Chapter 533: Rashford Injury Misses, Will United Be Crushed by the Grind?

「Paris! 」

Thud! Thud!

「Paris! 」

Thud! Thud! Thud!

「Paris est magique! 」

The Paris fans' voices grew louder.

The camera slowly panned upward.

You could see that some Manchester United fans had already left the stands.

Four minutes of stoppage time had been added; after the kickoff, only three minutes remained.

In the past, United fans might have hoped for a last-minute winner, hoped for Ferguson Time.

But that was absolutely impossible this match.

Two key players were absent, and the core player Tang Ye was also showing signs of exhaustion.

「United's situation right now is truly dire…」

In the final minutes, United played purely defensively.

Paris attacked fiercely, but United's compact defense held up reasonably well; Mbappé's final curling shot failed to find the net.

«Beep! Beep-beep! »

The final whistle blew; the match ended 2–3.

Although Tang Ye scored twice with one penalty and one long-range goal, United still failed to win at Old Trafford.

Pfft!

Tang Ye spat onto the grass and crouched down.

Losing wasn't the issue—it was that they should have won this match.

Rashford suddenly pulled a muscle and was subbed off; in that instant, United's momentum was completely shattered!

「Tom. 」

Greenwood walked over.

But he didn't help Tang Ye up; instead, he crouched down too.

If the master was crouching, how could little Mason keep standing?

…

「Damn! 」

Ashley Young kicked the trash bin by the tunnel entrance, knocking it over.

The United fullback was deeply dissatisfied with his own performance and utterly unable to accept the match result.

Losing at Old Trafford in the first leg—how could they possibly play the return leg now?

「…」

Tang Ye was right behind them, walking with Greenwood and Rodri.

Tang Ye said nothing for now—he didn't know what he should say.

「Tom! 」

Mbappé ran over and hugged Tang Ye, then exchanged jerseys with him at the tunnel entrance.

Knowing Tang Ye was upset after the loss, Mbappé said a few brief words and quickly left.

「Good luck in the return leg! 」

Tang Ye held the Paris jersey, soaked in sweat.

Rodri stood beside him, hesitating; after a pause, he finally spoke: 「Honestly, today's fault lies mostly with me…」

Rodri's performance wasn't bad enough to warrant an apology, but he could feel how Tang Ye felt—giving everything to score, yet still losing.

「It's fine, Rodri. 」

Tang Ye stopped Rodri from continuing; the United players walked together toward the locker room.

Tang Ye had originally planned to check on Neymar, but after learning from Mbappé that Neymar had already left, he chose to return directly to the locker room.

As always, the United locker room was silent after a loss—only the sounds of players packing their gear could be heard.

Ten Hag hadn't returned; Van Gaal didn't know what to do, so he kept frantically signaling to Valencia and Ashley Young, hoping one of them would speak up.

「We played terribly. 」

Finally someone spoke—but it wasn't Valencia or Ashley Young; it was Tang Ye, sitting beside Rashford.

Van Gaal jumped in surprise and quickly found a seat.

「We were ahead. All we had to do was play steady and hold the advantage. It wasn't that hard. 」

As Tang Ye spoke, the other United players kept their heads down.

「They kept attacking our right side, so we should've defended the right side—that should've solved it. But we never managed to stop them. Huh, every time I started moving, Mbappé was already at the byline. You guys should've at least blocked him first… Huh, give someone in the center or left time to come over and support! 」

Tang Ye spread his hands.

Whether from exhaustion or anger, his speech was disjointed, punctuated by heavy breaths.

「We should've won. We could've done better. We didn't play like this in the league. 」

Tang Ye hadn't been this furious in a long time—he simply couldn't accept the result.

「And we got scored on from a corner again. I don't even know why. It just… felt weird, and then it felt like they scored way too easily. 」

Rodri placed his hand on Tang Ye's thigh, trying to calm him, but Tang Ye didn't stop: 「When Marcus got injured, we conceded two goals—but Marcus never even helped with defense. Once he was off, the whole team fell apart. 」

As Tang Ye said, Rashford didn't really contribute to defense.

After Rashford left, United conceded two goals.

Was Greenwood worse at defense than Rashford?

There was a gap between Greenwood and Rashford, but not one large enough to explain two goals.

「I, huh…」

Tang Ye raised his hands upward, then let them drop.

He wanted to say more, but his mind was too chaotic—he couldn't form coherent thoughts anymore.

「I think Tom's right. 」

Valencia quickly voiced his agreement; then De Jong also expressed support for Tang Ye.

But the locker room only buzzed briefly before falling silent again.

「Uh…」

Van Gaal felt awkward and softly called to Tang Ye: 「You might need to go out and collect your MVP award. 」

「…」

Tang Ye shook his head: 「I don't want it. 」

「…Alright. 」

…

Dongqiudi Match Report: Tang Ye scores from penalty and long-range shot but can't save the day; United lose 2–3 at home to Paris in the first leg of the quarterfinals; Mbappé and Bernat score, Kim Pengbei heads in. (Comments: 49,238)

Popular YouTube medical blogger: Based on Rashford's reaction, he likely suffered a hamstring strain. If confirmed, Rashford will almost certainly miss the remainder of the season.

Sky Sports: Tang Ye earned an 8.4 rating and was named Man of the Match—but refused the award.

「Two goals but still lost—this result is unbearable for Tom. Fans reported that before entering the tunnel, Tang Ye told Greenwood that they should've performed better. But this was deduced from lip-reading, so accuracy can't be guaranteed. 」

Tang Ye's intention was to refuse the award, causing the temporary podium on the pitch to remain undismantled for over twenty minutes.

「Tom, listen to me—I know you're hurting, under immense pressure, but you have to accept this award, okay? 」

Outside the tunnel, Van Gaal was trying to persuade Tang Ye—this was no easy task.

「If you don't go, you'll offend the sponsors, Tom! 」

「I know, but I don't care, okay? Mr. Michel, please stop trying to convince me. 」

「Huh…」

Van Gaal took a deep breath and placed both hands on Tang Ye's shoulders: 「But you have to consider the team as a whole. If you refuse the award, the team will suffer. 」

「…」

Personal pride didn't matter—but when it came to the team, Tang Ye fell silent.

After several attempts, Van Gaal finally succeeded in getting Tang Ye back onto the pitch.

Click! Click!

Having refused the award at first, Tang Ye was immediately surrounded by reporters upon returning.

The first question was directly about Tang Ye.

Why did the United midfielder refuse the award immediately?

「I'm sorry, but I don't deserve this award—we lost the match. We should've won. We should've done better. 」

Tang Ye's face held no smile; around him, countless camera shutters clicked.

After answering a few simple questions, Tang Ye slipped away.

…

The Mirror: Ten Hag said Rashford's condition remains uncertain.

Sky Sports commentator: If Rashford is ruled out for the season, United's attacking line will drop a full level.

「United has finally been worn down by the congested schedule. Liverpool and Manchester City will seize the opportunity to close the gap—after two more rounds, United's lead will vanish. 」

The Times: After the match, fans captured footage of Rashford being assisted by staff into the team bus. The United forward's condition looks grim.

【Don't mess around, bro】

【Man United lost Neymar with one match; Paris lost their future with one match】

【One Luke Shaw was fine, now another Rashford shows up—does Man United even have a left flank anymore?】

【Looks like it's not too serious, just a mild strain】

【A mild strain? Bro, there's only one month left this season—by the time you're fit in June, the season's already over】

【Didn't we have a game against City at the end of the month…?】 The fans' heads were spinning.

Losing one Champions League quarterfinal isn't the end—after all, there's still the second leg.

But losing Rashford in this match? That's the problem.

Man United can't just pull out a second Rashford!

…

【The rain blocking the path falls like snowflakes—do you freeze, crying there?】

【…】

【Even after being transferred, you still can't let go…】

After the match, it was already eleven or twelve at night; by the time they returned to base, it was deep into the night. Tang Ye had earphones in, his forehead pressed against the window.

When the bus rattled over bumpy roads, Tang Ye's head bounced along with the window.

The bus was silent; no players were talking.

Losing was depressing, yes, but the main reason for Man United's silence was Rashford.

Fans and reporters didn't know Rashford's condition, but the players inside the team knew perfectly well.

A hamstring strain—Rashford would miss every remaining match of the season for Man United.

Rodri placed his hand on Tang Ye's thigh; Tang Ye turned his head. Rodri pointed to his own ear.

Tang Ye understood what Rodri meant. He took off the earphones, slipped the right earpiece into his right ear, and handed the left one to Rodri.

Rodri put on the earphones.

【Everyone deserves those hands—embrace alone can't make you own them】

【To possess, you must first learn how to accept loss~~~】

【…】

…

Man United official: Rashford suffered a right quadriceps strain, expected to rest 50 days, miss all remaining matches this season.

The official news from Man United was quickly reposted by major newspapers; Dongqiu Di even placed it directly beneath the pinned news.

The pinned news was Tang Ye refusing the award after the match; right below it was the news that Rashford's season was over.

Luke Shaw, Rojo, now add Rashford.

Man United's injured list rose from two to three players.

Three injured players don't seem like much.

But you must know—all three of Man United's injured players are season-ending!

…

Man United legend Ferdinand: In the FA Cup semifinal, Ten Hag should have rested Rashford.

【I believe Rashford's injury was a mistake by Man United's coaching staff—coaches aren't players; they might overestimate a player's recovery ability】

Ferdinand shared his experience as a professional player with a Sky Sports reporter.

Players have direct bodily awareness, especially when fatigued.

Ferdinand guessed Rashford had sensed his body was in poor condition earlier—but for some reason, the English striker never told the coaching staff.

But regardless, in April, Man United had eight matches—under such conditions, the coaching staff should have constantly monitored players' physical states.

…

Night.

Tang Ye stood alone on his apartment balcony.

Because his floor was high, he could see Manchester's night view from the balcony.

The wind was cold; Tang Ye shivered and hurried back inside.

Falling asleep according to memory should've been easy—but for some reason, Tang Ye couldn't sleep tonight.

It's already…

Hmm, 2 a. m.

Not sleeping at this hour is definitely bad for a professional player.

But there's nothing to be done—can't sleep, can't sleep.

The next afternoon, Tang Ye finally woke up.

【I think I made a mistake yesterday, Rodri—what do you think?】

Uncertain about his own judgment, Tang Ye hoped Rodri could give him advice.

【What mistake? What are you referring to?】

Rodri leaned back on the sofa.

The TV played Sky Sports; the screen showed Man United's remaining schedule for April. Two anchors were commenting on the fixture list.

【I shouldn't have said those things after the match. Uh… Rodri, I think I should've waited a few days after the game—because by then, it wouldn't have mattered anyway. We'd already played.】

【Maybe】

Rodri sat up, elbows resting on his thighs. He seemed unconcerned about the matter.

【Tom's gone—let it go. Thinking about it now won't help. And I think saying it then might've been better… I mean, more effective.】

【Probably. I feel we should've noticed this problem earlier—that we can't defend against fast strikers—but we never did anything about it.】

Honestly, Tang Ye now regretted it. When Man United faced these situations in the league, the players and coaches should've found solutions.

But everyone in the team only cared about winning points, focusing on how to counter each upcoming opponent—not on fixing the team's weaknesses—so the left-back defense issue was shelved.

【But what can we do…】

Rodri sighed.

Man United needed a superstar with absolute authority.

Ashley Young and Valencia had some influence, but they weren't top-tier players, so their status among teammates was low—what they said didn't always carry weight.

Tang Ye was a superstar.

But the problem was, this superstar was far too young, and too gentle—so when problems arose, Man United couldn't find a unified answer.

Rodri offered a few simple words of comfort, telling Tang Ye not to dwell on it.

Because dwelling wouldn't help.

Seeing Tang Ye still lost in thought, Rodri turned up the TV volume. The two watched the screen.

【Yes, without doubt, Rashford's injury has had a huge impact on Man United】

【We've said before that under a packed schedule, City and Liverpool had many injuries—but Man United didn't】

【Now it turns out Man United didn't have injuries—they just had them later】

Said the anchor.

The previous points were objective facts; now came the anchors' opinions.

【Actually, Man United could lose anyone—but Rashford is the one point that absolutely cannot break down. Only Rashford can link up with Tom for quick counterattacks. Chalhoub doesn't have Rashford's pace, and his chemistry with Tom is insufficient】

【That's right—so Rashford's absence will greatly affect Man United】

【Man United still lead the Premier League, ahead of City and Liverpool in both points and goal difference. But now things have changed—Jensen, do you still think Man United will win the title?】

【I…】

The anchor named Jensen didn't answer directly—he asked the other anchor his opinion instead.

【I still back Man United—there are only a few matches left, and their lead is hard to overcome】

【I back City and Liverpool more】

After the other anchor gave his answer, Jensen spoke his mind.

【Man United did have an phenomenal win rate this season in the Premier League—but you must know, their win rate relied almost entirely on the long-ball link-up between Tang Ye and Rashford. Now they've lost that advantage】

【In the upcoming Premier League matches, plus the Champions League and FA Cup, they'll struggle terribly】

【And Lawrence, let me tell you something】

【Man United still have one Manchester derby left this season—in two weeks! Ha ha… do you still think Man United can win the title?】

【…】

Rodri looked at Tang Ye from the TV screen; Tang Ye looked back at Rodri.

【Rodri, you shouldn't have turned on this show…】

Tang Ye had been relaxed after waking up, but Sky Sports' live broadcast had made him tense again.

Sky Sports used the broadcast to remind Man United players: they still had a Manchester derby to play at the end of April.

Bam!

Rodri turned off the TV. Tang Ye's voice came from beside him: 【So what do we do now, Rodri?】

Whenever Tang Ye faced a problem, he always asked his little brother Rodri for solutions—because his little brother was always reliable.

But this time, even Rodri had no answer.

…

Time moved to the third day after the match. Tang Ye and Rodri were on their way to the base.

Ding!

The phone rang.

This is a message from Por.

……

PS: One more chapter to come.

(End of chapter)