Chapter 422: Rat Union Administrative Hierarchy Classification, Tang Ye Absent from All

Dongqiu Di pinned: Manchester United lost 2-3 to Liverpool in the International Champions Cup; in four pre-season friendlies this season, they've won only one. (Comments: 17,523)

Nearly 20,000 comments on Dongqiu Di for a single friendly match—currently, only Manchester United can achieve this globally.

Manchester United, with 92 points last season, couldn't even beat Liverpool?

Not playing at full strength in a friendly is one reason.

There's another reason.

Manchester United's strongest player isn't in the squad!

The only Lakers player with any connection to Tang Ye is LeBron James; Manchester United fans and Chinese fans flooded James's Instagram comments, begging him to release Tang Ye.

The Sun's special report on Tom's disappearance—James replied to the fans' comments, posting a photo of his villa sofa to show he wasn't imprisoning Tom as fans imagined.

"James wanted to prove Tom isn't with him, but Manchester United fans don't believe it—they think this must be some confidential business collaboration."

…

After losing 2-3 to Liverpool, Manchester United's head coach Ten Hag gave a press interview.

"De Jong performed well today; if he maintains this level, I believe he has the ability to compete for a starting midfield spot at Manchester United."

The reporter first asked about De Jong.

"Besides De Jong, are there any other signings or player sales planned by Manchester United?"

"We're making efforts—we can only say there's still a long time until the transfer window closes."

Two questions about new-season players—this was just the beginning; every subsequent question from the reporter was about Tang Ye.

"Erik, fans only want to know what Tom is doing in Los Angeles—can you say anything about it?"

"This…"

Ten Hag looked hesitant.

A player training outside isn't something to hide, but both Ten Hag and Fan De are extremely shrewd men.

When Manchester United fans were on the verge of despair, Ten Hag would suddenly announce Tang Ye's return—this would instantly stir fan emotion.

Ten Hag understood this perfectly!

"This… I can only say he's handling his own affairs."

"His own affairs?"

Click-click-click!

Hearing a hint, the reporters on-site grew restless.

"Was Tom injured during the World Cup?"

"No, I can guarantee that—Tom wasn't injured; he's always been in peak physical condition."

If it wasn't an injury…

The reporters pressed further, trying to uncover what exactly was happening, but Ten Hag kept evading—this left fans under immense pressure.

Meanwhile, after a pre-season match, Manchester City's head coach Guardiola was interviewed.

This summer, Manchester City signed a 60-million-euro striker, but reporters weren't focused on the transfer window.

"Have you heard about Tom's disappearance?"

Guardiola rubbed his head: "I've heard about it—Tom seems tied up with some important matters."

"Will Tom's condition affect his performance this season? Does this mean Manchester City has already secured the Premier League title?"

Guardiola shook his head: "We still don't know Tom's situation, do we? Hmm… let's not consider that. I believe Manchester City remains a strong contender for the Premier League title this season; Tom is indeed strong, but I still believe our players have sufficient ability."

…

Sky Sports: A sports psychology expert analyzed Tom's disappearance, suggesting Tom may have developed severe depression after the World Cup and is currently receiving psychological treatment in the U. S.

Any news about Tang Ye's disappearance goes viral—Sky Sports even launched a dedicated live TV program.

On the sofa sat a middle-aged man with no hair.

【Douglas, Associate Professor of Psychology, Cambridge University】

"Sir, so your view is that Tom developed psychological issues after the World Cup—is that correct?"

"Hmm, yes, that appears to be the case."

Associate Professor Douglas faced the host.

"To be honest, I'm a loyal fan of Tom—I watched China's matches during the World Cup with my graduate students."

"But Tom's performance during the World Cup could be described as perfect."

The host reminded him.

"Yes, I agree completely—but that's exactly the problem."

Douglas glanced at the camera, then back at the host: "China's team is weak; Tom alone had to face the entire midfield lines of Germany, Sweden, and Senegal just to give his team a chance to win. When you're under the pressure of a World Cup, and your teammates can't support you properly, your emotions deteriorate rapidly."

Douglas spread his hands: "Tom is only 19—do you think a 19-year-old can shoulder the entire team's burden like Ronaldo?"

Sky Sports' live program was a huge success.

The Cambridge professor's psychological analysis offered another plausible explanation for Tang Ye's disappearance.

Tang Ye suffers from depression and needs treatment.

Hiss.

This reason seems far more credible than commercial endorsements.

Because if it were just commercial endorsements, Manchester United would never allow Tang Ye to miss pre-season training.

Of course, not everyone agreed with the Cambridge professor's view.

Sky Sports commentator Dawson: Based on my knowledge of Tom, the likelihood of him developing depression is low. I believe he's undergoing "secret training" at the Lakers' facility, because the U. S. truly leads Europe in sports performance research.

On Twitter, search for the keywords "Tom" or "TangYe"—you'll immediately see the top netizen poll.

1. Tom developed depression because his national team teammates are too weak—he's receiving treatment in the U. S. Votes: 74%.

2. Tom is involved in secret commercial endorsements and can't announce it yet. Votes: 12%.

3. Tom is undergoing special training. Votes: 10%.

4. Tom is imprisoned by James. Votes: 2%.

5. Other. Votes: 2%.

…

【You purchased Ronaldo's chicken breast +8】

"Hurry up, hurry up! Raise your center of gravity!"

"TallTallTall!"

The coach shouted from the sideline as Tang Ye, shirtless, sprinted across the grass.

"Your running is unscientific—why are your feet landing ahead of your center of gravity? You're braking yourself!"

The coach signaled Tang Ye to stop; the latter immediately sat down on the grass.

The grass was scorching, but Tang Ye didn't care anymore.

"Damn!"

Lying flat on the grass, Tang Ye felt like he was about to vomit, so he quickly sat up again.

"High center of gravity, high center of gravity—only after correcting your form can you run faster!"

The coach kept gesturing in front of Tang Ye.

"Pant… pant… I just can't raise my center of gravity—I don't know why."

"When you run, you feel heavy—but you're not actually heavy."

The coach crossed his arms, holding a notebook: "Don't worry—I'm the best sports performance coach in all of California. I'll fix your problem within a week."

Huh?

The assistant blinked, leaned close to the coach's ear, and whispered: "Improving technique usually takes at least half a month."

"Idiot, do you know how much he paid me?"

The coach shoved the assistant away: "It must be done within a week—on the line of my career!"

"What are you betting on? Pant… pant… I'm about to die!"

Tang Ye truly regretted it now.

Why did he dream of Ronaldo before the new season started?

Think carefully.

If Tang Ye hadn't had that dream, he wouldn't be suffering in Los Angeles right now!

"Sir, should I hire some doctors just in case? I feel like my heart might explode any second."

"No need—my assistant is monitoring your heart rate. Tom, your heart won't explode—on the line of my career!"

"…"

It was the last day of July—Manchester United officially announced their second summer signing.

Manchester United official: Achraf Hakimi, former Ajax forward, has joined the club, wearing jersey number 19.

Hakimi's market value was 35 million euros; Manchester United paid 40 million euros.

The transfer fee was only 5 million euros above market value—this was likely Manchester United's smoothest transfer negotiation in recent seasons.

As soon as the news broke, Manchester United fans across the country immediately dug into Hakimi's background, trying to find any connection between him and Ten Hag.

Another Dutch league player—clearly, Ten Hag intends to deploy Hakimi as a right winger.

But fans soon discovered Hakimi had never played for Utrecht.

Huh?

Manchester United fans now had only one question.

What exactly about Ziyech attracted Ten Hag?

Is it merely because this player possesses outstanding ability?

The Guardian — the second "non-Tengjia Army" player after Rodri: a deep analysis of the ties between Ziyech and Ten Hag.

A Guardian journalist reviewed Utrecht's match footage from the 2015–16 season and quickly uncovered the key clue.

In the 2015–16 season, Utrecht played Twente twice, and both matches featured Tang Ye and Ten Hag.

And Ziyech!

This Manchester United new signing was one of Twente's forwards!

Clearly, Ziyech was a defeated subordinate of the master-apprentice duo of Ten Hag and Tang Ye.

In response, the Guardian journalist commented: "In Tom's China, there is a saying: 'The defeated submit.' It means the loser must join the victor's army."

"Although Ziyech is not Tengjia Army, he has lost twice to the Tengjia Army. According to the 'defeated submit' theory, Ziyech can be considered an auxiliary member of the Tengjia Army, his status equivalent to Rodri."

News about Manchester United is extremely important to Chinese fans, so DongqiDi staff immediately reposted this tweet.

Below the comments section, a Shandong fan provided a detailed analysis of Manchester United's current team dynamics and created a hierarchy chart.

【Manchester Mouse United Administrative Hierarchy】

【Tengjia Army Marshal】: Ten Hag (highest rank)

【Tengjia Army Grand General, Chancellor】: Tang Ye (the only true god currently missing; his personal will directly influences the club's transfer window)

【Tengjia Army Inner Circle】: De Jong, Ale (Ten Hag's direct disciples, granted priority for starting spots)

【Tengjia Army Auxiliary Forces】: Rodri, Ziyech (have complex ties to Ten Hag or Tang Ye but are not direct Tengjia Army members; usable but not heavily relied upon)

【Mice】: Rashford, Martial, Lingard… (have no connection to Ten Hag)

This Shandong fan's hierarchy chart was very straightforward and greatly helped new fans understand Manchester United's internal ecosystem.

Simply put, any player whose title includes "Tengjia" holds status within Manchester United and is trusted by the head coach.

Conversely, if a player lacks it, then…

Hmm, it's a bit unfortunate.

…

Time moved into August.

Manchester United's final International Champions Cup match of the season was against Real Madrid, last season's Champions League champions.

Neither side fielded their full strength; Manchester United lost 0–1 to Real Madrid.

Manchester United's pre-season performances could only be described as "terrible."

As last season's Premier League runners-up, Manchester United's pre-season form should not have been this poor!

Of course, this result was entirely reasonable, because during these pre-season matches, one key player did not play.

So the question arises.

As a crucial component of Manchester United, why didn't my GGBond participate in the pre-season matches?

Is it truly, as Cambridge University professors analyzed, that he suffers from severe depression?

All Manchester United fans can do now is pray.

Hope GGBond can adjust his mindset!

"One elimination isn't a big deal, Tom, you're still young — come back in four years!" This was the most common comment on Tang Ye's Instagram.

On August 6, Manchester United had a Community Shield match against Manchester City, so the players prepared to return to England.

The day before the players returned to England, Manchester United's fitness coach visited the Lakers' training base.

Clearly, he was there to pick someone up.

"Hey, Tom, someone's here for you."

Kuzma pointed in a direction; Clagge walked in slowly and soon found Tang Ye warming up.

"Wow, sir, you're here."

Seeing Clagge, Tang Ye raised his hand to greet him.

But Clagge just stood there dumbfounded, neck stretched out, staring at Tang Ye with a shocked expression: "Uh… uh… Tom?"

"How did you turn black?"

"Haha, Mr. Clagge!"

Tang Ye glanced at the mirror.

He was only slightly darker than when he arrived — nothing like the exaggeration Clagge claimed.

Tang Ye pointed to the ceiling: "The sun here is insane. If I were in Manchester, I wouldn't have gotten tanned at all."

"Alright."

Clagge walked over and sat beside Tang Ye, reaching out to feel the muscles on his shoulder: "You've gained at least two kilograms, right?"

"Wow, sir, you guessed it perfectly."

Tang Ye widened his eyes and told Clagge his morning measurements.

His height remained 1.80 meters, but his weight had risen to 71 kg.

"Still one kilogram short of my goal, but I've really been pushing hard."

Tang Ye slumped his head: "If my stomach were just a bit bigger, I'd probably already be 72 kg. Hmm… maybe even 73? You know, sir, I grow fast."

"Haha!"

Clagge slapped Tang Ye's arm.

Even though he was tanned, his way of speaking was still unmistakably familiar.

It was definitely Tom Bum!

"Quick, pack up. We're going to New York to meet Eric and head back together."

"OK!"

Tang Ye jumped off the mat; Clagge's arrival felt like rescuing him from hell.

The Lakers' physical training was too brutal — this wasn't a place for Tom.

Tom was a Manchester United player; he belonged at Carrington!

"By the way, sir, I need to finish today's explosive training — it's exactly one cycle."

"I'll wait for you."

Thirty minutes later.

"Pant… pant!"

Tang Ye caught his breath and prepared himself.

Clagge's eyes widened.

On each side: 67.5 kg — the barbell Tang Ye was lifting weighed twice his own body.

Of course, Tom could manage a half-squat.

"Watch me!"

After greeting Clagge, Tang Ye bent his knees.

Under Clagge's gaze, Tang Ye's center of gravity lowered slowly.

This was already standard deep squat depth!

Teeth clenched, Tang Ye's entire face turned red — he had used every ounce of strength.

Slowly stand up!

Thud!

The bar returned to the rack; Tang Ye gasped for air.

"…"

Before him sat Clagge; the two stared at each other.

"Shit…"

"So you've been training strength all these days?"

"Yeah, not entirely — I've also trained speed."

Tang Ye said.

"Sir, want to see? I've corrected my running technique — my acceleration and top speed have improved massively."

At Clagge's strong insistence, the two went outside to the grass.

The sun was blazing, but that didn't matter.

"Higher! Higher! Tom, keep your center stable!"

The voice of the American coach next door reached them; Clagge's heartbeat quickened involuntarily.

He dialed Ten Hag's phone.

"Er… Eric…"

"Will you listen to my advice? You might yell at me, but I have to say it."

"What if… we let Tom return a few days later?"

DongqiDi match preview: Community Shield Final (Premier League Champion vs. FA Cup Champion), 00:00 August 7, Wembley Stadium, Manchester Derby — which of the two Manchester giants will claim the first trophy of the new season?

…

PS: Another update coming later.

Tomorrow's update officially begins the next season.

(End of chapter)