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

Chapter 534: Will Manchester United be worn down by the congested schedule with Rashford injured?
"Paris!"

Boom!

"Paris!"

Bang bang bang!
"Paris is magique!"

The Paris fans' voices grew louder and louder.

The camera slowly moves upwards.

As you can see, some Manchester United fans in the stands had already left.

With 4 minutes of added time, only 3 minutes remain after kickoff.

In the past, Manchester United fans could have hoped for a last-minute winner, or for the arrival of Ferguson's era.

But this match is absolutely impossible.

With two key players absent, and core player Tang Ye also showing signs of fatigue, the team faced a difficult situation.

"Manchester United's situation right now can be described as extremely bad..."

Manchester United played a defensive game in the final minutes of the match.

Paris Saint-Germain's attack was fierce, but Manchester United's tight defensive tactics were quite effective, and Mbappe's final curling shot failed to find the net.

"Beep, beep beep!!!"

The match ended with a final score of 2-3.

Although Tang Ye scored twice with one goal and one penalty, Manchester United still failed to secure a victory at Old Trafford.

Pooh!
Tang Ye spat on the grass and squatted down.

Losing is fine, what's upsetting is that they should have won this game.

Rashford suddenly pulled a muscle and had to leave the field, and the Manchester United players' morale was completely crushed in that instant!
"Tom"

Greenwood walked over.

But instead of helping Tang Ye up from the ground, he squatted down as well.

If the master has already squatted down, how can little Mason continue to stand?
……

"Depend on!"

Ashley Young kicked a trash can at the entrance to the passageway, knocking it over.

The Manchester United full-back was extremely dissatisfied with his performance today, and he was also completely unable to accept the result of the match.

After losing the first leg at Old Trafford, how are they supposed to play the second leg?
"..."

Tang Ye was behind them, walking with Greenwood Rhodes.

Tang Ye remained silent for the moment, unsure of what to say.

"Tom!"

Mbappe ran over and gave Tang Ye a hug, and then the two exchanged jerseys at the tunnel entrance.

Knowing that Tang Ye was in a bad mood after the loss, Mbappe said a few words and then left.

Good luck in the next round!

Tang Ye held his Paris Saint-Germain jersey, which was soaked with sweat.

Rodri hesitated for a moment, then finally decided to speak: "To be honest, it's mainly my fault today..."

Rodri's performance wasn't so bad that he needed to apologize, but he could sense Tang Ye's frustration at trying so hard to score but still losing the game.

"It's alright, Rhodes."

Tang Ye stopped Rodri from continuing, and the Manchester United players walked together toward the dressing room.

Tang Ye originally wanted to go see Neymar, but after learning from Mbappe that Neymar had already left, he decided to go straight back to the locker room.

It was the same old story: after the loss, the Manchester United dressing room was very quiet, with only the sound of players packing their things audible.

Ten Hag hasn't returned yet, and Van der Gaghe is at a loss as to what to do. He can only frantically give Valencia and Ashley Young meaningful glances, hoping they will step forward and say something.

"We played terribly."

Finally, someone spoke up, but it wasn't Valencia or Ashley Young; it was Tang Ye, who was sitting next to Rashford.

Van der Gach was startled and quickly found a seat.

"We were in the lead, so all we had to do was play steadily and maintain our advantage. It wasn't actually that difficult."

Tang Ye was speaking, while the other players in the locker room kept their heads down.

"They keep attacking our right flank, so we defend the right flank, which should have solved the problem, but we just can't stop it. Ugh, every time I haven't even gotten there yet, Mbappe is already at the byline. You guys should at least stop him first... Ugh, at least give the guys in the middle or on the left time to come and support him!"

Tang Ye shrugged.

Whether it was because he was too tired from playing and needed to catch his breath, or because he was too angry, Tang Ye spoke incoherently, with his words interspersed with panting sounds.

"We should have won because we could have done better; we didn't play like this in the league before."

Tang Ye hadn't been this agitated in a long time, because he simply couldn't accept the result of this match.

"And we conceded another corner kick today. I don't know why we conceded it, it just felt really strange, and it seemed like the other team scored so easily."

Rodri placed his hand on Tang Ye's thigh, hoping to calm him down, but the latter didn't finish what he wanted to say: "We conceded two goals as soon as Marcus got injured, but Marcus wasn't really involved in defense anyway. The moment he went off, our whole team fell apart."

Just as Tang Ye said, Rashford doesn't actually participate much in defense.

As a result, Manchester United conceded two goals after Rashford was substituted.

Is Greenwood's defense inferior to Rashford's?

There is indeed a gap between Greenwood and Rashford, but it's not big enough for Paris to score two goals.

"I... huff..."

Swing your hands upwards, then lower them back down.

Tang Ye wanted to say something more, but his mind was in such a mess that he couldn't organize his thoughts properly anymore.

"I think Tom is absolutely right."

Valencia quickly expressed his support, and De Jong subsequently also expressed his support for Tang Ye.

But the locker room was only lively for a short while before it quickly quieted down again.

"Forehead……"

Van der Gach looked somewhat embarrassed and called out softly to Tang Ye, "You might need to go out and collect your MVP award."

"..."

Tang Ye shook his head: "I don't want it."

"...Okay then."

……

Dongqiudi Match Report: Tang Ye's penalty and long-range shot weren't enough to save the day; Manchester United lost 2-3 to Paris Saint-Germain at home in the first leg of the quarter-finals. Mbappe and Bernat scored, and Kimpembe headed in. (49238 comments)

A well-known medical YouTuber commented that Rashford's reaction suggests he likely has a strained thigh muscle. If it is indeed a muscle strain, Rashford will most likely miss the remainder of Manchester United's season.

Sky Sports – TY was named Player of the Year with a rating of 8.4, but he declined the award.

"Losing the game despite scoring two goals is unacceptable for Tom. According to fans at the stadium, Tang Ye told Greenwood before entering the tunnel that they should have done better. However, this is based on lip reading by fans, so its accuracy cannot be guaranteed."

Tang Ye's original intention was to refuse the award, which resulted in the temporary award platform on the field not being dismantled for more than 20 minutes.

"Tom, listen to me. I know you're feeling really bad and under a lot of pressure, but you need to accept this award, okay?"

Outside the players' tunnel, Van der Gach was trying to persuade Tang Ye, and it was certainly not an easy task.

"If you don't go, you'll offend Tom, the sponsor!"

"I know, but I don't care, okay? Mr. Michel, please don't try to persuade me."

"call……"

Taking a deep breath, Van der Gach placed both hands on Tang Ye's shoulders: "But you need to consider the team as a whole. If you don't accept the award, the team will be affected."

"..."

He doesn't care about the individual, but when it comes to the group, Tang Ye falls silent.

After several attempts to persuade him, Van der Gach finally succeeded in getting Tang Ye back on the field.

Click, click, click!

Tang Ye did not accept the award immediately, and upon returning, he was immediately surrounded by reporters.

The first question posed was directed at Tang Ye himself.

Why did the Manchester United midfielder refuse to accept the award immediately?

"I'm sorry, but I don't think I deserve this award because we lost the match. We should have won; we should have done better."

Tang Ye had no smile on his face, and the sound of countless camera shutters clicking was all around him.

After answering a few questions briefly, Tang Ye slipped away.

……

The Mirror – Ten Hag says Rashford’s situation is still uncertain.

Sky Sports commentator: If Rashford is out for the season, Manchester United's attacking line will drop a level overall.

"Manchester United were ultimately worn down by the congested schedule, and Liverpool and Manchester City will seize the opportunity to catch up. After two rounds, Manchester United's advantage will be gone."

The Times – As Manchester United players left the pitch after the match, fans photographed Marcus Rashford being helped onto the team bus by staff. The Manchester United striker's condition does not appear to be optimistic.

Don't mess with me, bro.

[Manchester United cost Paris Saint-Germain Neymar in one match, and Paris Saint-Germain lost Manchester United's future in one match.]

[One Luke Shaw was fine, but now with Rashford, Manchester United's left flank is practically gone?]

It doesn't look too serious; it's just a minor strain.

[A minor strain? Dude, there's only one month left in the season. By the time Rashford recovers in June, the season will be over.]

[I remember we were playing Manchester City at the end of the month...] Fans are now completely baffled.

Losing a Champions League quarter-final is okay, after all, there's always the second leg if you lose the first.

But this match cost Manchester United Rashford, and that's the problem.

Losing one Rashford means Manchester United won't be able to find a second one!

……

"The rain that blocks your way is like snowflakes; are you cold as you weep?"

"..."

"Even after being transferred, I'm not afraid, so why am I still so worried..."

It was already 11 or 12 o'clock when the game ended, and it was late at night when they returned to the base. Tang Ye had earphones in his ears and his forehead was pressed against the window.

As the bus drove over the rough road, Tang Ye's head would shake along with the windows.

The bus was quiet; no players were talking.

It's certainly frustrating to lose, but the silence of the Manchester United players is mainly due to Rashford.

Fans and reporters may not know the details of Rashford's situation, but the players within the Manchester United team know it all too well.

Marcus Rashford will miss the remainder of Manchester United's season due to a thigh muscle strain.

Rhodes placed his hand on Tang Ye's thigh, and the latter turned his head. Rhodes then pointed to his own ear.

Tang Ye knew what Rodri meant, so he took the earphones off his ears, put the right earphone into his own right ear, and handed the left earphone to Rodri.

Rodri put on his headphones.

Everyone deserves a helping hand, but an embrace alone cannot make you truly possess them.

"To gain something, you must first understand how to accept loss."

"..."

……

Manchester United have announced that Marcus Rashford has suffered a right quadriceps strain and is expected to be sidelined for 50 days, missing the remainder of the season.

The news from Manchester United's official website was quickly reposted by major newspapers, and Dongqiudi (a popular Chinese sports website) even placed it directly under the top news item.

The pinned post was about Tang Ye refusing to accept his award after the match, followed by news of Rashford's season-ending injury.

Luke Shaw, Rojo, and now Rashford.

Manchester United's number of injured players has increased from two to three.

Three wounded don't seem like many people.

But you should know that all three injured Manchester United players are out for the rest of the season!

……

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand: Ten Hag should have rested Marcus Rashford in the FA Cup semi-final.

"I think Rashford's injury was a mistake by the Manchester United coaching staff, because coaches are not players, and they may overestimate a player's ability to recover."

Ferdinand spoke to Sky Sports reporters about his experience as a professional player.

Players themselves have a direct sense of their physical condition, especially when they are fatigued.

Ferdinand speculated that Rashford must have sensed his poor physical condition beforehand, but for some reason, the England striker did not inform the coaching staff.

Regardless, Manchester United have a total of 8 games in April, and the coaching staff should keep a close eye on the players' physical condition.

……

night.

Tang Ye stood alone on the balcony of his apartment.

Because he lived on a high floor, Tang Ye could see the Manchester night view from his balcony.

A chilly wind blew by, and Tang Ye shivered, quickly retreating back into his room to hide.

Falling asleep based on one's own memory should be a very easy thing, but for some reason, Tang Ye just couldn't fall asleep this time.

It is already...

Yes, it's 2 a.m.

Being awake at this hour is definitely not a good thing for a professional player.

But there's nothing I can do; I just can't sleep.

On the afternoon of the second day, Tang Ye finally woke up.

"I feel like I did something wrong yesterday, Rhodes. What do you think?"

Not very confident in his own judgment, Tang Ye hoped that Rodri could give him some advice.

"What did you do wrong? What do you mean?"

Rodri leaned back on the sofa.

The television was broadcasting Sky Sports, showing the remaining Manchester United matches for April, with two anchors commenting on the schedule.

"I shouldn't have said those things after yesterday's game. Um... Rod, I feel I should have waited a few days after the game to say them, because it would have been pointless then, the game would be over."

"Maybe"

Rhodes sat away from the back of the sofa, his elbows resting on his thighs, seemingly unconcerned about the matter.

"Let Tom be in the past, there's no point in thinking about it now. Besides, I think it might have been better to say what was said back then... um, I mean, it would have been more effective."

"I think so. I feel like we discovered this problem before: we can't defend against really fast strikers, but we haven't done anything about it."

To be honest, Tang Ye now regrets it a bit. When the team encountered these situations in the league, Manchester United players and coaches should have tried to solve the problem.

But the people in Manchester United were only thinking about getting points and how to deal with each opponent in the next game, rather than targeting the team's weaknesses, so the issue of defending the flanks was put on hold.

"There's nothing we can do about it..."

Rodri sighed.

Manchester United needs a superstar player with absolute authority.

While Ashley Young and Valencia have some influence, they are not top-tier players, so they are not highly regarded by Manchester United players, and their words sometimes have little effect.

Tang Ye is a superstar.

The problem is that Manchester United's superstar is too young and has too good a temper, which makes it difficult for Manchester United to find a unified solution when problems arise.

Rodri offered a few words of comfort, indicating that Tang Ye shouldn't dwell on the matter.

There's no point in dwelling on it any longer.

Seeing that Tang Ye was still deep in thought, Luo Deli turned up the TV volume, and the two of them started watching TV.

"Yes, without a doubt, Rashford's injury has had a huge impact on Manchester United."

"We previously stated that Manchester City and Liverpool both had numerous injured players due to the congested schedule, but Manchester United did not."

"It now seems that it wasn't that Manchester United didn't have players, but rather that their injuries came in relatively late."

The host said.

The first part presents objective facts, followed by the opinions of the two anchors.

"Actually, Manchester United can afford to lose anyone, but Rashford is absolutely untouchable. Only Rashford can link up with Tom for quick counter-attacks; Ziyech doesn't have Rashford's speed, and his coordination with Tom isn't good enough."

"That's right, so we say Rashford's absence will have a big impact on Manchester United."

"Manchester United are still leading in the Premier League, with a lead over Manchester City and Liverpool in both points and goal difference. Now things have changed a bit, Jason, do you still think Manchester United will win the title?"

"I……"

Instead of giving a direct answer, the anchor named Jensen asked another anchor for their opinion.

"I still favor Manchester United, because there are only a few games left, and it will be very difficult for them to overtake their lead."

I favor Manchester City and Liverpool.

After another host gave his answer, Jason also shared his opinion.

"Manchester United have indeed had a phenomenal win rate in the Premier League this season, but you have to understand that their win rate mainly relied on the long passing combinations between Donny and Rashford, and they no longer have that advantage."

"They will have a very difficult few games in the next few Premier League matches, including the Champions League and FA Cup."

"And Lawrence, I have something to tell you."

"Manchester United and Manchester City still have a derby to play this season, in just two weeks! Haha... Do you still think Manchester United can win the title?"

"..."

Rodley looked at Tang Ye in front of the television, and Tang Ye was also looking at Rodley.

"Rhodes, you shouldn't have chosen this show..."

Tang Ye was initially quite relaxed after waking up, but a live broadcast on Sky Sports made him tense again.

Sky Sports reminded Manchester United players via live broadcast that they have another Manchester derby to play at the end of April.

Snapped!
Rhodes turned off the TV, and Tang Ye's voice came from beside him: "So what should we do now, Rhodes?"

When Tang Ye encountered problems, he would always ask his younger brother Luo De for solutions, because his younger brother was always very reliable.

But even Rhodes couldn't provide an answer this time.

……

Three days after the end of the competition, Tang Ye and Rodri were on their way to the base.

Ding!
The phone rang.

This is a message from Bohr.

……

PS: One more chapter to come.

(End of this chapter)