Chapter 461: Securing First Place in the Group Early: Manchester United vs

"Nice!!!"

He roared loudly as he returned to the locker room.

"Their goalkeeper was so bad; I thought for sure we wouldn't score, haha."

Tang Ye made his way to his spot.

Having successfully won the last match of November, and in the Champions League no less, the Manchester United players were quite happy.

However, the most important thing was actually not Manchester United's own victory.

It was the mistake made by their rival, Bayern!

Finding water on the bench, Tang Ye simply sat directly on the floor.

He reached behind him to fish out his phone and unlocked it with Face ID.

Check Dongqiu Di, Check Dongqiu Di...

Finding that familiar green app, Tang Ye began browsing the current Champions League standings.

2018-19 Champions League Group Stage Group H Standings:

1. Manchester United, 13 points.

2. Bayern, 8 points.

3. Valencia, 5 points.

4. Young Boys Bern, 1 point.

Looking at the current point situation, one could tell what had happened: Valencia had miraculously completed a last-minute equalizer against Bayern.

And the draw between Bayern and Valencia led to one result.

That was Manchester United securing first place in the group one round early!

"Next month we'll have one fewer match to play."

Tang Ye said happily.

It was a simple logic: for the December match against Valencia, Manchester United could field their substitute lineup entirely, saving their strength for the Premier League.

Although they failed to take down Mancheng in November, the Manchester United players, thanks to their outstanding match performances, had successfully laid the foundation for the chaotic December ahead.

Freed from Champions League pressure, if Manchester United still couldn't take down Mancheng, that would be truly unacceptable!

"Nobody is allowed to leave tonight!"

Ashley Young stood on a bench in the center; the former team captain had scored a goal in today's match, and his excitement had not yet subsided.

"We're going to celebrate, right at the bar, and everyone must come!"

"Wow!"

Rashford and Lin Lin Jiade quickly raised their hands.

Hiss...

Tang Ye touched his nose: "Um, the season is ending soon; I only just reached Master a few days ago. If I don't hurry, I might not make it to King this season."

Tang Ye's situation was a bit awkward.

He had been King for three consecutive years; if he stopped at Master this season, he might not be able to sleep.

"One day won't make a difference, okay?"

Rashford placed his hand on Tang Ye's shoulder: "If you don't go, I'll steal Rodri's car so you can't get home."

"Hey, I'm innocent; I don't play League of Legends," Rodri said.

Rodri took a step back and spread his hands.

"Hahaha!"

"But Tom, it really doesn't matter about one night. With your skill, reaching King is just a matter of time."

Rashford continued speaking.

Hiss—

He took a deep breath.

What Marcus said actually made quite a lot of sense.

"Alright then, I'll join too."

"OK, everyone together!"

The Manchester United locker room stirred up again.

The addition of King Ggbond would add the sound of soda bottles popping open to Manchester United's celebration tonight!

Check Dongqiu Di Match Report: Manchester United defeats Young Boys Bern 2-0, securing first place in Group H one round early; Tang Ye contributes a goal and an assist, Ashley Young scores with a header. (25,831 comments)

Professional Footballers' Association of England, November Premier League Player of the Month Nominee List:

1. Salah, Liwupu.

2. Tang Ye, Manchester United.

3. Sterling, Mancheng.

4. Martial, Manchester United.

5. Hazard, Chelsea.

Players from four teams swept all five nominee spots, with Manchester United having two selections.

Besides Tang Ye, whose form was stable to an absurd degree, the strong return of the French Golden Boy, Anthony Martial, had lifted Manchester United's combat power up another level.

All five players performed very well, but none stood out particularly above the others, so this month's Premier League Player of the Month remained highly controversial.

Barring any surprises, the results should be announced around December 5th.

It was the chaotic Premier League December!

……

A certain insider in China: Fellaini, Manchester United's midfielder, is highly likely to join the Chinese Super League during the winter transfer window.

"Fellaini has made only one appearance for Manchester United this season, and that was as a substitute. It is certain that Fellaini is not part of Ten Hag's tactical plans; leaving is the best choice for the player," the reporter offered his analysis.

This news must be viewed in parts.

The report that Fellaini is highly likely to join the Chinese Super League during the winter window is true; the reporter learned this through his own channels.

As for the statement that Fellaini is not part of Ten Hag's tactical plans, that is the reporter's speculation.

It was the possibility of Fellaini joining the Chinese Super League that triggered this speculation.

"... Damn."

Watching a Bilibili uploader's analysis of the Fellaini transfer news, Tang Ye felt his head swelling.

No wonder Chinese language is a difficult subject; if this issue were turned into a reading comprehension question on the Gaokao exam, Tang Ye's total score might drop even further.

The good news is that Fellaini is Ggbond's teammate, so he does not need to watch this analysis video.

During last month's training, Fellaini already said he was leaving, so this news is true.

Clapping his hands, Tang Ye sorted out the logic of the matter.

It is much more comfortable when things are this straightforward!

If reading the news every time required deep analysis like this Bilibili uploader, then Ggbond's brain would surely overheat!

……

Time arrived in December!

L'Équipe — The Qatari consortium behind Paris Saint-Germain greatly admires Tang Ye; they believe that if Paris could possess a world-class midfield line, dominating Europe would be no problem.

Munich News headline — Bayern are interested in Tom, but the club estimates the player's transfer fee has already reached 200 million euros; under current conditions, Bayern is highly unlikely to be able to pay this sum outright.

With one month remaining before the winter transfer window opens in the top five leagues, transfer rumors about Tang Ye are flying everywhere.

Two hundred million euros is indeed a huge sum, but the author of Munich News provided Bayern with an idea: installment payments!

Two hundred million euros in one year is exaggerated, but 240 million euros over five years is completely within Bayern's budget range!

Sky Sports Germany.

After rumors between Bayern and Tang Ye emerged, a Sky Germany reporter went to the streets of Munich.

"We know that during the World Cup, Tom's Chinese team defeated the German team, causing us to stop at the group stage. I believe many German fans, like me, harbor resentment toward Tom."

"Under these circumstances, is Bayern's desire to bring Tom to Munich somewhat inappropriate?"

The female reporter randomly interviewed three young people on the street wearing Bayern jerseys.

"Loan! Must take a loan!"

The fan in the middle shouted: "It is time to put aside grudges!"

The fan on the left leaned in: "If they really want to buy Tom, I am willing to lend the club 20 pounds; that is my breakfast money for tomorrow."

"But Germany lost to China... just at this year's World Cup."

The fan on the right, wearing glasses, finally spoke; his scholarly appearance gave people an extremely strong sense of conviction.

"If we keep clinging to historical grudges, Germany will not be able to welcome spring again."

……

The Sun — After successfully obtaining his car and motorcycle driving licenses, Tom purchased a Ducati Panigale V4 S motorcycle; the next day, he was fined 200 pounds for using his mobile phone while driving.

Very thoughtfully, The Sun published a photo of Tang Ye riding the motorcycle in the newspaper, along with a photo of Tang Ye being stopped on the road by Manchester police.

Careful fans noticed that Tang Ye was not only looking at his phone while riding but also was not wearing a helmet.

Ggbond's yellow hair fluttered in the air; from a distance, he looked very, very handsome!

"If Tom wants to commute, I think the bicycle he used previously is a good choice. A motorcycle seems a bit too dangerous for Tom," The Sun provided the parameters of Tang Ye's motorcycle.

The dashboard speed limit is 299 km/h, but the actual maximum speed should be around 320 km/h.

"On average, 23.2 delinquent youths in the Manchester area become disabled or die each year due to speeding on motorcycles; Tom had best not learn from them."

Having painfully lost 200 dollars, Tang Ye finally arrived at the Manchester United base.

"Wow, very cool."

Rodri looked Tang Ye's motorcycle up and down: "Pity I don't have a motorcycle license."

"I can lend you my license; I just got it."

Saying this, Tang Ye took the license from the bike and handed it to Rodri.

Rodri: ……

"You just said you were going to be arrested by the police; what is the situation?"

"I wasn't arrested; I just replied to a text message while driving."

Tang Ye explained as he walked with Rodri toward the base: "But I feel this bike is indeed a bit dangerous to ride; it accelerates too fast and isn't easy to handle."

"You bought a racing bike right after getting your license."

Rodri shrugged, pointing out that this was Tang Ye's own problem.

"That's true; I need to change vehicles. Hmm... should I give this bike to Mr. Sitting Like?"

Tang Ye suddenly had an idea, but this idea was quickly suppressed by Rodri.

"Sitting Like is already 50 years old; what if he rides your bike and gets blown apart by the wind?"

"Oh, that would be terrible. We cannot be without our coach."

……

Match Preview: Manchester United's first match in December is against Southampton; can the hot-form Armored Army easily defeat the Saints?

"……"

"That's all; I won't say anything else."

Ten Hag's attitude was resolute; he stated that the players must establish their dominance.

Manchester United's plan for December was to top the league table.

If they couldn't even handle Southampton, how could they possibly claim first place in the league?

"Just win."

Tang Ye stepped onto his seat to tie his shoelaces.

He was ready!

"China Media Group! This is the live broadcast coming to you..."

"The match has begun! Now, let me introduce the starting lineups for both sides!"

Let's look at the formations.

Today, Manchester United deployed their rarely used 4-3-3, while Southampton countered with a 3-5-1-1.

The 3-5-1-1 formation is quite rare; throughout the entire Premier League, only Mark Hughes seems to favor playing with it.

However, upon deeper analysis, this formation actually counters Manchester United quite effectively.

The five-man midfield creates immense width, making it difficult for Manchester United to penetrate through the center.

"Hey!"

Lemina shouted.

In that instant, Tang Ye emerged from a blind spot, sliding to tackle and successfully dispossess Lei Mengde.

"Beautiful play, Tang Ye!"

After the tackle, possession naturally fell to Martial, and Manchester United's counterattack began right then.

Martial dribbled forward himself.

The speed wasn't fast, but his running route was excellently chosen.

Assessing the situation ahead, Tang Ye ran toward the right flank to link up with Ye He.

"Steady, steady!"

Signaling Martial not to rush, Tang Ye sprinted past Ye He straight to the byline.

Martial seized the opportunity to loft a high ball.

Aimed at Tang Ye positioned near the byline!

Here it comes!

Actively moving to meet it, Tang Ye controlled the ball with his chest, successfully bringing it under control at his feet.

At this moment, Tang Ye was playing exactly like a winger!

Linking up with Ye He!

Then dribbling forward himself to compress the opponent's defensive line.

Advancing bit by bit.

No rush, take it slow...

Feinting an inward cut while looking for a chance to go down the line!

Relying on his excellent sense of rhythm and feints, Tang Ye, despite his lack of speed, produced the effect of a wide player down the byline.

Slap!

A cross into the penalty area!

Rashford arrived galloping in, firing a low shot.

"Hmm, incredibly quick reaction!"

"This should have been Manchester United's best scoring chance since the match started, but it was denied by McCarthy, who is in outstanding form!"

"A corner kick for Manchester United!"

Ye He was already ready at the corner flag.

He exchanged a glance with Tang Ye!

Knowing what his teammate intended, Tang Ye moved directly from the arc of the penalty area toward the corner flag.

Manchester United opted for a tactical corner.

Ye He pushed a through pass to Ashley Young.

Ashley Young trapped the ball!

And then...

The Big King has arrived!

Tang Ye sprinted forward in great strides, immediately delivering a high cross.

The target was Bailly and Smalling, huddled together in the box!

Boom!

Goal!

A goal from Manchester United's center-back, Bailly.

In the 30th minute of the match, Manchester United opened the scoring!

With the score at 1-0, the Manchester United players had officially hit their stride.

Meanwhile, in front of the away team's substitute bench, Lin Lin Jiade and Herrera had already begun warming up.

This month was different from last; the intervals between Manchester United's matches were extremely short, requiring Ten Hag to make adjustments.

As long as they secured the three points, the core players had to be substituted off to rest!

"..."

"Yes. In four days, we face Arsenal at home. Although Arsenal's form isn't great this season, failing to go all out against top-tier clubs could easily lead to setbacks."

The clock hits the 42nd minute!

Stephens launches a long pass to the front field.

The Manchester United players made a fatal mistake: failing to retreat quickly after their attack.

Up front, Obafemi successfully controls the defender's big clearance!

The fans are on their feet!

It's a one-on-one chance!

!!!

De Gea rushes out from the small penalty area.

The defenders are too late to track back!

Slap!

Obafemi slots the shot, and De Gea suddenly drops his body.

"De Gea!"

"He's done it again!"

"Southampton missed their best scoring opportunity so far!"

Ten Hag clutches his head and sighs; Smalling runs back and plants a loud kiss on De Gea's hair.

"Amazing, David!"

A light rain begins to fall from the sky; the cool air feels comforting to Tang Ye.

"Fuck, we need goals, but a solid defense is the absolute baseline!"

The team leads 1:0, yet Ten Hag is in no good mood.

"One single pass and our defensive line collapses? This is exactly what happened in the first half. You must maintain constant focus; defenders, watch the offside line while also monitoring the situation up front!"

Ten Hag shouts a few times; no one in the locker room speaks.

Tang Ye feels a bit upset, as he truly hadn't expected to get scolded even while leading.

"Hoo..."

Ten Hag also realizes he got a bit too worked up, so he quickly adjusts himself.

"You roughly understand what I mean. That's about it. We have seven league matches this month, and we cannot slip up in a single one. I know the pressure on you is huge, and it's huge on me too. But this is a task we must complete, alright? Win every match we face, and only then can we get what we want—the league position we desire..."

Ten Hag waves his hands and walks aside: "Think it over carefully, and stay focused during the match!"

Because his emotions were a bit too agitated, Ten Hag chooses to let Fan Fan Dejiahe deliver the next part of the speech.

Being pushed forward at this moment, Fan Fan Dejiahe actually feels a bit awkward himself.

"Uh, um... it's pretty much what Erik said."

The Manchester United assistant coach paces back and forth in front of the players; Tang Ye's gaze follows his movement, and soon his mind wanders.

【Scared me to death; Manchester United, play more steadily, don't lose the very first match.】

【Mancheng fans are seeing hope.】

【Don't get your hopes up; didn't you play poorly in your first match too?】

Perhaps due to the immense pressure in December, the performances of both Manchester giants in their first matches have been somewhat problematic.

But regardless, Mancheng has already secured three points, whereas Manchester United has yet to determine how many points they will take from the 14th round of matches.

"Højbjerg... launches a long pass out."

"Valery, beautiful!"

Southampton seems to have found the key to dealing with Manchester United from their first-half success, launching a highly threatening attack right at the start of the second half.

Fortunately, Ashley Young handles it well, successfully averting the danger.

Time quickly reaches the 57th minute.

Southampton takes the corner kick!

Inside the penalty area!

De Gea punches the first ball away, but the cleared ball lands right at Armstrong's feet.

The Southampton midfielder has a sudden brainstorm.

Bang!

Duang!!!

He unleashes a world-class strike; the ball smashes against the crossbar, rebounds, and flies into the net.

De Gea reacts, but it's too late to make a save.

"Goooo——aaaaa——lllll!"

"What a sensational goal from Stuart Armstrong! (A brilliant goal from Armstrong!)"

Sliding on his knees, the Southampton players are celebrating their equalizing world-class goal.

Tang Ye looks at Rodri, who shrugs his hands at Tang Ye.

For a shot of this caliber, there truly is nothing one can do.

Tang Ye shakes his head gently.

"It's fine, it's fine!"

Valencia shouts loudly, signaling the Manchester United players on the field to lift their heads.

"We can win, we can win; we still hold the advantage!"

Southampton has successfully equalized, and doing so with a world-class strike deals a massive psychological blow to the Manchester United players.

Especially in the complex situation of December.

Sensing something off with Rashford's emotions, Tang Ye ran over and high-fived his teammate.

Check Dongqiu Di live match report: A volley world wonder goal! Armstrong's divine strike helps Southampton equalize; did Manchester United crash in their first match of December?

The Manchester United players' mentality was affected, causing many of them to fail to perform at their best level!

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!!

The sound of a knee slide, yet it did not come from the Southampton players on the field.

This was the knee sliding of Mancheng fans and Liwupu fans!

……

PS: Today features three updates.

(End of chapter)