Chapter 571: I Hope When I Leave Carrington, I Will Be Carried Out

Check Dongqiu Di Match Report: Tang Ye scores a hat-trick! Manchester United starts the new year with a victory, defeating Arsenal 3-1; Leno's miraculous saves could not save his team. (98,231 comments)

The win was not easy, but in truth, it was not particularly difficult either.

However, the final result is good.

"Liverpool's win rate is high, I admit that point. But they cannot keep winning forever; as long as we can keep winning, sooner or later we will pull away from Liverpool."

Ten Hag said while facing reporters' interviews.

"Liverpool cannot keep winning forever, but is that what you mean?"

"Not entirely, but our odds of winning are definitely higher than Liverpool's."

Ten Hag's expression was calm as he handled the reporters' questions; he even took the initiative to discuss Manchester United's plans with them.

"We will pull away from Liverpool before the end of January, and then shift our focus to the Champions League knockout stages."

Click-clack!

Ten Hag's meaning was already very clear: this season, Manchester United will compete for titles on two fronts.

Premier League, Champions League—not a single one can be left behind!

"What about transfers? Does Manchester United have plans to strengthen the defense during this winter window?"

At this moment, the reporters did not yet know that Ashley Young was about to transfer away, so in their view, Manchester United's current burden was to buy another excellent center-back to enhance defensive capabilities inside the penalty area.

Ten Hag did not answer this question directly.

"We will have new players, but I cannot say specifically who; we will make the choice most suitable for Manchester United."

Manchester United beat reporter: Former captain Ashley Young may transfer to Inter Milan before the end of the winter window.

The beat reporter's report sparked considerable discussion among fans.

However, matters regarding the departure of the former captain attracted more attention from older fans, while most new fans focused their attention on Manchester United's possible signings in the winter window.

Manchester United's performance this season has been good, and reinforcements in the winter window will likely determine the team's direction going forward.

Without a good substitute squad, it will be relatively difficult for Manchester United to achieve good results in the Champions League.

In response, the well-known local newspaper "Man Evening News" listed several defenders who might suit Manchester United.

1. Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur), right-back, estimated 30–40 million euros.

2. Fofana (Saint-Étienne), center-back, estimated 35 million euros.

3. Maguire (Leicester City), center-back, estimated 70–80 million euros.

To be honest, there are indeed not many players available for transfer in the winter window; "Man Evening News" offered only three possible choices, and beyond that, no others could be identified.

Any player transferring in the winter window risks disrupting the tactical system of their original team.

Therefore, Manchester United now faces two problems.

First, is the budget sufficient?

Although choices are limited, if one can buy an expensive player, one should buy the expensive one.

Expensive players have fewer weaknesses; this fact has already been proven once on Tang Ye, and Manchester United fans understand this principle best of all.

Second is the player himself: is the team to which the player belongs willing to let him leave?

Manchester United legend Ferdinand: Maguire is the center-back most suitable for Manchester United; he and De Ligt could form a Champions League-level defensive line.

Regarding defensive reinforcements, Ten Hag naturally also wants more expensive players.

However, too much money was already spent in the Piggy Xia Chuang, so Manchester United basically has little budget remaining for the winter window.

Just at this moment, a scout report from Tottenham Hotspur received extensive promotion from reporters, simultaneously reposted by Check Dongqiu Di.

Scout Report: Number one in the Portuguese Super League! A top-tier midfielder with goal statistics comparable to a striker?

Bruno Fernandes (hereafter referred to as B. Fe), Portuguese, born in 1994, currently playing for Sporting CP in the Portuguese Super League.

In the reporters' description, B. Fe's experience can be described as full of legend; at age 18, Fernandes was signed by Udinese from Serie A, and subsequently moved to Sampdoria.

During his time playing in Italy, the young B. Fe remained in a state of being neither hot nor cold, until joining Sporting CP in July 2017, at which point he ushered in an explosion of his statistical output.

In the 2018–19 season, B. Fe recorded 20 goals and 13 assists in the Portuguese Super League.

Twenty goals is a statistic that most strikers would be unable to achieve!

Not only are the statistics gorgeous, but B. Fe also holds a very important position in Sporting's tactics.

1. Good ball-carrying and advancing ability.

2. Skilled at the first pass; the creativity of his first pass is extremely strong.

3. Capable of making forward runs to act as a striker in attacks.

4. Shooting ability surpassing that of most strikers.

In the news, a "Mirror" reporter mentioned that Mourinho, including Tottenham's scouts, are very interested in this player.

A price around 50 million euros to buy a player involved in 50 goals in a single season—this is hard not to find tempting.

The moment the news broke, many fans went to Check Dongqiu Di to find Fernandes and clicked "follow" on this player's homepage.

This player even surged onto the transfer market's trending search rankings, with popularity exceeding that of some top-tier players valued at over 100 million.

Of course, if it were merely gorgeous statistics, B. Fe would not have received such exaggerated attention.

All football journalists are analyzing this player; the reason lies in Tottenham's scout report.

【B. Fernandes (25 years old, Portugal)】

【Position: Attacking Midfielder / Advanced Playmaker / Winger】

【Market Value: 40 million euros】

【Template: TY】

Let us set aside for now any legendary experiences or top-tier market values.

Damn it, this guy's template is ggbond!

The Mirror appended a note at the end of the article: Fernandes is the first player in global league history to have ty as his template.

【Are they blowing smoke? Wow, really 20 goals in a single season, that fierce?】

【Template tom? Suggest Manchester United strike first; don't let such a player hit the open market.】

【Something feels off; how can someone with 20 goals in a single season be valued at only 40 million? Does this guy have some obvious weakness?】

【He's already got 20 goals and you still demand more? Tottenham, go for it!】

【Escriva: Oh?】

A full day has passed since the news was first reported, yet Twitter is still abuzz with fans discussing this attacking midfielder from Portugal.

ggbond's technical characteristics are pioneering in the entire history of modern football; that is, no one else can do the same, not even something similar.

Not to mention being two-footed, possessing both the ability to create chances and the ability to finish in front of goal is something ordinary players cannot achieve.

If an ordinary person could do that, could ggbond still be called a master?

And in the fifth year of the master's career, a player modeled after him finally appeared.

Bruno Fernandes!

"That Portuguese, what do you think?"

In the base locker room, Fan Fan Dejiahe sat down beside Tang Ye.

"Which Portuguese? Ronaldo?"

"Not Ronaldo. Hey, why do you always think of Ronaldo?"

Fan Fan Dejiahe placed his hand on Tang Ye's shoulder.

Mr. Mitchell did not know that Tang Ye was often scolded by Cristiano Ronaldo in his dreams, so he could not understand Tang Ye's obsession with Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Fernandes, Bruno Fernandes!"

Fan Fan Dejiahe supplied the name: "A very hot player recently; to be honest, I even followed him when he was at Udinese, never expecting him to be this formidable now."

Upon seeing the news last night, Fan Fan Dejiahe watched B-Fei's match highlights and subsequently made a startling discovery.

Just like tom in his childhood, B-Fei is also a highlight-reel player; in the videos, he looks incredibly cool!

"Oh, oh, I know him."

Tang Ye leaned against the sofa while Rodri played on his phone beside him: "I saw the news yesterday and showed it to him; haha, Mitchell, you asked me the exact same question."

"Oh, is that so? Alright then, so tom, what's your take?"

Tang Ye looked relaxed: "His name is the same as my former captain; both are named Bruno, and my former captain also played as a midfielder."

"..."

Fan Fan Dejiahe looked at Rodri: "He answered like that right then?"

"Haha, what else, Mitchell? What kind of answer were you expecting?"

Rodri put his phone away: "You should have asked more specifically."

"Fine then."

Fan Fan Dejiahe shook his head, turning his gaze back to Tang Ye: "Having you as a template, how do you feel about that?"

"Have you watched his match videos? I truly feel he's quite similar to you."

"But I feel he's not as strong as me."

Tang Ye showed Fan Fan Dejiahe his biceps.

"Hey, it's all the same; even if he resembles me, it's no big deal. I feel many players in the Premier League play the same style."

Regarding the rumors of the emergence of his so-called "personal disciple," Tang Ye remained extremely calm.

"Haha, then aren't you afraid he'll surpass you?"

Fan Fan Dejiahe said jokingly.

"That would be very difficult."

Tang Ye recalled the match footage he watched yesterday: "He seems to only be able to use his right foot, and he can't control the ball for long periods; wouldn't he be finished if someone tackled his right foot?"

"That's true..."

Fan Fan Dejiahe nodded in agreement with Tang Ye's viewpoint: "But his attacking ability is indeed very strong, and he also tracks back to defend."

"Haha, if you weren't here, I would suggest Eric buy him."

Fan Fan Dejiahe joked.

Fernandes has great potential; in the eyes of some Portuguese media, he even has the potential to become ty.

But Manchester United does not need him.

Manchester United does not need to unearth potential in Fernandes because they already possess the fully realized talent.

Spain's Six TV: Barcelona could consider starting B-Fei as their attacking midfielder; the Portuguese possesses a Ballon d'Or-level template.

Sporting CP Club Chairman: The idea of buying Bruno (B-Fei) for 50 million euros is foolish; Bruno is a midfielder worth hundreds of millions.

The Tottenham coaching staff now wants to die.

No one knows which idiot in the scouting department leaked the report to reporters; now global media are reporting on B-Fei, directly inflating the market value of Tottenham's target player.

Transfermarkt values him at 40 million euros, but the club is asking for 100 million; how do you deal with this now? Are you really going to buy him?

Considering Mourinho's personality, fans have reason to believe the Tottenham manager is already going crazy.

The Sun's front-page headline—Tottenham plans to launch an investigation into the scouting department; scouts who leak reports to reporters will be punished. "If possible, Tottenham will take the leaking scout to court, but only if they can find the leaker," said The Sun reporter.

B-Fei accepted an interview: "ty is a great role model, but I am clear that I still have a long way to go before reaching his level; if I could play for Tottenham, I would consider it an honor."

The Metro—The Tottenham coaching staff is studying ty's growth trajectory and career historical data; they hope to use this to evaluate B-Fei and determine the player's potential.

When you discover a genius, you must remain calm, especially with geniuses who only become famous after the age of 20.

Because much experience has taught the club that fleeting fame does not guarantee lasting excellence.

Many teams hope to acquire B. Fee, but Sporting CP's asking price is excessively outrageous.

They now need to make a verification, comparing B. Fee with his ultimate template.

If the data from B. Fee's professional career resembles Tang Ye's, then it would be more appropriate to make a move.

As for Tang Ye himself, he is not interested in this matter.

"Hey, Yang!"

At the base parking lot, Tang Ye stopped Ashley Young, who was preparing to get into his car.

"Oh, Tom? Shall I give you a ride?"

Ashley Young opened the door, gesturing for Tang Ye to take the passenger seat.

"Oh no, no, no, Luo De will be out shortly."

Tang Ye pointed toward the training ground, then turned back: "I just wanted to tell you something, Yang, something quite important."

Slap!

Closing the car door, Ashley Young leaned against it, somewhat puzzled about what Tang Ye wanted to discuss with him.

"Hmm, just say it."

"Oh, is it about the Arsenal match? I didn't mean to scold you; it's just that I get impatient when playing, so I truly apo..."

"No, no, not that."

If holding a grudge merely because he was scolded was the case, then Tang Ye would be far too petty.

Tang Ye is not such a petty person.

"Yang, I just wanted to ask... are you sure you're leaving?"

So it was about the transfer...

"Hiss... Hmm, my agent has already contacted Inter, and I've also been communicating with them."

Ashley Young pressed his hands against his buttocks to prevent rainwater in the car from wetting his clothes: "Actually, I should have left last summer, but as you know, Luke is prone to injuries..."

Ashley Young had long felt he could no longer sustain the intensity of Premier League matches, and this feeling was the direct reason for his desire to leave.

He really couldn't run anymore!

Tang Ye walked forward a few steps and leaned against his teammate's Rolls-Royce: "Hmm... actually, staying for another half-season wouldn't hurt; just play one more half-season."

"Haha, are you trying to persuade me, Tom?"

Ashley Young smiled and shook his head: "But I feel Inter would suit me better, and moreover..."

What Tang Ye did not know was that Ashley Young was already on Ten Hag's purge list.

Currently, Ashley Young's performance is only worth 10 to 20 million euros, but due to his long tenure, Manchester United needs to pay him a weekly salary exceeding 200,000 pounds.

Letting Ashley Young stay is certainly possible.

But the premise is that Manchester United still needs him.

The club has instructed Ten Hag to strictly limit the budget, and since Ten Hag wants to free up more money to buy players, disposing of high-salary players has become the best solution.

"I have already seen Inter's contract, Tom."

Tang Ye tilted his head: "I don't really understand this, but as long as no contract has been signed, it should be fine. Stay and play another half-season, then leave."

Tang Ye made gestures: "This way, your time at Manchester United will be complete..."

"Hey!"

Ashley Young pulled Tang Ye up: "There's water; don't let your clothes get wet."

Tang Ye shrugged: "So what, Yang?"

"So what?"

Ashley Young still shook his head.

From the moment he spoke his first words to Tang Ye in the parking lot, he had been shaking his head until now.

If he hadn't thought it through carefully, how could Ashley Young have proposed leaving?

"Don't try to persuade me anymore, Tom; actually..."

Tang Ye interrupted Ashley Young.

"So, how about considering winning a Champions League title before you go? I think that would be very cool; it's just a matter of half a season."

"..."

Ashley Young suddenly froze in place, motionless.

He stared straight into Tang Ye's eyes.

"If it's possible, Yang, I still suggest you stay."

Tang Ye extended his hand.

"..."

Ashley Young and Tang Ye fist-bumped, but neither spoke.

"Huff, huff, huff-huff..."

Sitting in the driver's seat, Ashley Young gasped heavily.

The "RR" in the center of the steering wheel, representing Rolls-Royce, was very conspicuous, but that was not the point.

Leave Manchester United, stay at Manchester United, leave Manchester United, stay at Manchester United.

"Ah!!!"

Ashley Young let out a furious roar and slammed his fist violently onto the steering wheel.

Beep beep!

Ashley Young dragged his right hand with his left, intense pain shooting up to his brain.

But that still wasn't enough; Ashley Young then fiercely kicked the car.

"Huff, huff..."

Looking at the windshield completely obscured by rain, Ashley Young made a decision.

Thump, thump!

"Sitting Like!"

Ashley Young walked into the office, where Ten Hag and Fan Fan Dejiahe were preparing to get off work.

Ten Hag and Fan Fan Dejiahe were always together, just like Tom and Rhodri.

"Hmm, what's wrong?"

"..."

Ashley Young clenched his teeth and held his breath.

After hesitating for a long time, he finally spoke those hard-to-say words.

"Sitting Like... if I want to stay, is that possible?"

After speaking, Ashley Young turned his head away.

Hoping the coach would let him stay was, in Ashley Young's eyes, a very shameful thing.

"This, what's going on?"

Ten Hag and Fan Fan Dejiahe exchanged glances.

Manchester United and Inter Milan had already reached an agreement, so why was the player suddenly unwilling?

"Sitting Like, what I mean is, my contract with Manchester United has only the last half-year left; just let me finish playing this final half-year."

To make himself feel less awkward, Ashley Young said a lot all at once: "I've been playing for Manchester United since '11, Sitting Like..."

"This, I know you are excellent, you have been a great help to Manchester United."

Ten Hag rubbed his head; he was feeling a bit overwhelmed now.

"But we need you to leave; this isn't something I can decide. We need to free up salary space; this is the club's requirement."

"I know, I can understand; my weekly salary is indeed too high."

Ashley Young lowered his head, biting his lip.

"If I am willing to reduce my weekly salary, can I stay?"

"..."

Ashley Young's two words left Ten Hag speechless.

A player voluntarily taking a pay cut to stay with the team is extremely rare.

"Hmm..."

Pretending to be very troubled, but considering that Ashley Young still maintained good competitive form, Ten Hag finally asked.

"How much are you willing to reduce your salary to?"

Ashley Young slowly raised his right hand and made a "0" gesture in front of Ten Hag.

Ashley Young's eyes were fierce, because this might be the most proud moment of his life.

"I can sign a new contract; for the remaining half-season, I don't need any salary."

"..."

Ten Hag looked at Ashley Young.

He could see clear emotion in Ashley Young's eyes.

Between transferring away and insisting on staying under his contract, Ashley Young chose to stay proudly.

He knew he had to do this, otherwise he was sure he would regret it.

"..."

Ten Hag and Fan Fan Dejiahe exchanged a glance.

"This is unfair to you, so I still hope you calm down a bit, think calmly, and then discuss this matter."

"No, no, no, Sitting Like, I've already made up my mind; I'm determined to do this. I was originally preparing to drive home, but now I've come back."

Ashley Young pointed at himself.

"No, no, Young..."

"Why not!?"

"Then why do you want to do this?"

Ashley Young pointed at his mouth: "I hope that when I leave Carrington, I walk away with my head held high."

"..."

(End of Chapter)