Chapter 427: What Are You Laughing At, You Stupid Thing

Match Preview: At 3 a. m. on August 28, Manchester United will host Tottenham in their first Big Six clash of the new season at Old Trafford; will Tang Ye start?

The match between Manchester United and Tottenham is the only Big Six showdown in Round 3, and coupled with the indirect influence brought by Tang Ye, this upcoming game can be said to have captured the attention of football fans worldwide.

What level Manchester United is truly at this season will become clear to the fans after playing one match against Tottenham.

Then there is the matter of Tang Ye himself.

What level is Tom actually at after his transformation?

Can he carry the entire team just as he did last season?

……

"Go!"

Valencia passed the ball to Tang Ye, who quickly adjusted before cutting inside with possession.

Swing the left leg!

Boom!

A long-range shot roared out, aiming for the dead corner in the upper left of the goal.

Goal!

"Nice!"

Clenching one fist, Tang Ye high-fived Aleix beside him to celebrate.

Due to special tactical requirements, assistant coach Fan Fan Dejiahe had devised a dedicated long-range shooting training task for Tang Ye.

Tom is a good student with excellent learning abilities, so the training results were also very good.

"I feel it's about enough now."

Fan Fan Dejiahe said to Ten Hag, while at that moment Tang Ye was still on the pitch savoring his goal from just now.

Although his shooting attribute hadn't yet reached 80, passing and shooting are ultimately interconnected; Tang Ye could fully use his passing technique to gauge the angles for long-range shots.

Added to the sense of distance control he developed while practicing his passing, Tang Ye felt he was a natural-born shooting expert!

Ten Hag squinted in thought and said softly, "I feel there's still huge room for improvement, specifically regarding his long-range shooting."

Heading didn't matter; Ten Hag wouldn't make Tang Ye spend too much time practicing headers.

But long-range shooting ability is too crucial for an attacking midfielder; if Tang Ye possesses this capability, opponents must mark him tightly from the start, which would relieve pressure on Manchester United's two wings.

It's simply perfect!

"Of course, but honestly, the current level is already quite sufficient; I feel there aren't many midfielders in the entire Premier League who shoot more accurately than him."

Fan Fan Dejiahe searched for data on his laptop, but there was too much information, so he couldn't find it immediately.

"Erik, I'm suddenly looking forward to the match against Tottenham the day after tomorrow."

Watching Tang Ye observe and move into position on the pitch, Fan Fan Dejiahe's eyes were glowing.

A super attacking midfielder who can shoot from distance.

Who the hell can withstand this!

……

Time passed quickly.

By noon on match day, Manchester United fans from various regions had already gathered around Old Trafford stadium.

A Sky Sports reporter arrived at the stadium's rear entrance.

"As you can see, behind me right now is the venue for today's match, Manchester United's home ground Old Trafford; although there are still over seven hours until kickoff, fans have already gathered around the stadium early."

The reporter walked forward with the cameraman and soon encountered a group of fans wearing GGBond mascot costumes wandering about; written on the back of the GGBond costumes were Tang Ye's name and jersey number.

It seemed they were filming some kind of short video?

The reporter waited patiently, approaching only after the filming concluded.

The leading GGBond, standing nearly 1.9 meters tall, removed his costume; he was a Manchester United fan from Wales, 29 years old this year.

"Hello, I am GG~Bond~"

The Welsh fan said in non-standard Chinese: "I'm currently stuck in Los Angeles and can't return; V me 50, and after I get home I'll let you play for Manchester United."

"V me 50 pounds!"

The fan pointed his index finger at the camera, his threatening tone nearly scaring the female reporter.

"This, this..."

The female reporter knew GGBond referred to Tang Ye, but she was clearly not a die-hard fan and was unaware of Tang Ye's scam message incident.

"Mr., it seems you are a die-hard fan of Tom. May I ask your thoughts on tonight's match? Do you believe you can secure the first victory of the season, especially with Tottenham as the opponent?"

"Of course!"

The fan revealed the Manchester United No. 10 jersey he was wearing: "If Ten Hag doesn't start Tom, I'll rush down from the stands to beat him; I have a ticket."

He spoke harsh words, but the harshest part was that this fan seemed serious, because immediately after speaking he showed the ticket in his hand to the reporter.

The female reporter examined the ticket carefully, then looked back at the camera: "Indeed, it's for the stands right behind the substitutes' bench... if that's the case, I think Ten Hag needs to be careful tonight."

……

Repost: Manchester United officially releases the poster for the home match against Tottenham, featuring Tang Ye alone.

This Manchester United poster is quite interesting; on the left is the cartoon character GGBond, and on the right is a Super Super Saiyan.

GGBond and the Super Super Saiyan fused, generating a yellow-haired GGBond, which is the player featured in today's official Manchester United poster.

It's that man!

Check Dongqiu Di pinned post: Manchester United releases the squad list for the match against Tottenham; Valencia is captain, and Tang Ye makes his first start of the new season.

With less than half an hour remaining until kickoff, the atmosphere in the Manchester United locker room is now very tense.

Manchester United has not yet secured a single victory this season, which does not match the goals the team set before the season began.

And just when Manchester United desperately needs a victory, they encounter Tottenham!

"I don't know what you want to say; my point is, don't say anything at all. Right now, all we need to do is finish this match according to tactical requirements."

Ten Hag gathered the players in the center, making his final tactical emphasis.

"Our players, our tactics, and even our fans are all superior to the opponent's, and today we are playing at home. So the logic is simple: as long as we handle the details well, we will be the victors of today's match!"

"Three, two, one!"

"Manchester, advance!"

The players scattered, making adjustments as they prepared to set out.

"Keep an eye on Tom! The full-back makes a forward run to stretch the space; don't forget to go up and support!"

Ten Hag seemed under immense pressure; after saying this, he turned to Tang Ye.

The Manchester United manager placed both hands on Tang Ye's shoulders.

"The fans are all watching you right now, so you are under great pressure..."

"Mr. Ai Ai Kesen, actually, I'm not under that much pressure."

"If I say you're under pressure, then you are under pressure; you just haven't felt it yet!"

Ten Hag shouted loudly.

"Oh, oh, then please continue, Mr. Ai Ai Kesen."

"In any case, for now, don't worry about the fans in the stands."

Ten Hag looked into Tang Ye's eyes: "I have only one requirement for you."

"Unleash yourself!"

"Mm-hmm."

Walking with his teammates toward the player tunnel, Tang Ye was unusually quiet the entire way.

This was because he was pondering the words Mr. Ai Ai Kesen had just spoken to him.

Unleash yourself.

Barring any surprises, that meant displaying his best form.

So the question arose: what did he need to do to perform at his best?

"China Central Television! Here is the live broadcast coming to you..."

"As you can see, players from both sides are already in position on the pitch, ready for action."

"The match begins! Now, allow me to introduce the starting lineups for both teams in this game!"

Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Lloris

Defenders: Danny Rose, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Trippier

Midfielders: Dembélé, Eriksen, Dier

Forwards: Alli, Harry Kane, Lucas Moura

Head Coach: Pochettino

Both teams fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation, but if one had to insist, the differences were actually quite significant.

With Tang Ye starting, Manchester United's tactics would be relatively more direct and aggressive.

The 7th minute of the match!

After a series of passing and possession battles, Tottenham Hotspur was the first to create a deep attacking opportunity.

Lucas Moura dribbled the ball near Manchester United's baseline, feinting wildly!

Luke Shaw and Rodri were both marking him, but Shaw remained rather cautious, holding his tackle throughout the stalemate.

Slap!

Moura shifted the ball to the left flank!

He successfully passed it to Danny Rose!

"Wow!"

The Tottenham full-back played a one-touch through-ball, pushing the ball into the penalty area.

Kane!

Facing the goalkeeper, Tottenham's top striker unleashed his low shot.

This shot was nearly impossible to save, yet De Gea managed to do it.

"Phew..."

Rushing back, Tang Ye let out a huge sigh of relief.

The first few minutes of the match had revealed a key point to him: this season's Tottenham Hotspur was significantly stronger than last season's!

"Switch! Switch!"

Signaling for all teammates to move to the right flank, Tang Ye and Rodri advanced with the ball on the left.

Spot the opportunity!

Tang Ye gradually slowed his pace, then played a long pass to Mata, who was making a forward run on the right.

It was the familiar feeling; Mata very easily controlled Tang Ye's long pass.

As Mata advanced with the ball, Tang Ye quickly moved toward the center, aiming to seize the best attacking position.

However, Tottenham did not yield the position at the edge of the penalty arc to him.

With no other choice, Tang Ye instructed Rodri to stay just outside the arc while he went directly to find Mata.

Slap slap!

"Tang Ye and Mata execute a continuous one-two pass..."

"Tang Ye is cutting inside!"

Cutting inside from the right flank toward the center is something Tang Ye is exceptionally skilled at.

Vertonghen retreated step by step, while Tang Ye drove the ball forward, fiercely pressing the Spurs' defensive line.

Allai feigned a forward run to attack the goal, drawing Alderweireld away.

Tang Ye seized the opportunity!

Bang!

A volley was struck; the ball smashed into the six-yard box, rebounded off it, hit the post, and finally bounced into the goal.

"GOOO——AAA——LLLLL!!!"

"Goal!"

"It's here!"

"Tang Ye's first goal of the new season!"

"This is only Tang Ye's second match; this goal seems to have come a bit too quickly!"

This Manchester United attack was executed too decisively; Tang Ye's shot shouldn't have had a chance, but Allai blocked the goalkeeper's line of sight.

【You have obtained 15 Counterattack Points】

Having scored his first goal of the new season, Tang Ye spread his arms and rushed out with his teammates.

"Roar!!!!"

Check Dongqiu Di live match report: In the 17th minute, Tang Ye cut inside into the penalty area and calmly scored; Manchester United leads 1:0!

【Are Spurs confused? That goal felt a bit too simple.】

【Waiting for Allai to make his forward run before shooting—that's too refined, Tang Tang Qiuwang!】

【Didn't Spurs win their first two matches? Why did they wilt against Manchester United?】

【The Super Saiyan transformation really does provide a bonus; Tang Tang Qiuwang has become faster.】

"Tang Ye!"

"Tang Ye!"

The Manchester United fans in the stands shouted loudly, and Tang Ye raised both hands to greet them.

"We can go even faster!"

"We can play more aggressively, more aggressively!"

Ten Hag stopped Tang Ye to give some new tactical instructions.

Then returning to sit on the bench, Ten Hag carefully examined the data displayed on Fan Fan Dejiahe's computer.

"Michel, do you feel it?"

"Hmm, feel what?"

Fan Fan Dejiahe looked up.

"It's just... we seem to be a bit stronger than we imagined."

Ten Hag looked ahead, in the direction where Tang Ye was.

As the team's rhythm master, now that Tang Ye's speed ability had improved, the speed of Manchester United's rhythm changes had increased accordingly.

The reason Spurs felt a bit confused was simply because they were affected by Manchester United's constant rhythm changes.

He glanced at Pochettino next door.

The Spurs head coach looked very panicked.

This was unavoidable; Pochettino knew how difficult it was to handle such rhythm issues!

"Come on, come on!"

That previous goal seemed to have unclogged the blood vessels blocking Tang Ye, and just then Ten Hag issued the command to accelerate the match tempo, which felt extremely comfortable.

Giving Rashford a thumbs-up, Tang Ye began thinking about methods for the next goal.

When the match reached the 20th minute, Ten Hag instructed De Jong to start warming up.

The fans were long accustomed to this.

If the Teng Armor Army didn't have some privileges, they wouldn't be called the Teng Armor Army; as long as De Jong plays well, everything is acceptable.

"You can see the bottom left of the screen displaying the current possession statistics for both teams."

"Actually, Manchester United's possession isn't leading by much, only 55%, but visually, Manchester United seems to be creating far more chances."

"Correct, this is a characteristic of Manchester United; whenever they attack, they push very deep!"

Shortly after the commentators finished speaking, Tang Ye began his maneuver.

After receiving the ball, he turned his back to shake off his marker.

He glanced at Eriksen beside him, then looked down at the ball.

Pa!

A long pass was struck directly to the teammate furthest forward.

At the moment Tang Ye received the ball and shook off his marker, Allai seemed to be sucked backward.

Clearly, this was the power of the bond!

He controlled the ball with his chest and passed it to Rashford.

Tang Ye immediately arrived in position!

After Rashford passed back and started running toward the byline, Tang Ye quickly moved to the position at the top of the arc.

Getting closer bit by bit!

He has already reached the top of the arc!

"Don't retreat, don't retreat!"

The goalkeeper's voice rang out; Tang Ye had already compressed Tottenham's defensive line to its absolute limit.

Just ahead lay the penalty area!

However, Tang Ye did not choose to drive straight to the byline.

"Marcus!"

With that shout, Tang Ye suddenly pulled the ball to the left.

Dier was certainly panicking now; the moment Tang Ye made a move, Dier immediately followed.

And in the instant Dier's legs spread apart, Tang Ye poked the ball through with his toe, sending it straight through.

Bypassing Dier, he charged directly into the penalty area!

"Haha!"

Tang Ye felt this guy Dier was just an adorable fool, getting nutmegged so easily.

Bang!

Tang Ye was pulled down by Dier!

"..."

Lying flat on the grass, Tang Ye gazed up at the blinding white lights above the stadium.

Too careless, didn't dodge!

The referee was decisive enough, immediately awarding a penalty kick to Manchester United.

"Come on!"

Rodri pulled Tang Ye up from the ground; seeing Tang Ye's condition, he knew the guy wasn't injured, so Rodri didn't even ask.

Bang!

Tang Ye knocked the ball up from the ground, caught it in his hands, and then walked toward the penalty spot.

"A penalty opportunity for Manchester United."

"It's still being taken by Tang Ye."

For the first penalty of the season, Tang Ye quickly adjusted his breathing.

He placed the ball on the penalty spot.

The stands were noisy, but that had nothing to do with Tang Ye.

【You purchased Tang Ye's chewing gum】

"Hoo, hoo-hoo..."

Beep!

Run-up!

A change in rhythm, fast then slow, followed by a push into the dead corner at the bottom right!

Lloris guessed the direction correctly, but Tang Ye's shot was precise enough.

Goal!

The score moved to 2:0!

【Scoring twice, you gain an extra 30 Counterattack Points】

"Haha!"

Sprinting quickly toward the sideline, Tang Ye embraced his teammates.

The Tottenham fans in the stands still dared to be arrogant, so Tang Ye let go of Rodri and went straight to the area below the away supporters' section.

"Roar!"

One furious roar to scare them half to death!

Clap clap clap clap!

Ten Hag offered his applause.

To speak honestly, leading by two goals in under 35 minutes made this match feel a bit too smooth.

Manchester United's constant changes in tempo were putting immense pressure on Tottenham right now.

"No, just mark them properly! I know they're swapping positions; just follow your man and stick with them!"

Pochettino was roaring at his Tottenham players!

Trailing by two goals, Tottenham was becoming increasingly anxious as the match progressed.

Pochettino demanded his players to specifically target Tang Ye.

And Tang Ye didn't need to guess to know what kind of targeting occurred when players were anxious.

On the right flank, Tang Ye prepared to deliver a 45-degree cross, but Alli blocked his position.

With no other choice, he could only dribble forward a bit to see if he could shake Alli off.

Tang Ye was looking for an opening when Alli came up for physical contact; before their shoulders even met, Alli suddenly exerted force with his hand and shoved Tang Ye straight out of bounds.

To be honest, this shove was somewhat nonsensical; Tang Ye hadn't been on guard, so he dropped directly to his knees on the ground.

"Damn!"

Getting up from the ground at light speed, Tang Ye charged straight at Alli: "What the f*** do you think you're doing? Come on, tell me what the f*** you're trying to do, okay?"

Alli's shoving motion was simply too fluid; estimating he didn't do it on purpose would convince no one.

Alli wanted to push Tang Ye away, but Tang Ye took the initiative and shoved Alli away first.

Alli ran back and shoved Tang Ye again, after which the situation escalated into a conflict between the two teams.

Moura used his body to block Tang Ye, but Tang Ye clearly had no intention of swallowing this insult, shoving Moura away directly.

"No, what the f*** are you laughing at? Do you think what you did was right?"

Ali was still laughing as Tang Ye sprinted over.

Tang Ye's movements looked like he was about to strike someone, frightening Rashford into quickly grabbing hold of him: "Hey, forget it! Tom! Forget it, forget it!"

"There's no need."

Allé also came over to persuade him, and finally several Manchester United players worked together to pull Tang Ye away.

"Damn!"

Tang Ye shouted.

Falling down didn't matter; what made him extremely uncomfortable was kneeling directly on the ground just now.

Beep!

The referee blew the whistle and showed a yellow card to Ali for deliberately pushing and provoking.

"Stupid bastard."

Tang Ye cursed under his breath.

Fortunately, the referee didn't understand Chinese, so Tang Ye escaped punishment.

"Booooo!!!!"

Li De Zuo Fa's actions aroused the dissatisfaction of the home fans; whenever he touched the ball, boos would ring out from the stands, but the fans' jeers seemed to have no effect on Ali, who continued playing however he pleased.

In the final moments of the first half, Ai Ai Kesen's brilliant 45-degree cross successfully found Kane at the very front.

Kane controlled the ball with his chest and volleyed it!

The move looked cool, but keeping such a shot low was incredibly difficult; Kane blasted the ball straight into the air.

"Sigh, with such a short adjustment time, only Tang Ye could probably handle this ball, but Tang Ye isn't on Tottenham's side, haha."

Check Dongqiu Di halftime report: Manchester United temporarily leading Tottenham 2:0; Tang Ye scored a penalty and was maliciously pushed down.

"No way, that Ali really has no brain, damn it."

Back in the locker room, Tang Ye flung his soaked jersey onto the floor, his expression utterly terrible.

"I don't know what's inside his head, insisting on pushing me like that."

Sitting on a chair, Tang Ye spread his hands.

The team doctor came over to give Tang Ye a simple check-up, since both of his knees were red.

"I feel they're playing a bit too anxiously."

Fan Fan Dejiahe stood beside Tang Ye with arms crossed: "I reckon he just wanted to vent some anger; Tom, just ignore him and you'll be fine."

The logic was simple: no matter who Tang Ye clashed with, he would be the one to suffer a huge loss.

Because Manchester United could not afford the consequences of Tang Ye being suspended.

"Whatever."

Tang Ye waved his hand: "If that moron messes with me again, I have to take him down."

"Haha."

Rodri gave a thumbs-up with both hands: "OK, I support you, Tom; if you two start fighting, I'll jump right in to help."

After saying that, Rodri began rubbing his wrists, seemingly preparing his eyes for a possible brawl in the second half.

(End of chapter)