Football: I am only 16 years old, and you want me to retire and make a comeback?

Chapter 467 The most important Premier League match in December: the Manchester derby!
Top comment on Dongqiudi: Rashford's brace leads Manchester United to a 2-1 victory over Fulham, marking United's fourth consecutive win since the Manchester derby. (17232 comments)

The Mirror – Liverpool thrashed Bournemouth 5-12, continuing their pursuit. Can Liverpool stage a comeback and climb to the top in December?

Manchester Evening News front page – 4-game winning streak! Manchester United aiming for league title in December?

Attached is the Premier League standings (as of Round 16):

1. Manchester City, 42 points.

2. Manchester United, 42 points.

3. Liverpool, 41 points.

4. Tottenham Hotspur, 32 points.

5. Chelsea, 30 points.

"Just when you think a four-game winning streak will put you in first place, Manchester City and Liverpool always manage to surprise you."

On CCTV5's special channel, Mr. Zhang Lu and the host discussed the current situation of the English Premier League.

Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool are all on winning streaks.

Liverpool thought they were going to overtake Manchester United.

No, that's a fantasy.

Manchester United thought they were going to overtake Manchester City.

Yes, that's just wishful thinking.

The gap between third and fourth place has already widened to 9 points before the league is even halfway through.

The Romance of the Three Kingdoms has become increasingly popular, and it's hard to imagine whether Luo Guanzhong would have written a book about it if he lived in this era.

Anyway, Luo Guanzhong would have written about football fans even if he hadn't.

Zhang Lu walked slowly in front of the tactics board.

"December seems to have a very busy schedule, but I think there's only one key match: the Manchester derby next week."

The result of the match between Manchester United and Liverpool will likely have a direct impact on the Premier League standings this month.

The host stood up at this moment.

"Zhang Lu is right. Since last month, Manchester United has consistently led Liverpool by one point. If Manchester United can beat Liverpool in a head-to-head match, they will widen the gap between themselves and their arch-rivals."

After the win, Manchester United will have 3 points and Liverpool will have 0 points, turning the original 1-point gap into 4 points, which is what Chinese fans are hoping to see.

However, Zhang Lu had his own ideas.

Many fans think Liverpool shouldn't be a match for Manchester United because Manchester United didn't lose to Liverpool last season. But in my opinion, Manchester United might not necessarily have an easy time beating Liverpool.

To support his point of view, Zhang Lu gave several reasons.

1. Klopp's tactical system is mature, and the trident of Salah, Mane and Firmino is highly efficient in pressing, which is a big threat to Manchester United, whose defense often makes mistakes.

2. Full-back Arnold's forward run into the attack.

3. Tang Ye has just been injured and will miss two games, so it's uncertain whether he can guarantee his best performance against Liverpool. Against a strong team like Liverpool, Manchester United will struggle if Tang Ye isn't at 100%.

December 10th, and there are only 6 days left until the Premier League derby between Liverpool and Manchester United.

The Manchester derby is important, but before that, Manchester United has one more thing to do: travel to Spain for their final Champions League group stage match.

"Actually, you didn't need to come, we're already in first place."

On the plane, Rodri and Tang Ye, who were playing cards, started chatting.

Ten Hag originally didn't plan to have Tang Ye go to Spain with him, but Tang Ye insisted on going, so there was nothing he could do.

"If I don't play matches for a long time, I might not be in good form when the time comes."

Tang Ye slammed all his cards on the table: "Hehe, I won!"

"The key game is still the Liverpool match. I'll try to stay in shape for tomorrow's Valencia game, maybe even play as a substitute."

Tang Ye said.

Of course, he actually had other reasons.

His task for the second stage of the Champions League is to win four matches.

Considering the generous comeback points reward for the mission, tomorrow's match is actually quite important for Tang Ye.

……

Manchester United beat reporter: Tom may not be able to play against Valencia, but it is certain that the player is in good physical condition and should be ready.

The match between Manchester United and Valencia has captured the attention of many Premier League fans, especially those of Manchester City and Liverpool.

They said Tang Ye was alright, and indeed he was alright.

Whether this injury has affected Tang Ye's match performance is the biggest concern for both Manchester City and Liverpool.

Chinese fans are the same, of course.

However, Chinese fans also have their own news.

On the same day that Manchester United departed for Spain to prepare for their final Champions League group stage match, the Chinese men's national football team announced its 23-man roster for the AFC Asian Cup in the UAE.

The large characters "Tang Ye" in the first row and first column of the midfielders instantly excited the fans.

CCTV.com: The Chinese national football team has announced its preliminary 23-man squad for the Asian Cup in January, with Tang Ye leading the team and 38-year-old Zheng Zhi being selected again. Lippi will lead the team to the UAE.

Fox Sports – China’s men’s national football team will begin its Asian Cup training camp in Guangzhou on December 13 ahead of schedule. The leadership and players generally believe that this is a very promising Asian Cup for the Chinese team.

The Manchester Evening News' front-page headline reads: "Tang Ye confirmed to participate in the Asian Cup in January, will this cause Manchester United to drop out of the Premier League title race?"
……

Mestalla Stadium.

"Wow!"

Parejo's long-range shot gave Valencia the lead, making the score 1-0.

"It's clear that Manchester United were holding back in this match; Rashford, Rodri, and even Tang Ye, who is still recovering, were all on the bench."

"What is Ten Hag planning to do? Just let this match go...?"

In the 27th minute of the match, Manchester United were down by one goal, with all their key players sitting on the bench.

The situation gives the impression that Manchester United is about to hand over 3 points to Valencia.

De Jong cleared the ball, and the director took the opportunity to focus the camera on Tang Ye on the bench.

It was raining today, and Tang Ye was wearing the hood of his jacket and chatting with his teammates.

You seem to be in a pretty good mood?
"Rodri, go warm up!"

Ten Hag called out to Rhodes, who was standing next to Tang Ye, but Tang Ye and Rashford remained seated and waiting.

"Bring Tom up!"

Beep beep beep! ! !

Valencia fans seized on this and booed their opponents.

As for whether Tang Ye and Rashford will play, that depends on Ten Hag's decision.

Ten Hach was standing at the edge of the field, frowning in thought.

After thinking for a while, he went to the bench and talked with Van der Gach.

"They are in great shape today."

Van der Gach covered his mouth and spoke in a voice that only those around him could hear.

"Yes, it's troublesome to win."

Ten Hach covered his mouth in response.

After saying that, he glanced behind him, then covered his mouth again: "Let's see how things go. If it's still like this, then we'll let this one go."

Van der Gach nodded.

Valencia are in good form today, and Manchester United's key players will have to put in a lot of effort if they want to turn things around.

But we're playing Liverpool in a few days, so instead of fighting Valencia for these three unnecessary points, we might as well just tank and wait for the Manchester derby.

"Are you really not going to play anymore?"

Tang Ye's head popped out from behind.

Hey!

Reminded by Mata, Tang Ye covered his mouth and asked again, "So I'm not playing in the second half?"

"Don't rush, let's see how it goes. Tom, how are you feeling recovering?"

Ten Hah glanced down at Tang Ye's calves.

"That's pretty good, I feel like I'm ready to go."

"I'm talking about 4 days from now. Will you be back to your best condition in 4 days?"

"..."

Tang Ye did not answer Teng Hahe's question immediately, but laughed instead.

"Haha, Mr. Eric, you'll see during the match."

……

Dongqiudi Match Report: In the final round of the Champions League group stage, Manchester United lost 1-2 away to Valencia. The group winners advanced to the knockout stage, with Martial's goal not enough to secure a victory. Ten Hag and Tang Ye chatted on the bench. (18293 comments)

Appendix: 2018-19 UEFA Champions League Group H standings (Group stage concluded):
1. Manchester United, 13 points. (Seized as a seeded team)

2. Bayern Munich, 11 points. (Advanced as a non-seeded team)
3. Valencia, 8 points.

4. Young Boys of Bern, 1 point.

The match between Manchester United and Valencia was the last game of the Champions League group stage this season, after which the group stage will end.

Although they didn't get 16 points as planned, securing a seeded position against Bayern Munich is already quite an achievement.

As for when the knockout stage draw will begin.

Okay, let me take out my phone and check.

Coincidentally, this year's knockout stage draw took place on the same night the Manchester derby ended!

L'Equipe's Team of the Week for the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League Group Stage (4-5-1):
Goalkeeper: De Gea (Manchester United)
Defenders: Alba (Barcelona), Van Dijk (Liverpool), Chiellini (Juventus), Pijeszczek (Borussia Dortmund)
Midfielders: Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain), Messi (Barcelona), Tang Ye (Manchester United), Witsel (Borussia Dortmund), Rodri (Manchester United)
Forward: Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

……

Carrington Training Ground.

Christmas is just around the corner, and the training ground was terribly cold in the mornings; even Tang Ye was wearing a knitted hat.

When December first arrived, it seemed like the Double Reds match was still a long way off, but now there are only a few days left.

Hey!

A ball flew over from the far end, and Tang Ye instinctively turned around and controlled it.

"Tom's warming up!"

"Get moving, get moving!"

When Ten Hag's voice came, Tang Ye raised his hand to apologize, and then immediately started passing the ball to Rashford.

"Damn Marcus, I feel like I'm in great form today. If only we could play Liverpool today!" Tang Ye rubbed his hands together.

That's how it is in winter. You wake up in the morning thinking you're not in any good shape, but after warming up, you find yourself full of energy.

"So you're going to blow them up?"

Rashford suddenly asked.

"Wow? Marcus, how did you know?"

"Because you said the same thing yesterday."

"Oh, that's how it is"

Tang Ye exhaled a breath, then knocked the pass that Rashford had pushed over up from the ground.

Bounce on your calf, then switch to your thigh.

"Marcus, look at me, look at me!"

Tang Ye juggled the ball with his thigh, slowly bringing it to a stop on his thigh.

With a sudden burst of muscle strength, the ball seemed to be propelled upwards by a divine force.

Arrive above Tang Ye's head!

Looking up, Tang Ye adjusted his position slightly to the left and right, quickly stabilizing the ball.

"Isn't this simple for you?"

At Rashford's request, Tang Ye headed the ball over.

Rashford juggles the ball...

It suddenly went high!

The right leg circles the ball once, then returns to its base to cushion the ball.

"I think I've seen this before while watching videos, isn't it called...ATM?"

It's ATW! (Around The World)

Before Rashford could speak, Mata, standing beside him, couldn't take it anymore.

"How can this be remembered as an ATM?"

"Damn, isn't W reversed just M? It's normal to remember it backwards. I don't even know what it means in English."

Tang Ye took another ball and started imitating Rashford.

"I've seen this before, but I've never tried it."

Try putting it on top.

It didn't work the first time, but it worked the second time.

TMs are easier to use than I imagined.

"Wait, Marcus, let me try to spin you twice."

Tang Ye had a sudden inspiration and first passed the ball.

Shoot it high!

"Eh!"

Shout it out and then start spinning your left leg.

"1, 2!"

Go down below and catch it!
Because it was his first time doing it, Tang Ye was unable to control the ball after receiving it.

But he did succeed.

"This isn't difficult at all. To be honest, I think my limit is 3 spins."

Manchester United players are happily spinning around, while the coaching staff is worrying about the upcoming Manchester derby.

Salah, Firmino, Mane

The Van der Gach notebook contained three names.

This is Liverpool's attacking trident.

How strong is this trident?
Yes, similar to Manchester City's Aguero, Sterling, and Mahrez.

It's unclear which attacking trio is stronger, Liverpool's or Manchester City's.

But one thing is very clear.

That means Liverpool's attacking trident is definitely stronger than Manchester United's.

……

Top post on Dongqiudi: The first Manchester derby of the new Premier League season will take place in the early hours of December 17th, with Liverpool hosting Manchester United. The second-placed team in the Premier League will face the third-placed team. Can the Red Devils take points from Anfield?

A Thai cartoonist has released a comic strip to tease the 17th round of the English Premier League.

In the comic, Guardiola is lying on a sun lounger drinking juice while watching a match taking place in the ring in front of him.

The two men standing on the platform are Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.

The 17th round of the Premier League was very easy for Manchester City.

But that's not the case for Liverpool and Manchester United.

The match poster for Manchester United and Liverpool has not yet been released, but the 442 newspaper has already begun its analysis.

Special Issue 442 – Liverpool 433 vs Manchester United 4231: Klopp's high pressing vs Ten Hag's midfield penetration.

"China's Asian Cup preparations have begun, but reporters stationed at Manchester Airport have yet to get a picture of Tom. Tom's decision to sacrifice his national team training time to stay at the base demonstrates Manchester United's attitude towards this match."

"The same goes for Liverpool. There's only a one-point difference between the two sides, so neither side can afford to lose this match," a reporter from 442 briefly explained the background of the game.

This season's Liverpool is the strongest they've been in the last five years.

This season's Manchester United is also the strongest in the last 5 years.

With the two teams at their peak, it's hard to imagine how exciting the match will be.

The reporter briefly analyzed the match data of the two teams and came to a conclusion.

Liverpool's attacking and defensive lines are stronger than Manchester United's, and their attacking line is arguably significantly stronger.

Manchester United certainly has its advantages, and their strength lies in their midfield.

The midfield duo of Tang Ye and Rodri, with a combined value of over 2 million euros, will be key to Manchester United's victory.

Betway: Highlights of the Reds vs. Reds match.

Liverpool to win: 2.35 to 1.

Manchester United to win: 2.42 to 1.

Draw: 3.45 to 1.

Liverpool's odds are slightly higher, but not by much.

The two teams are too evenly matched in this match, and even seasoned betting experts are unsure of what to expect.

The Daily Mail's front-page headline reads: Liverpool police will deploy additional officers near Anfield Stadium to ensure the Manchester derby proceeds as scheduled.

There were many police officers, but the English were not afraid at all.

Four hours before the match, Liverpool supporters arrived early outside Anfield Stadium and displayed their banners.

Home tickets are £35, away tickets are £40. But if you're still not greedy, £20 is enough!

It was another classic protest about ticket prices, but since it was the Manchester derby, many fans focused their attention on other things.

"Teng Hah!"

"Eric ten Hach, you're going to jail, Eric ten Hach!"

"Manchester has no future!"

[Beat Manchester United, beat Tom, beat Ten Hag, we should be number one!]

"Drive Tom back to China!"

"Drive Tom back to China!"

Liverpool fans gathered together, attempting to break through the SWAT team's lines.

The scene was a mixture of red and gray smoke, which was choking and made people feel uncomfortable.

The Sun – Three Liverpool fans set fire to shirts bearing Tom and Erik ten Hag outside Anfield, prompting Manchester United fans to respond by burning a shirt worn by Mohamed Salah.

The atmosphere at the scene today cannot be described as tense or hostile.

Because it actually contains gunpowder, in a physical sense!
……

"It's a simple logic: their attacking line is strong and they'll press us. So we need to focus more on attacking and prevent their forwards from getting close."

With less than 20 minutes left before the start of the match, Tang Ye sat on a stool and tied his shoelaces.

"This will put a lot of pressure on our attacking players, but we have to do it."

"But if the opponent puts pressure on us, and if we encounter problems with our backline – I feel we shouldn't have that problem, but I can't guarantee it, because you know the strength of Liverpool's attack – what I mean is, if that happens, we need to stretch our defensive line and create opportunities to pass the ball forward."

"What we want is to be ahead, to have an advantage."

"Not 0 points, not 1 point, we want 3 points!"

dong dong!

Ten Hag tapped the tactical board next to him, and the Manchester United players stood up and gathered together.

"Are you ready?"

“I’m ready!!”

Tang Ye shouted it out loud.

I haven't played a match in a week.

Facing an opponent of Liverpool's caliber right from the start, Tang Ye is probably the most nervous player in the entire Manchester United team right now.

Nervousness can affect a player's performance.

but……

For Tang Ye, being a little nervous might be a good thing.

"gone!"

Following Alai out, Tang Ye rubbed his neck.

……

Reprint: Liverpool vs. Manchester United starting lineups announced, Rashford vs. Arnold, Tang Ye vs. Fabinho.

"China Media Group! This is a live broadcast of the 2018-19 season..."

……

(End of this chapter)