Manchester United

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Manchester United (曼联)
Alias(es)	United; Red Devils
Affiliation	Premier League; domestic English cup competitions; UEFA Champions League
Occupation/Role	Professional football club; Tang Ye's primary club for much of the story
Home Ground	Old Trafford
Manager	Erik ten Hag
Ownership	Glazer family
Status	Active; later enters a decline following Tang Ye's departure and ownership-related financial problems 928
First Appearance	Chapter 265

Background and History

Ten Hag rebuild

Manchester United begin the story under Erik ten Hag, who structures the side around Tang Ye after his high-profile arrival. The club opens the season with a 2–0 home win over West Ham United, scored by Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Anthony Martial. Tang Ye attracts ridicule for falling asleep during the match, intensifying scrutiny of his transfer fee. 265

Ten Hag makes Tang Ye a central attacking midfielder while adapting Mkhitaryan into a deeper role. The arrangement is presented as a tactical decision for the whole team rather than simple favoritism toward Tang Ye. 266 Tang Ye's competitive debut for the club comes against Swansea City, where he registers a hat-trick of assists. 295

The side initially alternates between a 4-2-3-1 and Ten Hag's experimental 4-3-1-2. In the latter, Tang Ye plays at the apex of an inverted triangle with Marcus Rashford and Mkhitaryan, often functioning as a false nine. 299 By the middle of the campaign, Tang Ye is described as the club's indispensable core playmaker in both systems, while also leading Premier League midfielders in goals and assists. 335

Manchester United's first Champions League run under this setup ends in a quarterfinal loss to Juventus, with poor set-piece defending identified as a decisive weakness. 373

Return to the Premier League summit

In the 2018–19 Premier League season, Manchester United outlast Manchester City and Liverpool in a three-way title race. They secure their first league title in six years and finish with a historic 103 points. 542 544

The following summer, the club strengthens with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Ousmane Dembélé. Alongside Tang Ye, Rodri, and Frenkie de Jong form a midfield valued at a combined €400 million. 552 553 Tang Ye's injury delays the full midfield's return early in the next season, but the club remains in contention before his comeback. 553 555

Manchester United win the EFL Cup by defeating Aston Villa 2–0; Dembélé scores the opener and Tang Ye assists Rashford for the second. Tang Ye, named first-team captain, lifts the trophy first. 601 The club subsequently retains the Premier League title and wins the FA Cup, completing a domestic treble. 610 613

European champions and dynasty

Manchester United win the Champions League in 2020, forming the basis of the squad honored by supporters in later chants. 758 After Tang Ye returns from a season-long loan at Borussia Dortmund, the club adds Cristiano Ronaldo and continues to build around a star-heavy midfield and attack. 738 739

During the 2021–22 season, United establish a new Premier League single-season points record with 103 points; they have already reached 102 points after 36 rounds. 824 They then win the Champions League and complete a treble. 833 837

The club defeats Al Hilal 6–2 in the Club World Cup final, with Harry Kane scoring his first Manchester United hat-trick. 903 Manchester United later complete a sextuple-winning season, leading media and fans to characterize the 2019–2023 period as the club's “dynasty” era. 911

Post-Tang Ye decline

After Tang Ye's departure, the Glazer family shift debts onto Manchester United through shell companies and leverage. The resulting €500 million loss creates Financial Fair Play concerns and prevents major reinvestment despite the club's available resources. 928

The weakened side falls behind in the Premier League, misses the Champions League final, and is eliminated by Liverpool in the Champions League quarterfinals. Supporters respond with large-scale anti-Glazer protests. 928

Tactical Profile

Period	Tactical characteristics
Early Ten Hag era	Used 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-1-2 systems, with Tang Ye given freedom to create from attacking midfield or as a false nine. 299 335
Tang Ye-centered attack	The team's primary attacking routes are described simply as Tang Ye passing to Rashford, Haller, or Ziyech; this makes the midfield its main source of both creation and progression. 523
Controlled opening phases	United often begin cautiously while Tang Ye studies the opponent's rhythm, then increase their attacking intensity once the midfield identifies openings. 433
Counterattacking wings	Rashford and Dembélé provide pace on either flank, allowing United to punish opponents whose fullbacks advance too far. 558 568
High-pressure identity	By the 2021–22 season, the side's philosophy is defined as high-pressure pressing: it does not require possession, but seeks to impose constant physical and tactical pressure. 761

Key Personnel

• Erik ten Hag — Manager who builds the tactical system around Tang Ye, experiments with formations, and leads the club through league titles, domestic cups, Champions League success, and the sextuple. 266 299 610 906 911
• Tang Ye — Long-term midfield focal point, captain, principal playmaker, and leading figure of the club's revival. He remains committed to winning trophies with United despite repeated transfer approaches before eventually leaving. 507 526 601 928
• Rodri — Tang Ye's close midfield partner and later Manchester United captain; forms part of the club's high-value midfield core with Tang Ye and de Jong. 552 553 928
• Frenkie de Jong — Ball-carrying midfielder who supports Tang Ye's attacks while Rodri anchors the team defensively. 447
• Marcus Rashford — Key forward and Tang Ye's frequent passing target; his pace and injury status can significantly affect United's title prospects. 523 533
• Ousmane Dembélé — Major right-wing signing whose speed complements Rashford and whose performances contribute to the club's trophy-winning sides. 552 558 601
• Cristiano Ronaldo — Returns to Manchester United after Tang Ye's loan spell. His role creates occasional tension with Ten Hag, but he combines effectively with Tang Ye in several major matches. 739 797 799
• Glazer family — Owners whose cost-cutting, transfer limitations, and later debt transfer provoke sustained supporter anger. 553 797 928

Honours

Competition	Achievement	Notes
Premier League	Champions	Won the 2018–19 title with 103 points, ending a six-year title drought. 542 544
Premier League	Champions	Won a second consecutive title in 2019–20. 610
EFL Cup	Champions	Defeated Aston Villa 2–0 in the final. 601
FA Cup	Champions	Won alongside the 2019–20 league title and EFL Cup. 610 613
UEFA Champions League	Champions	Won in 2020; later won again as part of a treble. 758 837
FIFA Club World Cup	Champions	Defeated Al Hilal 6–2 in the final. 903
Six trophies in one season	Sextuple	Achieved during the club's dynasty period. 911

Supporters and Culture

• Fans regularly sing “Glory, Glory, Man United” and other club chants; Tang Ye learns the anthem after repeatedly hearing it at Old Trafford. 309
• Supporters create a dedicated chant for the 2020 Champions League-winning core, praising Tang Ye's passing and Rodri's role as his midfield partner. 758
• The club's supporters organize protests against ticket scalpers and price increases before a North West Derby. 510
• During the later decline, fans chant “Glazer Out!” and accuse the owners of draining the club's resources. 928
• Manchester United players, including Tang Ye, Rashford, Haller, and Rodri, collectively donate ¥1.24 million toward reconstruction after the Mojiang, Yunnan earthquake. 433
• The squad records a New Year video in which players deliver greetings in Chinese, reflecting the club's connection with its Chinese fanbase. 583

Trivia

• Tang Ye's return from loan and Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival each drive major increases in Manchester United's share price; by August 10, the club's stock reaches $32 per share. 738
• Manchester United's 2021–22 starting XI is valued at €1.125 billion ahead of a North West Derby against Liverpool, averaging more than €100 million per player. 758
• During the club's strongest years, critics characterize Manchester United as unusually dependent on its midfield, with the midfield responsible for both its creative play and much of its defensive structure. 523 548