Chapter 771: Cristiano Ronaldo's Consecutive Substitute Appearances

Pia!

Pia!

On the way to the training base in the Rolls-Royce, for some reason, Cristiano Ronaldo's mind kept conjuring images of Tang Ye whipping him.

The settings, the clothing—these elements from the dream felt so unreal.

Yet, while dreaming, he had believed them!

Furthermore, even though he had now awakened from the dream, Cristiano Ronaldo still found himself recalling last night's events from time to time.

"Audacious to the point of recklessness"—those were Tang Ye's exact words.

Why had he said such things to him...

"... Damn!"

Bang! Bang!

Beep! Beep! Beep!!!

He slammed his fists hard against the steering wheel, making the horn blare, though there were no other vehicles ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Fuck!!"

The biggest problem now was not what had happened in the dream.

It was that Cristiano Ronaldo clearly wanted to find Tang Ye and clear things up, yet he couldn't do so.

Because, just as Mendes had said, maintaining a good relationship with Tang Ye was the prerequisite for him to remain comfortably at Manchester United.

"... Roni."

In the passenger seat, Dalot noticed Cristiano Ronaldo's terrible state of mind: "It will get better."

In truth, Dalot didn't know how to comfort Cristiano Ronaldo either; after all, this fellow Portuguese compatriot had far more seniority than him.

"Roni... have you ever regretted it? I mean, regretted returning to Manchester United?"

Hearing this, Cristiano Ronaldo turned his head.

"..."

"Maybe. I don't know what to say anymore."

"Quickly, up front!"

Cristiano Ronaldo sprinted forward rapidly, coordinating with Rashford to press Varane.

Slap!

Varane forcibly passed the ball out.

"Beautiful!"

Fan Fan Dejiahe raised his hand, signaling the B-team to launch a counterattack.

"His 【Cristiano Ronaldo's】 pressing has serious issues... though it's much better than before."

Fan Fan Dejiahe was in a good mood.

Because earlier that morning in the cafeteria, Tang Ye and Cristiano Ronaldo had not engaged in any argument, nor had they exchanged a single word.

In Michel's eyes, this was precisely a sign that things were developing in a positive direction.

"Tom solved the problem for you."

Fan Fan Dejiahe murmured.

"It doesn't matter."

Ten Hag replied quickly.

"No matter how this situation ultimately unfolds, Ronaldo cannot become our core player; his technical characteristics are what they are. Letting him return to Manchester United was a mistake by the management, a colossal mistake."

"This... so you won't give him even a single chance?"

"I have already given him chances!"

Ten Hag indicated that nearly half a year had passed since Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United; throughout these six months, he had been giving Cristiano Ronaldo opportunities, but so far, the Portuguese player had failed to seize them.

It wasn't that Cristiano Ronaldo played poorly; it was just that he was overly stubborn in certain aspects.

Coincidentally, Ten Hag was also somewhat stubborn himself; he was unwilling to let Cristiano Ronaldo challenge his authority.

"Perhaps you should give him more time; Marcus 【Rashford】 took an entire season before. Well, you know, sometimes form cannot be adjusted back within just half a year."

Fan Fan Dejiahe spoke up in defense of Cristiano Ronaldo.

"This is a matter of character. If he keeps resisting me, then I absolutely cannot accommodate him; that is simply logic!"

Ten Hag stated decisively, making it perfectly clear that he was positioning Cristiano Ronaldo as his opponent.

Very well.

Since that was the case, Fan De could do nothing more.

Watching Cristiano Ronaldo on the field attempting to learn the pressing styles of Rashford and Dembélé, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy.

Ten Hag's path was already completely blocked.

That meant for the current Cristiano Ronaldo, if he wanted to become a core player for Manchester United, or even renew his contract with the club, only one final path remained: building a good relationship with Tang Ye.

Tang Ye was the only possible breakthrough point for the Portuguese player; that was simply how it was.

"Marcus."

Training ended; Cristiano Ronaldo walked over to Rashford: "Shall we go out for dinner tonight? You and me, plus Dalot."

Cristiano Ronaldo placed his hand on Rashford's shoulder.

"Wow?"

Rashford paused for a moment, stunned.

Just as he was about to agree, something suddenly occurred to him, and the words he had been about to speak were swallowed back.

"Um... I have some matters to attend to tonight, so let's just forget it for now."

"Well, alright then."

Cristiano Ronaldo shrugged.

Generally, few people would refuse his invitation, but since Rashford had matters to attend to, there was nothing to be done.

In the corridor outside the locker room, Cristiano Ronaldo encountered Dembélé.

Dembélé belonged to Tang Ye's faction, and was even a core member; it was only after much hesitation that Cristiano Ronaldo had agreed to approach him.

"Um... Ousmane?"

"How is your relationship with Kylian (Mbappé)?"

"Kylian? It's quite good; he's my national team teammate, so of course our relationship is fine. What's wrong?"

"Haha, I also get along quite well with Kylian. Perhaps we could find an opportunity to chat together; I feel the three of us should have plenty to talk about."

Cristiano Ronaldo laughed heartily, placing his hand on Dembélé's shoulder.

"This... well, I suppose that's possible, but I feel we won't have many chances to eat together unless it's during a friendly match before the World Cup."

Dembélé seriously considered Cristiano Ronaldo's proposal.

"Actually, it doesn't matter; we could just chat first."

Cristiano Ronaldo pursed his lips and suggested.

"This..."

Dembélé suddenly realized, taking a step backward.

"Well, um, haha, I've actually been quite busy lately, as you've seen; I basically go out every night. How about this: once I have some free time, I'll invite you, okay?"

While speaking, Dembélé kept stepping backward.

"Alright... Hey, Ousmane, um... didn't I recall that you like playing video games?"

"Oh, I don't play anymore; that was in the past, haha! My mother just called me; I need to go reply to her message!"

After offering a quick greeting, Dembélé turned and left, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo alone, unsure of what to do.

"Phew..."

Exhaling deeply, Cristiano Ronaldo leaned against the wall, looking up at the ceiling.

Could thirty-five be a turning point in life?

Why did he and the young players in their twenties have absolutely no common topics to discuss?

Then what should he do?

Truly bow his head to Tang Ye?

Crack!

Crack!

The moment he thought of this, images of being whipped in his dreams flooded his mind, frightening Cristiano Ronaldo into curling his body tightly.

London time, January 15th, the 22nd round of the Premier League.

Manchester United faced their first match of 2022, against Aston Villa, a team with considerable strength.

"Screw you, haha! Stop bragging!"

Dembélé pushed Tang Ye forward.

"Why did you accept the interview so early today? Are you planning to brag to the reporters?"