Chapter 515: Second in the Premier League

The front-page headline of the Manchester Evening News: Manchester United defeats Liwupu to climb to second in the Premier League, with Manchester teams occupying the top two spots.

Premier League standings (as of the end of Round 27):

1. Mancheng, 70 points.

2. Manchester United, 70 points.

3. Liwupu, 68 points.

4. Chelsea, 51 points.

5. Tottenham, 48 points.

Only after seeing the standings did one realize it was not simply about being second; after defeating Liwupu, Manchester United accumulated 70 points over 27 rounds, identical to the point total of first-place Mancheng.

In other words, Manchester United now trails only on goal difference from the top of the Premier League!

This sudden surprise left some Manchester United fans unable to adapt.

The original plan was to become second in the Premier League by the end of February and reach the summit by the end of March.

But now it seems this plan for Manchester United can be moved forward slightly.

Of course, fans quickly spotted a crucial detail: although the points are equal, due to goal differences accumulated in previous matches, Manchester United currently trails Mancheng by a full five goals on goal difference.

This is not good news.

A five-goal difference in goal difference may seem small, but you must remember that Mancheng is a quintessential possession-based attacking powerhouse.

In the coming matches, Manchester United will gain many goals on goal difference, but likewise, Mancheng will also gain many!

Thinking of this, the fans no longer seemed so happy.

Tang Ye felt the same.

Sitting on the bench in the locker room, Tang Ye browsed the team's upcoming schedule.

February 27: Crystal Palace vs. Manchester United (Premier League Round 28).

March 2: Manchester United vs. Southampton (Premier League Round 29).

March 6: Manchester United vs. Juventus (Champions League Round of 16, second leg).

Before the Champions League Round of 16 arrives, Manchester United still has two Premier League matches to play.

Among them, only one match remains in February.

"I think we need to be a bit more patient,"

Tang Ye said softly.

Based on his analysis of the schedule, it was unrealistic for Manchester United to surge to first in the Premier League before playing Juventus.

This was because both Crystal Palace and Southampton possessed strong defensive capabilities; for Manchester United to make up a five-goal difference in just two matches was basically impossible.

"Compared to Mancheng, we indeed have to be more patient,"

Fan Fan Dejiahe, having heard Tang Ye's words, suddenly spoke up.

"Didn't last season prove it? Mancheng is truly very strong."

When the current season reached Round 10, Fan Fan Dejiahe made a prediction regarding the points needed to win the title based on data from Mancheng and Liwupu.

If one wanted to claim the Premier League championship, the total points after 38 rounds should be around 95; this was Fan Fan Dejiahe's estimate at the time.

But now it seems this estimate was mistaken.

Judging from the situations reflected by the three brothers—Mancheng, Manchester United, and Liwupu—95 points are absolutely insufficient to win the Premier League title in the 2018-19 season.

"Last season, Mancheng scored 100 points,"

Tang Ye reminded them: "I think if we want to win the championship, we also need 100 points; Mancheng is too formidable, and Liwupu is also very dangerous."

"Of course, we are the most formidable,"

Tang Ye chuckled and added.

"Tom is already prepared to win the title; he told me how to lift the Premier League trophy."

Rodri pointed to Tang Ye beside him, recounting what Tang Ye had told him earlier.

Whenever they were close to winning a championship, big brother Tom would always tell little brother Rod some things about the championship trophy.

Tom would imagine the scene of the team winning the trophy, then tell Rod how he would lift it up.

"Already prepared to win the title? Haha, I can see that."

Fan Fan Dejiahe raised an eyebrow at Tang Ye: "I also very much want the championship, but it won't be easy."

"It's only satisfying to accomplish something difficult; if Mancheng and Liwupu were too weak, winning the title wouldn't feel very good."

Regarding competition, Tang Ye had his own set of views.

The strength of Mancheng and Liwupu was not a good thing for Manchester United, which aimed to win the title.

However, if they truly won the championship, then naturally, the stronger the opponents, the better.

Because only when the opponents are strong enough will your championship gain recognition, and only then will you receive the praise of the fans.

"Alright, alright, everyone quiet down, quiet down."

Ten Hag, having finished his post-match interview, pushed the door open and entered; his first action was to go to the tactical board.

"I need to summarize the match; logically, this should be done later, but we have very little time until the next game, so I hope to finish this today."

The locker room gradually fell silent; Tang Ye leaned against the cabinets at the back, looking relaxed.

Master GG was not as worried as Ten Hag; he was the type of guy who enjoyed the joy of victory.

Today they had defeated Liwupu and surged to second in the Premier League, so no matter what, he would not be sad today.

Ten Hag proceeded with his explanation.

He had just received a report from the team doctor: Luke Shaw's condition was even worse than imagined.

The team doctor predicted that for at least the next 50 days, this key Manchester United defender would be unable to play, which was a massive blow to Manchester United.

In Ten Hag's original plan, Manchester United's main attacking route was the left flank, and Luke Shaw's absence would drastically reduce the threat level of Manchester United's left side.

Although Ashley Young was also formidable, there was a natural chemistry between Luke Shaw and Rashford that Ashley Young lacked.

"So, are we going to focus our attacks on the right flank next?"

Tang Ye blinked his eyes and asked.

"No, not exactly."

Ten Hag shook his head: "We can increase the frequency of our attacks down the right wing; that is one way to cope with Luke's injury, but our main attacking route remains the left flank, and that will not change."

Last season, there were some conflicts between Ten Hag and Rashford, yet Ten Hag had always recognized Rashford's abilities.

Apart from the matter of Luke Shaw's injury, Ten Hag also discussed with the players the problems exposed during today's match.

When facing strong teams in the league and the Champions League, Manchester United would expose their issues with building play from the back.

The Manchester United coaching staff had been pondering this problem for a long time.

The answer was that, due to the characteristics of the players and the specifics of the tactics, this season's issue with Manchester United's build-up play from the back was likely unsolvable.

However, Ten Hag also proposed a solution.

When the team launches an attack, Manchester United can rightfully use offense as a form of defense.

As long as the opponent's attacking players are pinned back in their own half, Manchester United will not encounter any build-up problems.

And when the team is defending, Tang Ye's position needs to drop deeper.

By increasing the number of defenders in the back, even minor build-up issues can be alleviated.

Manchester United's strategies for offense and defense are different.

Besides that...

"It is February now; next month is March, and soon it will be May. The season ends in May."

Ten Hag shared his unique perspective on time with the Manchester United players.

"So, the time left for us is running out—just the final three months. Well... strictly speaking, it's not even three months anymore; it's a little over two months. I hope we can stand together and strive for a common goal. Only then can we achieve something truly remarkable; that is the logic."

"I know you all desperately want to win a Premier League title; the fans want it, and you want it. But what you don't know is that I want that title more than all of you combined."

Listening to Ten Hag speak, Tang Ye widened his eyes.

Of course, he didn't believe it, because he felt he was the one most desperate to win the Premier League title. But the current atmosphere did not allow Tang Ye to interrupt.

"Guys, in my opinion, Manchester United has been dormant for too long; this season is our chance to rise. You have seen it yourselves: we possess the ability to defeat Mancheng and Liwupu head-on, which means we are the strongest team in the Premier League this season."

Thump! Thump!

Ten Hag tapped the tactical board.

"The strongest team in the league deserves to win the league championship."

"Wow!!!"

Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap! Clap!

The Manchester United players in the locker room suddenly jumped up from their benches, shouting while applauding Ten Hag.

Bang!

Tang Ye collided with Ale.

"Champion!"

The Manchester Evening News interviewed De Bruyne:

"When Manchester United played against Liwupu, we were watching the live broadcast in a bar. Before the match started, I told Pep (Guardiola) that Manchester United would defeat Liwupu. And indeed, that is exactly what happened. The attacking dominance Manchester United displayed during the match has once again refreshed my perception of this team. We are under great pressure now, but as Pep said before, Manchester United and Liwupu will urge Mancheng to keep moving forward."

Besides expressing astonishment at Manchester United, De Bruyne also explained Mancheng's goals for this season to the reporter.

Winning the Premier League and the Champions League titles are mandatory tasks.

There is also the FA Cup title, which is merely a bonus.

De Bruyne's remarks were somewhat arrogant, yet when the interview video was posted on YouTube, surprisingly, no fans questioned De Bruyne's plan.

The Premier League, the Champions League, and the FA Cup—a total of three titles.

To be honest, Mancheng truly possesses the capability this season!

【I feel winning the Premier League title this season is even harder than winning the Champions League; maybe Liwupu should just go all-in for the Champions League and give up on the league.】

【Liwupu fans, don't be too pessimistic; Luke Shaw is injured, so Manchester United has been significantly weakened. However, if you are thinking of giving up on the league, I definitely support that.】

【It's not like Tom got injured; with only Luke Shaw hurt, Manchester United's attack is still intact.】

【I suggest both Mancheng and Liwupu give up on the league; we'll take the Premier League title.】

【Manchester United and England fans present here; it's been so long since we've seen a title with real substance.】

【I suggest stopping supporting England and start supporting Tom's China; China just won the Asian Cup championship.】

Snap!

【De Bruyne Standard Long Pass Lv5: Replication (Transcendent State)】

Proficiency: 3451/5000

【De Bruyne 45-Degree Cross Lv5: Replication (Transcendent State)】

Proficiency: 825/3500

While undergoing tactical training, he was also grinding skill proficiency.

Combining the +6 broccoli with the +4 hair wax was truly effective; logically, for a Level 5 Standard Long Pass, relying solely on training and matches, it would take at least one and a half to two seasons to reach Level 6.

But with the help of these items, before a full season had even ended, Tang Ye's Standard Long Pass was about to surge to Lv6.

According to Tang Ye's experience, leveling a passing skill from Lv5 to Lv6 would grant him a massive amount of passing experience points, at which point his passing attribute would very likely breakthrough from 92 to 93!

Snap!

Amrabat sent a long pass over; Tang Ye adjusted his positioning, controlled the ball with his chest, and then passed it back.

He went to the sideline of the pitch to play with his phone for a bit.

It was already February 26th, with only one day remaining until the next away match against Crystal Palace.

Swish swish!

Rubbing his hands together, Tang Ye felt somewhat excited now.

He looked forward to a third consecutive league victory for the team, and at the same time, he anticipated the approaching month of March.

In March, the temperature in Manchester would slowly begin to warm up.

Then there was one even more important matter.

March 4th was his 20th birthday—oh no, it was his 41st birthday.

At that time, he would receive a new, important mission from the System!

Tang Ye lifted his head to look at the sky; gray clouds were moving slowly overhead.

Closing his eyes and then opening them again, he suddenly felt as if he were using binoculars.

The clouds in the sky became much clearer!

They were drifting at a very fast speed!

Probably... 3 m/s or 4 m/s?

Bang!

A ball flew over from the distance and struck Tang Ye squarely in the face.

"Oh, Tom! What's wrong with you!"

De Gea shouted.

It was a long pass flying straight toward him; why couldn't Tang Ye even react to this!

"Oh, my fault, my fault."

Shaking his head to pull himself out of his thoughts, Tang Ye quickly returned the ball to De Gea.

"Don't zone out, Tom."

Fan Fan Dejiahe reminded him: "You must pay attention to any ball flying right in front of your eyes; you are a professional player."

"Mm, I know that, Mr. Michel; I am a professional player."

"I was just thinking about something else a moment ago."

Tang Ye and Fan Fan Dejiahe bumped fists.

"Were you... imagining the scene of us winning the championship?"

Fan Fan Dejiahe narrowed his eyes, looking at Tang Ye with an expression that said, "I can guess what you're doing."

"Oh no, Mr. Michel. Nothing that important."

Tang Ye shook his head: "I was just looking at the clouds in the sky."

If you want to look at something, you should focus all your attention on that thing.

"No matter what it is, as long as it requires using your eyes to see, you must maintain focus"—these were the words his great-grandfather had spoken to him in a dream, which Tang Ye could still remember clearly to this day.

The Sun: After winning the Red Derby, Manchester United's championship odds on betting sites surpassed Liverpool's to rise to second place, trailing only Manchester City.

Besides the news article, The Sun also included so-called "screenshots of odds from gambling websites."

1. Manchester City, 2.78 to 1.

2. Manchester United, 2.85 to 1.

3. Liverpool, 2.98 to 1.

The Romance of the Three Kingdoms is truly impressive; after 27 rounds, the odds difference between the eldest brother and the third brother was only 0.2.

Then came the fourth-place team, the Blues, Chelsea.

Chelsea's championship odds were...

Good heavens, 14 to 1!

Of course, this was also normal.

With three kingdoms vying for supremacy, it was hard to say what the final result would be for now.

The only thing certain was that when three major powers were locked in battle, small states had no opportunity to sneak in and steal a victory.

The Mirror: Manchester United's league championship odds were slowly rising; their odds seemed poised to surpass Manchester City's even before their standings did.

PS: The urinary tract infection still hurts a bit, but it's within my tolerance; there will be two more updates today.

Please vote for monthly tickets!!!

(End of chapter)