Chapter 474: Round 19, Minute 51! The True Worth of the Premier League's Only Undefeated Team

"Sports Weekly"—The Chinese national team players departed from Baiyun Airport heading to Abu Dhabi, UAE; Tang Ye remains in the UK.

"Insider information indicates Tang Ye will join the squad in Abu Dhabi, no later than one week before the group stage, as he is highly likely to participate in the friendly between China and the Abu Dhabi United Team," reported a "Sports Weekly" journalist.

The Asian Cup is poised to begin; now Douyin, iQiyi, and Youku are all displaying advertisements from relevant sponsors.

Sponsors are very clever; Tang Ye had absolutely no time to film commercials in September, October, or even November, so these sponsor ads were prepared immediately after the World Cup concluded.

Take the Clear Men shampoo commercial as an example.

In the ad, Tang Ye's hair is still black!

But it doesn't matter; the key isn't the color of ggbond's hair, but his fifteen-second screen time in the advertisement.

Clear Men shampoo endured silently for a full half-year.

Now it finally stands up!

Fans are focusing their attention on the Asian Cup, beginning to study the rosters of each participating team.

Some idle fans are calculating how much money ggbond has in his pocket.

The World Cup and Asian Cup overlapping has directly turned my ggbond into a capitalist, damn it!

Damnable!

Time arrives at the day of the Premier League's 19th round match: Manchester United versus Huddersfield.

Today a friendly match of the Chinese national team is being broadcast live; due to the scheduling conflict, CCTV did not air the Premier League.

Familiar memories surged into the fans' brains as they typed a line into the top box of their browsers.

【404 Not Found】

Good heavens, it's been blocked!

They went to the QQ group for help and quickly found a new entry point.

"Brothers!!!"

"Damn, so many brothers in the livestream today, I miss you all so much, brothers, boo-hoo-hoo."

The man who treats "brothers" like commas has arrived!

"Today the streamer still favors Manchester United."

Wang Chao's complexion in the camera lens wasn't great; likely, the excessive matches in December caused him to stay up late frequently.

But it was all worth it, because in December Wang Chao witnessed with his own eyes his idol ggbond lead Manchester United to surge to first place in the Premier League!

"Previously, many people online said Manchester United would definitely suffer an upset in December, because the FA would try to narrow the point gap among the top three, thereby increasing the number of Premier League viewers."

"Hey, brothers, although the FA is disgusting, I think they still wouldn't pull off something like this."

"Even taking the worst-case scenario, against a team like Huddersfield, Manchester United should be stable even if the referee blows biased calls, right?"

Netizens have their own conspiracy theories; Wang Chao has his own Ji De Kan Fa.

A simple calculation of the timeline reveals this should be Tang Ye's final club match before the Asian Cup.

Manchester United certainly wouldn't want to relinquish first place before Tang Ye departs, so the result of this match is already quite obvious.

"Brothers, today one team will get pinned down and beaten, but I won't say who."

Wang Chao imitated Ten Hag speaking.

"United!"

"The greatest united! (We are the great Manchester United)"

"... (We are walking on the road to the championship!)"

Huddersfield is actually somewhat pitiable.

After a losing streak, they collide with Manchester United, who have just surged to first place.

Just seven minutes into the match, over 70,000 Manchester United fans generated a terrifying wave of pressure; the away supporters huddled together, not daring to make a sound.

Slap!

Huddersfield takes the corner kick.

The center-back wins the first point!

Bang!

A header shot, but it struck the post.

"Damn!"

"You scared me!"

"Ten Hag, what's going on, Ten Hag? Aren't you counter-attacking yet?"

By the 10th minute of the match, unexpectedly the away team held the advantage, directly making the fans anxious.

Some fans remained relatively calm; they felt Manchester United was merely slow to start and searching for opportunities.

However, in reality, the Manchester United players on the field were now under immense pressure as well.

"Look, stick close, the right side is open!"

Ashley Young shouted at his teammates, while Tang Ye searched for a suitable position.

Because Huddersfield's ranking in the standings wasn't high, many fans considered this team trash.

However, the fact is that any team capable of surviving in the Premier League ultimately has some substance.

As long as the away players don't have mental issues, Manchester United will still need to exert some effort to beat them.

"Ahead, ahead, pass it directly!"

Signaling his teammates to pass, Tang Ye extended his foot and easily controlled the ball.

The defending player charges!

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Taking two quick breaths, Tang Ye suddenly dropped his center of gravity, then hooked his right foot inward, shaking off the defender in front of him.

"Go, go, go!"

De Jong crossed horizontally toward the center.

De Jong continued dribbling forward!

After making his adjustment, Tang Ye slowly trailed behind his teammates as De Jong and Ziyeh executed a combination play.

Down the line!

Right beside the central defender, Tang Ye suddenly accelerated his forward run.

Ziyeh played a reverse pass.

Eh!

He controlled the ball with his chest.

A bug triggered; controlling with the chest didn't count as the first touch.

Pa!

A volleyed through-ball!

The pass precisely found Martial making a run down the left flank.

Moving slightly closer to the penalty area...

Crossed horizontally to the center!

Pa!

With a light touch, Ziyeh rushed in and scored.

"Goooo——aaaaa——lllll!!!"

"Hakim Ziyechhhh!!!!!"

The goal looked deceptively simple, but in reality, every Manchester United player in the midfield and attack had made the correct decision, executing a flawless combination.

Ten Hag raised a clenched fist with one hand.

Facts proved his thinking was correct.

The opponent wanted to launch a quick attack, aiming to exploit Manchester United's characteristic slow start.

Therefore, from the very beginning of this match, Manchester United simply let them play.

Tang Ye first slowed the tempo, waiting for the opponent to lower their guard before suddenly launching a fierce assault!

And after the fierce assault?

After the fierce assault comes the goal!

"Brothers, who said there would be an upset?"

"Even if Manchester United were to suffer an upset, it wouldn't be against Huddersfield."

The match continued; Ten Hag made simple adjustments to some players' positions, then started chatting with Fan Fan Dejiahe.

"Let Jesse go warm up first; if we take a substantial lead later, we can sub Tom off to rest."

Ten Hag's first sentence startled Fan Fan Dejiahe, who immediately offered a reminder.

"Sub him off? He's leaving after this match."

Fan Fan Dejiahe's meaning was simple.

Since Tang Ye was already departing, there was no need to conserve his energy for this match.

For the sake of goal difference, you should even let him play the full match.

"No, Michael, you haven't understood my meaning."

Ten Hag looked ahead: "After arriving in the UAE, the Chinese team will soon play warm-up matches; resting early is good for him."

"..."

Fan Fan Dejiahe was speechless.

Michael was a petty man.

Erik was the true gentleman!

"I thought you would want China to be eliminated early."

Fan Fan Dejiahe shook his head.

"Haha, Michael, you thought wrong; how could that be possible? I would never wish for the Chinese team to be eliminated."

"Because Tom doesn't wish for it either."

This...

Fan Fan Dejiahe shook his head slightly, signaling for Lingard behind him to hurry up and warm up.

"He will never encounter a better coach than you."

For some reason, Fan Fan Dejiahe suddenly said this.

"Oh? Haha!"

Ten Hag laughed heartily.

Unconsciously, the figure of a man floated into his mind.

Ferran Escrivà!

Was Ferran as good as Erik?

Of course not!

"Damn it, Ten Hag, what are you laughing at, Ten Hag? Is a one-goal lead enough? Score a few more!"

"Lingard warming up? Hell, did the Football Association bribe Ten Hag?"

A free-kick opportunity; Tang Ye moved to his position and stood ready.

On the left was Rashford, playing as a makeshift striker for this match; the two exchanged a few simple words.

Tang Ye began his run-up!

Everyone thought Tang Ye would take the shot himself, but he simply let the ball roll past him.

He was merely a decoy.

The one truly taking the kick was...

Boom!

Rashford struck an elevator ball that soared to its highest point before dipping into the net.

"Goal!"

"Rashford!!!"

"Manchester United's set-piece tactic succeeded!"

Rashford scored his first direct free-kick goal of the season, bringing the score to 2-0.

"Marcus!"

Tang Ye jumped onto Rashford's back as fans in the stands shouted the scorer's name.

In this match, Manchester United had already established their advantage!

Check Dongqiu Di Match Report: Manchester United defeated Huddersfield 2-1 at home. With only one match remaining in December, they are one step away from a perfect month; Tang Ye started and was substituted off in the 71st minute. (Comments: 17,823)

A Premier League season consists of 38 matches, and this game between Manchester United and Huddersfield was the 19th round; its conclusion marked the official halfway point of the season.

Manchester United's current league points total was... 51!

A simple calculation made it clear.

If Manchester United's performance in the second half of the season matched their first half (an ideal scenario), their total season points would reach a terrifying 102!

"Eric, last season Manchester City won the Premier League title with 100 points; do you think Manchester United can achieve the same this season?"

"Both Manchester City and Liwupu are excellent; if we want to defeat them, I believe 100 points is the bare minimum. But we won't discuss the total season points right now; our focus is on the standings."

Ten Hag held up one finger: "We are currently first, and our goal is to maintain that position. As for the points, well, you know, that's just a byproduct."

"Hmm, then will Tom play in the next match against Bournemouth?"

"... I don't think so."

Click-click!

"Tom's return to China will reduce Manchester United's offensive progression capability, which is one of your most important tactics. Eric, do you believe Manchester United can still firmly hold the top spot in January?"

After all, Manchester United competed in the Premier League, where none of the 19 opposing teams were easy to deal with.

Manchester United had been arrogant during the first half of the season; once the weakening phase arrived in January, there was no telling how other teams in the league might seek revenge.

It was still that same question circulating across the internet.

Without the protection of King GGbond.

Would Little Manchester United meet with misfortune?

The cover of the new season/phase of the "Manchester Evening News" featured photos of Ten Hag and captain Valencia, with the headline: "Undefeated Through the First Half: Is This the First Season of the Red Devils' Revival?"

In the image, the entire sky was red.

It was somewhat terrifying, but this was indeed the current situation in the Premier League.

Manchester United, with 51 points, was flying high in the sky!

The cover was well-designed; opening the newspaper to the first page, the first thing that met the eye was Tang Ye's head.

【Team Core Departs for the UAE: Can Manchester United Defend Their Top Spot Under Heavy Pressure?】

At the Carrington Base, Tang Ye was packing his luggage.

Actually, it was mainly just two pairs of football boots; everything else didn't matter much.

"Tom."

Rashford and Rodri were leaning against the doorway; their sudden greeting nearly startled Tang Ye.

"Wow, shit, Marcus, you haven't left yet?"

"Came to see you off. Of course, I'm not going to drive you to the airport unless you ask me to; then I could take you."

Rashford said jokingly.

"Oh, then there's no need; driving there and back is too much trouble, and it's a bit far from here to the airport."

Tang Ye, of course, was very considerate of his teammate.

Manchester United should have already arranged a pick-up car, and the China Football Association had purchased the flight ticket; Tang Ye only needed to bring his football boots.

"Approximately when will you be back?"

Ashley Young had also arrived, and his very first question stumped Tang Ye.

"Uh... if we play all the matches, I should be back close to February."

"Hmm, that is a bit long."

Ashley Young and Rodri nodded together.

"So, are you scared, Young?"

"No, no, no! You're overthinking it, Tom."

Ashley Young quickly explained: "I mean, the duration of your trip is a bit long, but it doesn't matter because we will continue to win matches."

Stepping forward, Ashley Young gave Tang Ye a hug: "This is your first Euro... oh, Asian Cup; the significance is different. Good luck."

"I won't say that we'll definitely still be first when you return, because I know you wouldn't believe it."

"Oh, Young, I do believe it."

Tang Ye quickly cut off Ashley Young's words.

"Uh... well, actually, I don't believe it myself..."

Ashley Young's face turned red: "But we will definitely try our best, okay? We'll try our best in the January match. We'll get you this championship."

Tang Ye bit his lip, hugged Ashley Young once more, picked up his backpack, and prepared to leave.

"Tom."

Rodrigo called out to stop Tang Ye: "I know you have regrets about the World Cup... never mind, I don't know what to say either. Um, good luck."

Rodrigo extended his hand, and Rashford extended his as well.

"Good luck!"

Tang Ye fist-bumped his two teammates respectively.

"Don't make it to the knockout stage!"

Ashley Young's voice came from behind; Tang Ye walked backward and flashed two middle fingers at his teammates.

"Haha!"

"So, are you serious?"

Rashford turned to look at Ashley Young.

"Hmm, what?" Ashley Young hadn't reacted yet.

"You told him not to make it to the knockout stage."

"Of course it's a joke. Can't you even tell such a simple joke? Tom figured it out."

Ashley Young slapped Rashford on the back with his hand.

"That's true."

Rashford nodded lightly.

"Then we need to think carefully about next month's tactics."

"Because we have to play against Tottenham, Brighton, Arsenal..."

As Rashford counted them off, Ashley Young's eyebrows slowly furrowed.

The Sun — Tom was photographed appearing at Manchester Airport.

The Sun always includes photos when breaking news, and this time was no exception. They published a photo of Tang Ye at the airport in their new season/phase of the newspaper.

His yellow-brown hair was still very conspicuous; he carried a backpack on his back, clearly looking like he was about to board a flight.

Besides that, The Sun very thoughtfully identified Tang Ye's outfit for the day, for fans to learn from.

1. Adidas sports backpack (black), priced at 48.8 pounds.

2. Adidas Ultraboost sneakers, priced at 82 pounds.

3. Trefoil long pants, priced at 78.8 pounds.

4. Dior down jacket (pure white Gore-Tex version), priced at 2,700 euros.

5 (held in hand), iPhone 8, priced at 699 pounds (258g version) / 599 pounds (64g version).

A simple analysis of the five items: numbers 1, 2, and 3 were all gifts from sponsors; number 4's situation is unknown, but it is highly likely also a gift from someone, because Tang Ye wouldn't be idle enough to specially buy himself a down jacket.

Number 5 was bought by himself, because Tang Ye had previously been photographed by a reporter from The Sun appearing at an Apple store in Manchester.

The photo taken by The Sun was indeed very clear, but it seems their reporter was discovered by Tang Ye, because in the photo Tang Ye waved at the lens with the hand holding his phone.

The Guardian — Asian Cup: Tom heads to the UAE, will the Premier League see upheaval in January?

"Hmm... I think the time has come to test Ten Hag and the Manchester United players. If they want to win the championship, maintaining a high win rate in the January league matches is a must," added the editor-in-chief of The Guardian.

(End of this chapter)