Chapter 539: End of Offseason, Start of New Season: The Hamburg King Lies Down

After De Jong's transfer value was updated, Manchester United immediately released a photo of their starting three midfielders.

On the left: Rodri, on the right: De Jong, in the center: another GG master.

Caption: 400 million euros.

These three players, all wearing Manchester United's home kit, have a combined transfer value of 400 million euros—the most expensive midfield line in football today, far surpassing Real Madrid's ceremonial trio at 200 million euros.

At Sky Sports' live studio, Manchester United legend Ferdinand shared his opinion during an interview with the host.

"We all know Dembélé is confirmed to join United; with our existing 400-million-euro midfield, it's hard to imagine how United could lose next season."

During the 2018–19 season, United battled fiercely with City and Liverpool in the Premier League.

By next season, 2019–20, United's midfield will be fully formed, and they've also strengthened the right-wing position.

Can City and Liverpool still compete with United for the title?

At least in Ferdinand's view, that seems impossible.

"But Rio, you must know that the key Tom of the Devil Midfield is still recovering from a fracture."

The host reminded him, but Ferdinand quickly replied: "It doesn't matter. Fractures are normal for athletes—he's just unable to play in friendlies."

"I think we can already start looking forward to the new season."

Ferdinand looked into the camera, proving the Manchester United legend was smiling broadly.

"Although our center-back signing isn't confirmed yet, I believe Manchester United is already the best in the Premier League."

…

The Guardian's editor: Ferdinand is overly optimistic about United—Dembélé's 1-euro valuation is mostly due to his youth.

In The Guardian's editor's view, Dembélé can't meet Barcelona's striker requirements, and neither can he meet United's.

Ferdinand believes in the Devil Midfield—that's normal, because the Red Devils' midfield strength has been witnessed by every Premier League fan.

But Dembélé is different.

His valuation was built during his Bundesliga days, and even at Barcelona he never delivered strong performances.

If he can't adapt to La Liga, can he adapt to the Premier League?

Under the watch of Barcelona fans and Spanish journalists, Dembélé boarded a plane and left Barcelona.

He was heading to Manchester to find King Tom.

At this moment, King Tom was eating a burger.

【You purchased Hazard's Super Burger】

【You purchased Hazard's Super Burger】

【……】

The following days were monotonous—Tang Ye kept eating burgers.

The good news: because of Hazard's burgers, whether or not Tang Ye trained made little difference during the offseason.

Training improves physical attributes; not training improves ball control.

A simple calculation suggests lying in bed eating burgers might give Tang Ye even greater gains.

So lying down doesn't matter.

Right now, Tang Ye cares about only one thing:

Can he recover before the new Premier League season starts?

He checked his current stats panel.

Tang Ye (41 years old)

【Ball Control: 89; Passing: 93】

【Shooting: 81; Heading: 61; Set Pieces: 82】

【Speed: 78; Stamina: 78; Physical Confrontation: 86】

【Defense: 76; Vision: 99】

Overall Rating: 88

His ball control has reached 89 points.

Without surprise, after eating a few dozen more burgers, he'll break the 90 barrier.

Based on experience, improved ball control also boosts shooting, but he didn't know by how much.

He also checked his account balance.

Account balance: Reverse Points * 782

Because he upgraded the burger from +5 to +10, once-wealthy Tang Ye now had almost no money left.

Now he just had to wait for season settlement!

…

The Sports Weekly headline: Among 17 hospital proposals, the Mayo Clinic's platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) treatment won out—it avoids potential arthritis and accelerates player recovery. The player has already traveled with the team to the U. S.

Manchester United official: Ousmane Dembélé has joined the club, wearing jersey number 7.

Number 7 from day one—someone dares to give it, someone dares to wear it; this jersey means Dembélé's pressure at United will be immense.

The Sun: Manchester United fan groups expressed dissatisfaction with Ten Hag's transfer plan, arguing that United should have pursued Hazard instead of Dembélé.

【Dembélé isn't worth 110 million, even if he's Tom's friend】—this was the banner displayed by United fans outside Old Trafford.

Dembélé is a genius, and like Tom, he's one of the rare left-right-footed players.

But Hazard's Premier League performances were simply dazzling!

Ten Hag abandoned the chance to sign Hazard and chose Dembélé instead—this sparked opposition from some United fans.

But most United fans still stood behind Ten Hag.

After all, Ten Hag is the only coach in recent years to have won the Premier League title.

Besides, Dembélé was bought for Tom.

If he was bought for Tom, what's there to object to?

…

Copa Radio: United will choose between Maguire and de Ligt—no other options are possible.

Copa Radio broke the news and even kindly analyzed it for United.

Maguire: Physically strong, experienced at Leicester City, no adaptation issues in the Premier League. But slow movement, unlikely to help United's quick counterattacks.

de Ligt: A genius center-back, a rising star with excellent ball-playing from the back, and Dutch.

Considering Ten Hag's profile and de Ligt's Dutch nationality, Copa Radio believes de Ligt will be United's final choice.

…

On July 17, a preseason match was held in Australia: Manchester United vs. Leeds United from the Championship.

Despite key players not yet returning, Greenwood scored twice, helping United win 4–0.

Ten Hag gave a press interview.

1. Dembélé will play in the July 25 friendly against Tottenham.

2. Tang Ye is currently receiving treatment in hospital; United is closely monitoring his condition.

3. Plan: return Tang Ye to the pitch within three months.

4. United holds a positive outlook for the new season; players and staff generally believe the team can win the Premier League again.

…

【You purchased Hazard's Super Burger】

【You purchased Hazard's Super Burger】

The Washington Post: Lakers players and Kobe Bryant visited Tang Ye at the Mayo Clinic; the player is in good condition.

The Washington Post shared a photo originally posted by James on Instagram: James and Kobe stood on either side of Tang Ye, who lay in bed, as they took a group photo.

Global Sports interviewed Tang Ye's attending physician, Dr. Diane Dam.

"Considering the patient's need for rapid recovery, we abandoned physical surgery and opted for a biological treatment approach."

Dr. Dam explained in detail the treatment Tang Ye received.

Many complex procedures.

In summary, the Mayo Clinic used various biological materials to promote cell proliferation and cartilage repair around Tang Ye's knee.

"We also have sports rehabilitation specialists who assist him in rapidly regaining movement ability during treatment."

"Before the biological surgery, we conducted a full physical exam. Results showed his metabolic rate is 1.4 times that of a normal person—we remain optimistic about Tang Ye's recovery."

… The China Sports Daily: Tang Ye's full recovery process at the Mayo Clinic is estimated to cost $3.75 million, with insurance covering most of it.

Dongqiu Di report: At Hongqiao Stadium, Manchester United defeated Tottenham 3–1; Dembélé came on as a substitute in the 75th minute and delivered an average performance. (Comments: 35,251)

One poor match is acceptable; United fans watched two more friendlies until the International Champions Cup match against AC Milan on August 4.

In three friendlies, Dembélé started once and came off the bench twice, taking ten shots—but ended with zero goals and zero assists.

Fan patience is limited; some United fans had already had enough.

"This is terrible!"

After the match, many United fans gathered outside the stadium.

"Dembélé didn't even take a shot!"

"He doesn't defend, sure—but his attacking play is awful too: only dribbles, no shots!"

Several United fans were furious, feeling the club had been tricked by Barcelona.

They also couldn't understand Ten Hag.

Dembélé's performances at Barcelona were never outstanding, yet Ten Hag still spent 110 million euros on him.

Is this deal a bit too hasty?

In the locker room, Dembélé sat alone in a corner, head bowed, saying nothing.

Rashford walked over and placed a hand on the French forward's shoulder: "It's fine, it's fine—we've won all three friendly matches; no need to be down."

"…"

Dembélé turned his head away, refusing to meet Rashford's gaze.

Since his transfer to Manchester United, Dembélé has faced intense controversy and immense pressure—the very pressure preventing him from performing at his full potential.

"Right now, every time I open Instagram, everyone's insulting me—what can I even do..."

"I just need time to adapt."

Dembélé's voice wavered as he spoke.

He had to adapt to so many things—whether it was the Manchester United players or Ten Hag's tactics—everything required gradual adjustment.

But the fierce English fans weren't willing to give Dembélé that much time.

Because Dembélé wasn't 10 million euros, or even 50 million euros—he was 110 million euros.

If he doesn't deliver, Manchester United will be truly screwed!

Rashford sat beside Dembélé.

Though Mouse didn't like training, his sympathy was genuine—he, like Tang Ye, could sense his teammates' emotions.

Unfortunately, Mouse didn't have Tang Ye's strength—he could only offer Dembélé simple words of comfort.

"Sss..."

Ten Hag watched Dembélé in the corner; as head coach, his pressure was undoubtedly the greatest.

"Wait for Tom."

Fan De said softly: "I feel he's struggling to adapt—he needs someone familiar."

Dembélé came to Manchester United specifically to find Tang Ye—but the Tang Ye he sought was still lying in a hospital bed.

One could say Dembélé's current situation was extremely awkward.

L'Équipe—Ajax defender De Ligt has transferred to Manchester United, with the fee reportedly no less than 70 million euros.

The summer transfer window is about to close, and Manchester United's third signing has finally arrived.

The right winger, right-back, and central defender positions have all been strengthened; Manchester United fans are delighted.

If Dembélé can deliver performances comparable to his Barcelona days, Manchester United's summer window will be nearly perfect.

Fans are happy, but the club isn't.

According to reporters, a conflict arose between Ten Hag and the Glazer family over the third signing.

The Glazer family wanted to minimize transfer spending, but Ten Hag kept demanding money without shame.

In the end, the money was approved—but Manchester United's financial burden grew heavier.

The Sun's reporter analyzed Manchester United's income and expenditure over recent seasons and reached one conclusion.

The 19-20 season might be Manchester United's make-or-break season.

Unless they win the Premier League again or reach the Champions League final, next summer Manchester United will have no money to buy players!

London Football—Ten Hag has halted Martial's transfer; the French golden boy will stay, having been included in Ten Hag's plans for the new season.

It is now August 11; the first round of the 19-20 Premier League season is about to begin.

Click-click!

"Eric, from your current squad, you seem well-prepared for the new season. But Dembélé's adaptation issues and Tom's injury mean you'll face difficulties early on. A sensitive question: have you prepared for losing games this season?"

"Hmm, of course not—we're here to compete, not to lose."

Ten Hag answered the reporter's question: "New players do face adaptation issues, but we'll resolve them quickly. And then there's Tang..."

At the mention of Tang Ye, the reporters fell silent.

"The club has dispatched staff to monitor his condition in real time; so far, Tang is doing well. In fact, the hospital reported his bone density has increased due to the injury."

"Many fans from other clubs worry about us because Tang isn't here—but it's unnecessary. Tang remains Manchester United's most crucial player; he'll return when we need him."

Click-click!

"Return, and then lift the trophy with us."

"You just asked about Manchester United's goal this season—I don't think that's even worth asking."

"Since the day I arrived at Manchester United, I've studied this team. After three seasons, I understand this club well—I know what we must do, and how to do it."

Ten Hag looked into the camera with an air of certainty: "I believe we've prepared sufficiently."

"When Tang returns, we'll officially begin our pursuit of the title."

"Which title?"

"Every title."

Click-click!

Shhh-shhh-shhh...

Tang Ye was walking slowly on the treadmill; a 100-inch screen in front of him broadcasted Manchester United's first-round Premier League match against Chelsea.

【Your Hazard Super Tataka Burger duration is about to end】

【Ball Control: 89→90】

【Shooting: 81→82】

【Overall Rating: 88→89】

"Hmm..."

Beep!

Beep—!!!

Holding the button, Tang Ye instantly increased the treadmill speed from 0.5 to 2.0.

Everyone assumed GGBond had been lying in bed resting, slacking off after his injury.

That wasn't true.

The grueling effort of eating burgers day and night to grow stronger—only Tang Ye himself knew the cost.

How can your 30-day offseason training compare to my Big Burger regimen!

"Doctor..."

"How long until I can return? I feel ready."

"Wait a little longer—it's coming soon."

(End of Chapter)