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

Chapter 516 Second in the Premier League! After knocking out Liverpool, Manchester City is the next target.

Manchester Evening Post front-page headline: Manchester United beat Liverpool to move into second place in the Premier League, with Manchester teams now in the top two spots.

Premier League standings (as of the end of Round 27):

1. Manchester City, 70 points.

2. Manchester United, 70 points.

3. Liverpool, 68 points.

4. Chelsea, 51 points.

5. Tottenham Hotspur, 48 points.

Looking at the standings, I realized that it's not just about being second. After defeating Liverpool, Manchester United has accumulated 70 points in 27 rounds, the same as Manchester City, who are in first place.

In other words, Manchester United are now only behind the Premier League leaders in goal difference!
The unexpected surprise left Manchester United fans somewhat bewildered.

The original plan was to become the second-place team in the Premier League before the end of February and to win the Premier League title before the end of March.

But now it seems that Manchester United's plan can be moved forward a little.

Of course, fans quickly noticed a key point: although they had the same number of points, Manchester United's goal difference was a full five goals lower than Manchester City's due to the accumulated goal difference from the previous few games.

This is not good news.

A difference of 5 goals may not seem like much, but you have to remember that Manchester City is a standard possession-based attacking team.

In the next few games, Manchester United will have a large goal difference, but Manchester City will also have a large goal difference!

Thinking about this, the fans didn't seem so happy.

Tang Ye was the same.

Sitting on the bench in the locker room, Tang Ye browsed through the team's upcoming schedule.

On February 27th, Crystal Palace vs. Manchester United (Premier League Round 28).

March 2, Manchester United vs Southampton (Premier League Round 29).

March 6, Manchester United vs Juventus (Champions League Round of 16, second leg).

Manchester United have two more Premier League matches to play before the Champions League Round of 16.

Only one game remains in February.

"I think we need to be more patient."

Tang Ye said in a low voice.

Based on his analysis of the schedule, it's unrealistic for Manchester United to climb to the top of the Premier League before playing Juventus.

This is because Crystal Palace and Southampton have strong defenses, making it virtually impossible for Manchester United to close out the gap by five goals in two games.

"Compared to Manchester City, we still need to be more patient."

Upon hearing Tang Ye's words, Van der Gach suddenly spoke.

"Didn't last season prove it? Manchester City is really strong."

When the season reached its 10th round, Van der Gach made a prediction on the points needed to win the title based on data from Manchester City and Liverpool.

To win the Premier League title, Van der Gahr estimated that the total points after 38 rounds should be around 95.

But now it seems that this estimate was wrong.

Judging from the feedback from Manchester City, Manchester United, and Liverpool, 95 points are definitely not enough to win the Premier League title in the 2018-2019 season.

"Manchester City were 100 points last season."

Tang Ye cautioned, "I think we need to be at least 100% if we want to win the championship. Manchester City is too strong, and Liverpool is also in danger."

"Of course we are the best!"

Tang Ye chuckled and added.

"Tom is ready to win the title; he told me how to win the Premier League trophy."

Rodri pointed to Tang Ye beside him and began to recount what Tang Ye had told him before.

Whenever they were about to win the championship, the older brother Tom would always talk to the younger brother Rod about the championship trophy.

Tom would imagine the scene of the team winning the championship trophy, and then tell Rod how he would lift the trophy.

"Ready to win the championship? Haha, I can tell."

Van der Gach raised an eyebrow at Tang Ye: "I also really want the championship, but it won't be easy."

"We're only happy when something difficult is accomplished. If Manchester City and Liverpool were too weak, we wouldn't feel good about winning the title."

Tang Ye has his own set of views on the competition.

Manchester City and Liverpool are very strong, which is not good news for Manchester United who want to win the title.

However, if you really win the championship, then of course the stronger the opponent, the better.

Only when your opponents are strong enough can your championship be recognized and you receive the praise of the fans.

"Alright, alright, everyone, quiet down, everyone, quiet down."

After finishing his post-match interview, Ten Hag pushed open the door and went straight to the tactics board.

"I need to summarize the game, which should ideally be done later, but we have a very short time before our next game, so I hope to finish this today."

The locker room gradually quieted down, and Tang Ye leaned against the cabinet behind him, looking relaxed.

Unlike Tenhak, GG Master is not worried; he is the kind of guy who enjoys the joy of victory.

They beat Liverpool today and climbed to second place in the Premier League, so he won't be upset no matter what.

Tenhah began his narration.

I just received a report from the team doctor that Luke Shaw's condition is worse than we thought.

The team doctor predicts that this key Manchester United defender will be unable to play for at least the next 50 days, which is a huge blow to Manchester United.

Ten Hag originally planned for Manchester United's main attacking route to be on the left flank, but Luke Shaw's absence will greatly reduce the threat on Manchester United's left flank.

While Ashley Young is also very skilled, Luke Shaw and Rashford have a natural understanding that Ashley Young lacks.

"So, should we focus on the right flank from now on?"

Tang Ye blinked and asked.

"No, it's not"

Tenhah shook his head: "We can increase the frequency of attacks down the right flank, which is one way to deal with Luke's injury, but the main attacking route will still be down the left flank, and that won't change."

There were some conflicts between Ten Hag and Rashford last season, but Ten Hag has always recognized Rashford's ability.

In addition to Luke Shaw's injury, Ten Hag also discussed with the players the problems exposed in today's game.

When facing strong teams in the league and Champions League, Manchester United's problems with their backfield play become apparent.

The Manchester United coaching staff has been thinking about this issue for a long time.

The answer is that, due to the characteristics of the players and the specific nature of the tactics, Manchester United's backline ball distribution problem is unlikely to be solved this season.

However, Ten Hag also offered a solution.

When the team launches an attack, Manchester United can rightfully replace defense with offense.

As long as Manchester United can keep the opponent's attacking players pinned in their own half, they won't have any problems with passing the ball out.

When the team is on defense, Tang Ye needs to position himself further back.

Increasing the number of defensive players in the backcourt will alleviate minor problems.

Manchester United's strategies differ in attack and defense.

besides……

"It's February now, next month is March, and soon it will be May. The season will end in May."

Ten Hag shared his unique perspective on time with the Manchester United players.

"So, we don't have much time left. Only three months left. Well... strictly speaking, not three months anymore, just a little over two months. I hope we can stand together and work towards a common goal. Only in this way can we achieve truly great things. That's the logic."

"I know you all really want to win the Premier League title, the fans want it, you all want it. But what you don't know is that I want that title more than all of you combined."

Tang Ye's eyes widened as he listened to Teng Hahe speak.

He certainly didn't believe it, because he felt he was the one most eager to win the Premier League title. But the atmosphere didn't allow Tang Ye to interject.

"Guys, in my opinion, Manchester United has been stagnant for too long. This season is our chance to rise again. You've seen it yourselves; we have the ability to beat Manchester City and Liverpool head-on, which means we are the strongest team in the Premier League this season."

dong dong!

Tenhak tapped the tactics board.

"The strongest team in the league should win the league championship."

Wow!!!

Pah pah pah pah pah pah pah!

The Manchester United players in the locker room jumped up from their benches, shouting and applauding Ten Hag.

boom!
Tang Ye and A Lai collided.

"Champion!"

……

Manchester Evening News interviews De Bruyne:
"When Manchester United played Liverpool, we watched the game live in a bar. Before the match, I told Pep (Guardiola) that Manchester United would beat Liverpool. And it really did. The attacking dominance Manchester United displayed during the game once again changed my perception of this team. We are under a lot of pressure now, but as Pep said before, Manchester United and Liverpool will push Manchester City to keep going."

In addition to expressing his amazement at Manchester United, De Bruyne also explained Manchester City's goals for this season to reporters.

Winning the Premier League and the Champions League titles is a must.

There was also the FA Cup title, which was just a side effect.

De Bruyne's remarks were a bit arrogant, but surprisingly, when the interview video was posted on YouTube, no fans questioned De Bruyne's plans.

The Premier League, the Champions League, and the FA Cup – a total of three titles.

To be honest, Manchester City definitely has that ability this season!

I feel that the Premier League title is harder to win than the Champions League title this season. Maybe Liverpool should just focus on the Champions League and give up on the league.

Liverpool fans, don't be too pessimistic. Luke Shaw is injured, and Manchester United is significantly weakened. However, if you want to give up on the league, I would definitely support you.

It's not like Tom is injured; even if Luke Shaw is injured, Manchester United's attack is still intact.

[We suggest Manchester City and Liverpool give up on the league altogether; we want the Premier League title.]

[Manchester United and England fans here, it's been so long since I've seen a truly prestigious trophy!]

[I suggest you stop supporting England and start supporting Tom's China instead. China just won the Asian Cup.]

……

Snapped!
[De Bruyne's Standard Long Pass Lv5: Replica (Beyond Form)]

Proficiency: 3451/5000
[De Bruyne's 45-degree cross lv5: Replica (Beyond Form)]

Proficiency: 825/3500
While doing tactical training, also practice your skill proficiency.

The combination of a +6 broccoli and a +4 hair clay is really useful. In theory, a level 5 standard long pass would take at least one and a half to two seasons to reach level 6 if you only train and play matches.

But with the help of the props, before a full season is even over, Tang Ye's standard long pass is about to reach level 6.

According to Tang Ye's experience, when the passing skill is upgraded from level 5 to level 6, he will gain a lot of passing experience points. At that time, his passing attribute is very likely to break through from 92 to 93!

Snapped!
Amrabat launched a long pass, Tang Ye adjusted his position and controlled the ball with his chest, then passed it back.

I came to the sidelines of the court to play on my phone for a bit.

It's already February 26th, and there's only one day left until the next away game against Crystal Palace.

Swish!

Tang Ye rubbed his hands together, feeling somewhat excited.

He is looking forward to the team's third consecutive league win, and he is also looking forward to the upcoming March.

Temperatures in Manchester will gradually warm up in March.

And then there's something even more important.

March 4th is his 20th birthday, oh no, it's his 41st birthday.

He will then receive a new and important task from the system!
Tang Ye looked up at the sky, where gray clouds were slowly moving.

I closed my eyes and then opened them again, and suddenly it felt like I was using a telescope.

The clouds in the sky became clearer!

They are drifting at a very fast speed!

It's probably... 3 m/s or 4 m/s?

boom!
A ball flew over from the far end and hit Tang Ye directly in the face.

"Oh, Tom! What's wrong with you?!"

De Gea shouted.

Why couldn't Tang Ye react to the long pass flying straight at him?

"Oh, mine, mine!"

Shaking his head to pull himself out of his thoughts, Tang Ye quickly returned the ball to De Gea.

"Don't get distracted, Tom!"

Van der Gach cautioned, "You must pay attention to the ball flying right in front of you; you're a professional player."

"Yes, I know, Mr. Michel, I'm a professional player."

"I was just thinking about something else."

Tang Ye and Van der Gahr exchanged fist bumps.

"Are you... fantasizing about us winning the championship?"

Van der Gach squinted at Tang Ye with an expression that said, "I can imagine what you're doing."

"Oh no, Mr. Michel. It's not that important."

Tang Ye shook his head: "I was just looking at the clouds in the sky."

If you want to look at something, then you should focus all your attention on that thing.

"No matter what it is, as long as it requires you to use your eyes to see, you must stay focused," these were the words his great-grandfather said to him in a dream, and Tang Ye can still remember them clearly to this day.

……

The Sun – Following their win in the Manchester derby, Manchester United's odds of winning the title on betting websites have risen to second place, surpassing Liverpool and only behind Manchester City.

In addition to the news, The Sun also included what it claimed to be a "screenshot of odds from a betting website" in its article.

1. Manchester City, odds of 2.78.

2. Manchester United, odds 2.85.

3. Liverpool, odds 2.98.

The Romance of the Three Kingdoms is truly remarkable; after 27 rounds, the odds for the eldest brother and the third brother differed by only 0.2.

Then there's fourth place, Chelsea.

Chelsea's odds of winning the title are...

Good heavens, 1 to 14!

This is normal, of course.

The outcome of the Three Kingdoms' struggle for supremacy is still uncertain.

The only certainty is that when the three major powers are locked in a fierce battle, smaller countries have no chance to take advantage of the situation.

The Mirror – Manchester United’s odds of winning the league title are slowly rising, and they appear poised to overtake Manchester City in the standings before the rest of the table.

……

PS: I still have some pain from the urinary tract infection, but it's within my tolerance. There will be two more updates today.

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(End of this chapter)