught by De Gea.

Clutching the ball, he rushed out from the goal line.

"Go, go, go!"

De Gea urged, "Rodri, Rodri!"

Shouting Rodri's name, De Gea threw the ball out by hand.

"Dribble it yourself, dribble it yourself!"

That was Ten Hag's voice; after receiving the hand-thrown ball, Rodri quickly turned and dribbled toward the opponent's half on his own.

Tang Ye was already up front; between dropping back to support and pushing forward, he chose to push forward.

"Rodri is looking for an opportunity, looking for an opening..."

"Pass to Tang Ye, hurry up and pass to Tang Ye!"

"OK, he passed, but it went to Mata who was making a supporting run!"

"What about Tang Ye... Tang Ye is heading straight for the right baseline."

Pulling his familiar feint as a striker, Tang Ye ran past Mata and moved directly into the right-winger position.

While making his run, he didn't forget to point toward the penalty area, signaling Rashford and Martial to make immediate forward runs.

Mata and Dier collided with each other.

Bang!

Before hitting the ground, Mata managed to release the ball.

The target was Tang Ye!

Here it comes, here it comes!

Tang Ye sprinted forward, eyes locked on the ball rushing toward him, while glancing at the penalty area with his peripheral vision.

He lifted his right foot!

Slap!

"Holy crap!"

"Tang Ye directly volleyed the pass from Mata!"

Clutching his head, Wang Chao needed a moment to recover.

Although he knew Tang Ye disliked controlling the ball to adjust, volleying a pass directly was still somewhat too shocking.

At the far post!

Rashford!

Slap!

Controlling the ball beside him, Rashford faced Sánchez and Trippier.

One step to adjust!

Bang!

Rashford shot directly!

"Goal!"

"Ronaldo!"

Rashford's powerful strike successfully breached Tottenham's goal.

The score became 1:0!

Manchester United takes the lead!

【You have gained 5 Counterattack Points】

【Mission Progress: Assists (1/2) / Goals (0/2)】

With one assist delivered, the FA Cup mission is effectively half complete.

Suddenly, the pressure doesn't feel so heavy anymore?

Running out to embrace his teammates, Tang Ye feels he has finally found his rhythm!

"Haha, Tom!"

Rodri hugs Tang Ye tight.

There is excellent chemistry between this big brother and little brother duo.

If Tang Ye is in good form, Rodri can definitely feel it!

Amidst the celebrations, Ten Hag gathers the players before him.

"This rhythm is good, keep this rhythm! Keep this rhythm!"

Manchester United showing the ability to dominate Spurs right from the start of the match is absolutely good news.

The clock hits the 21st minute!

Son Heung-min takes a direct shot from the free kick!

It lacks power!

De Gea catches the ball securely!

Slap!

De Gea acts decisively, launching an aerial long pass straight to Mata on the right flank.

"Wow!"

Tang Ye sprints forward.

However, having just participated in defending the set piece, Tang Ye's current position is somewhat deep.

It's up to Mata now!

"Mata carries the ball down the line!"

"Tang Ye is already making his run, can Mata hold on a bit longer, hold on..."

"Damn!"

Mata waits for his teammates, but Vertonghen and Alli's double-team immediately completes the steal.

"Manchester United should have sent Tang Ye forward to receive; Mata should have stayed back..."

Check Dongqiu Di live match report: In the 34th minute, Tang Ye's direct free-kick shot was saved; the score remains 1-0, with Manchester United leading.

Since Manchester United is currently leading, they deliberately slowed the tempo after the 30-minute mark, aiming to conserve stamina for the second half.

Both Spurs players and fans noticed this issue, so after Tang Ye took that direct free kick, Spurs immediately took control of the match.

The stands are filled with the Spurs anthem!

"The attack develops, Dembélé..."

"Fall, fall, can he fall?"

Slap!

A long pass finds Son Heung-min making a forward run on the left flank.

Watch Son Heung-min!

"Nice, brothers! Son Heung-min failed to control the ball!"

"Beep beep beep beep!!!"

"Booooo!!!!"

Seizing the opportunity, Manchester United fans boo Son Heung-min, while Pochettino on the sidelines shakes his head repeatedly.

If Son Heung-min remains in this form for the second half, Spurs will likely face an extremely difficult match today...

The 38th minute!

"Tang Ye moves to the right flank to receive!"

"Pass it over!"

As Tang Ye receives the ball, Alli is right behind him, so Tang Ye prepares to execute a stylish turn to dribble past him.

Something unexpected happens; Alli directly bumps into him from behind.

!

The situation looks bad; Tang Ye signals for his teammates to come support.

But being contained by Alli like this is something he refuses to accept, so he decisively initiates physical contact.

Alli's knee strikes Tang Ye's leg; the sudden pain causes Tang Ye to collapse directly to the ground.

"Beep!"

The referee decisively blows the whistle to call a foul on Alli, but this confrontation will not end so quickly.

"What are you doing!?"

Rodri shoves Alli away.

Rodri hadn't intended to do anything, but upon seeing Alli looking at the rolling Tang Ye on the ground with a provocative gaze, he instantly flew into a rage.

"No, what do you mean? Tell me, what do you mean?"

Rodri steps closer to pressure Alli, while Spurs players rush over quickly.

"Get away!"

Vertonghen pushes Rodri away, then pulls Alli backward.

Alli and Rashford also came over, but the two of them did different things.

Alli shouted curses at Ali, while Rashford kept trying to mediate between the two.

"Damn, is this Ali really so full of himself?"

【Just because his name is Ali, he thinks he's the boxing champion? Alli, get him!】

【Support my GGBond, bro, have you never seen the Armor Hero Dragon before or what?】

【This match is in the bag; I feel like Tottenham's mentality has collapsed.】

【Wait until Tang Tang Qiuwang stays down and can't get up, then see if you still say this match is in the bag.】

"Tom."

Herrera helped Tang Ye up from the ground; the latter gritted his teeth.

It hurt, it hurt so much.

But for the King of Villains, this level of pain was bearable.

But...

"Damn, no, no, no!"

Only then realizing that his teammates had already started fighting the opposition, Tang Ye and Herrera hurried over to break it up.

"Woww!!"

The fans in the stands were jeering, the players on the field were shoving each other, while generously praising each other's parents, looking extremely close.

"Beep!!!"

The conflict lasted about one minute before finally ending.

Ali, Vertonghen, and Rodri were all shown yellow cards.

"Damn, not bad; Rodri traded one for two."

One yellow card exchanged for two yellow cards from the opposition; Manchester United still came out ahead.

It's just pitiful for my GGBond; he'll probably have to endure the pain a while longer.

Check Dongqiu Di halftime report: Rashford's powerful shot, Manchester United temporarily leading Tottenham 1:0; a large-scale conflict erupted between both sides before the end of the first half.

"That Ali, damn, I'm really speechless."

Back in the player tunnel, Tang Ye muttered.

Originally, he had wanted to rush up and fight like Rod and Sebastian, but in the end, reason prevailed.

"Rodri, you were too impulsive!"

Fan Fan Dejiahe pushed Tang Ye and Rodri toward the locker room, while Rodri, walking alongside, spread his hands at Fan Fan Dejiahe: "Michel, you just didn't notice; Ali damn near knocked Tom down, didn't even help him up, then gave him a sideways glance—how are we supposed to react to that, just let him go?"

"Calm down, calm down; you already have one yellow card!"

Upon reaching the locker room, Ten Hag said nothing about the first-half conflict, merely reminding Rodri and Herrera to be more careful in the second half.

Both of Manchester United's defensive midfielders had already received yellow cards; this matter had to be taken seriously.

"In the second half, we'll still focus on the left flank; Marcus should have enough stamina, so we can still drive through. Or push up the left and attack from the right; either way works..."

Ten Hag emphasized the plans for the second half, while the team doctor examined Tang Ye's body.

"Phew..."

Ali's foul put Tang Ye in a bad mood, to the point where he even forgot about the mission still pending on his person.

"Damn!"

"Hey, it's okay, it's okay."

Rashford patted Tang Ye on the back: "Calm down, calm down; just score in the second half."

"Mm..."

Tang Ye and Rashford bumped fists.

"Does anyone know Ali's Twitter account? Eh, no, no, not the boxing champion, the one from Tottenham."

"OK OK, thanks brothers, thanks brothers; come on, let's go raid his comment section."

Wang Chao led the Tang Army soldiers in charging toward Ali's Twitter comment section.

At this moment, Ali was still pondering the tactics Pochettino had mentioned, completely unaware that his home had been ransacked.

Time for the second half!

Slightly different from the serious look in the first half, a trace of anger appeared on Tang Ye's face as he entered for the second half.

He glanced in Ali's direction.

After that foul in the first half, Ali had already been blacklisted by Tang Ye.

And for those guys on his blacklist, Tang Ye never showed any mercy.

Ashley Young advanced with the ball!

Tang Ye ran forward while observing the positioning of players on both sides.

Rashford, Alli, Herrera, and Valencia were all ahead of him now.

Beside him was Mata, and of course, some of Tottenham's defensive players.

At this moment, a little calculation was needed.

If Ashley Young passed the ball to him, Marcus would definitely come over to support, and Alli should temporarily stop...

OK!

It looked like some complicated calculations, but for Tang Ye, this was just a matter of consuming a few brain cells.

Bang!

Ashley Young plays a through ball over!

It arrives right in front of Tang Ye!

He dribbles forward himself!

Considering Tang Ye's excellent long-passing ability, Tottenham's defensive line has already started to retreat.

Seeing Tang Ye's gesture, Rashford actively runs over to provide support.

Slap!

He passes the ball to Rashford!

Rashford passes the ball back again!

Pointing toward the penalty area, Tang Ye lifts his right foot.

Bang!

Feinting a through pass, he actually executes a rainbow flick, directly finding Valencia making a forward run on the right wing.

Rashford turns and surges forward!

Valencia reaches the byline and crosses horizontally!

Valencia's cross finds Ale, but Ale doesn't shoot immediately; instead, he flicks the ball back to Rashford behind him.

Rashford strikes the ball on the volley!

Goal!

"2:0!"

"It's Rashford again! Damn!"

Rashford's performance this season has been truly outstanding, and at this moment, the fans in the live stream have rendered their verdict.

Barring any surprises, once the summer transfer window closes, the market value of this Manchester United Crown Prince will surpass 80 million euros.

No joke!

The logic is clear.

A little mouse cannot run fast on its own.

But if a cat is chasing it from behind, that little mouse will run faster and faster.

This is the source of the Cat and Mouse combination's strength!

……

(End of Chapter)