Chapter Summaries

Manchester United drew Real Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16, while Tang Ye got into a viral argument defending Dortmund coach Escribá before claiming his account had been hacked. He then won a fourth consecutive Asian Ballon d'Or and came off the bench to help Manchester United beat Watford 2–0.

• Manchester United drew Real Madrid, and Tang Ye reassured Ousmane Dembélé while Zidane worried about the matchup and Eden Hazard's injury.
• Tang Ye argued with Borussia Dortmund fan Dean over Ferran Escribá's coaching, and the ensuing online controversy escalated until the post disappeared.
• Tang Ye said his account had been hacked, then admitted to Rodri that he had argued with Dean using his main account.
• The Asian Football Confederation announced Tang Ye as the 2019 Asian Ballon d'Or winner, marking his fourth consecutive award.
• After Marcus Rashford scored against Watford, Tang Ye replaced him and helped create the attack that led to Frenkie de Jong's goal and Manchester United's 2–0 win.

Manchester United entered 2020 three points ahead of Liverpool, while Tang Ye learned that Ashley Young might leave and read news about pneumonia cases in Wuhan. Against Arsenal, Tang Ye scored a direct free kick to give Manchester United an early lead.

• Manchester United celebrated Tang Ye winning the Premier League Player of the Month award and being nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award.
• At breakfast, Ashley Young told his teammates he expected to join Inter Milan, while Mata revealed that Rojo would likely be loaned out.
• Erik ten Hag told the team they would move toward a back-three system, and Tang Ye read a report about 27 unexplained pneumonia cases in Wuhan.
• Manchester United released a New Year's Day greeting video featuring Tang Ye and his teammates, then announced that McTominay would miss the Arsenal match with a muscle strain.
• In the match against Arsenal, Tang Ye won a direct free kick after Özil fouled him, then scored to put Manchester United ahead 1-0 in the 17th minute.

Manchester United led Arsenal 2–1 at halftime after Tang Ye scored twice, then Tang Ye took Ashley Young’s advice about his duties as captain. He later scored a spectacular chip from behind near halfway to complete his hat-trick and put Manchester United 3–1 ahead.

• Tang Ye finished a move involving Dembélé and Haller with a low shot, giving Manchester United a 2–0 lead over Arsenal.
• Arsenal’s Pepe scored before halftime, and Ashley Young told Tang Ye to support teammates during confrontations and lead the team on the pitch.
• Manchester United thought Rodri had scored from Tang Ye’s cross, but VAR ruled the goal offside.
• After de Gea’s misplaced long pass gave Arsenal possession, Tang Ye chipped Leno from behind near halfway to complete his hat-trick and make it 3–1.
• Tang Ye celebrated with his teammates and the home supporters as the commentators described Manchester United as a stronger side than Arsenal.

After Manchester United’s 3-1 win over Arsenal, the club weighed winter transfers while Tottenham’s leaked scouting report made Bruno Fernandes a global sensation. Ashley Young reconsidered his move to Inter Milan and asked Erik ten Hag to let him stay for his final half-season without wages, determined to leave Carrington with his head held high.

• Erik ten Hag said Manchester United aimed to challenge for both the Premier League and Champions League, while reports linked Ashley Young with Inter Milan and listed possible defensive signings.
• A leaked Tottenham Hotspur scout report praised Bruno Fernandes’s scoring and creativity, revealed TY as his template, and caused widespread attention and a steep rise in Sporting CP’s asking price.
• Mitchell van der Gaag asked Tang Ye what he thought of Fernandes, and Tang Ye said Fernandes was limited to his right foot and was not as strong as him.
• Tang Ye asked Ashley Young to consider staying at Manchester United and winning the Champions League before leaving, but Young initially said Inter Milan suited him better.
• After wrestling with his decision, Ashley Young returned to Erik ten Hag and offered to play out his final half-season without wages.
• Erik ten Hag learned Young wanted to stay, and Young said he wanted to leave Carrington with his head held high.

Manchester United beat Manchester City 2–1 in the first leg of the EFL Cup semifinal, with Tang Ye setting up Mason Greenwood’s goal. Tang Ye was preparing to travel to Los Angeles for the Laureus ceremony, while reports suggested Manchester United might not sign anyone in January and Apple was close to a major deal with him.

• Boer and Erik ten Hag told Tang Ye he had to attend the Laureus ceremony in Los Angeles, despite his concerns about Manchester United’s packed January schedule.
• Aaron Wan-Bissaka scored in the 51st minute to give Manchester United a 1–0 lead over Manchester City.
• Tang Ye helped create Greenwood’s chance, then feinted past Fernandinho and set Greenwood up to score Manchester United’s second goal.
• Manchester United beat Manchester City 2–1, and Tang Ye praised Greenwood’s talent and potential as a striker after the match.
• Romano reported that Manchester United might make no winter signings after talks over Kieran Trippier appeared to fall through.
• Apple featured Tang Ye in an Instagram post, and ESPN reported that he was close to signing a 55-million-dollar contract with the company.

Tang Ye improved his shooting and physicality, filmed an Apple commercial with Kobe Bryant, and jointly won the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award with Lewis Hamilton. He then traveled with Kobe to support the Mamba Sports Foundation and watch Gianna’s basketball game.

• Tang Ye’s shooting and physicality attributes increased, while Erik ten Hag and Mitchell van der Gaag discussed his training priorities and Liverpool’s threat.
• Tang Ye and Kobe Bryant filmed an Apple commercial, where Tang Ye dunked on a lowered hoop after struggling to make a three-pointer.
• Tang Ye and Lewis Hamilton jointly received the 2020 Laureus Sportsman of the Year award, and Mercedes denied rumors that Tang Ye would drive an F1 car.
• Tang Ye planned to donate to Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Sports Foundation and agreed to attend Gianna’s basketball game.
• Kobe Bryant introduced Tang Ye to pilot Ara Zobayan as their group prepared to fly to the foundation’s basketball event.

Tang Ye’s habitual gum-chewing spoiled an Apple commercial with Kobe Bryant, forcing them to cancel a charity game and reshoot the footage. After apologizing and promising to return in the summer, Tang Ye flew back to Carrington to prepare for Manchester United’s North West Derby against Liverpool.

• Tang Ye realized he had appeared chewing gum in the commercial and apologized as Kobe Bryant canceled their trip to Gianna’s charity event so they could reshoot it.
• Tang Ye and Kobe finished filming at Apple’s Los Angeles branch, and Tang Ye promised to return in the summer to play in Kobe’s charity game.
• The newspapers reported Tang Ye’s apology and Kobe’s $27,000 cancellation penalty, which Kobe refused to let Tang Ye pay.
• After a fifteen-hour flight, Tang Ye returned to Carrington, where Ousmane Dembélé teased him about the gum and bragged that his shooting had improved.

Manchester United struggled against Liverpool’s pressing at Anfield, and Tang Ye received a yellow card after a scuffle with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Tang Ye later broke past Jordan Henderson and sent a through ball to Ousmane Dembélé, leaving the attack poised near Liverpool’s penalty area.

• Liverpool pressed Manchester United aggressively from the opening whistle, forcing David de Gea to clear the ball out of play and dominating possession.
• Tang Ye won the ball during a chaotic sequence, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain barged him over the touchline and the two players shoved each other.
• The referee showed Tang Ye a yellow card, and Marcus Rashford calmed him before he could argue further.
• Erik ten Hag suspected Klopp had devised a plan to provoke Manchester United players into receiving cards.
• Tang Ye shook off Jordan Henderson and played a through ball toward Ousmane Dembélé near the penalty area.

Liverpool took a first-half lead through Mohamed Salah after Alisson denied Tang Ye, and Manchester United struggled to break through Liverpool’s compact defense. Erik ten Hag adjusted the attack at halftime, but Amrabat conceded a handball penalty in the 56th minute, leaving Salah to take the kick with Liverpool poised to extend their lead.

• Alisson saved Tang Ye’s powerful shot, and Wijnaldum was booked for diving as the first half remained scoreless.
• Salah finished Mané’s pass in the 33rd minute to put Liverpool ahead, and Tang Ye scolded Wan-Bissaka for ignoring his instructions.
• Manchester United pressed late in the half, but Van Dijk blocked Rodri’s shot and Liverpool went into halftime leading 1-0.
• Ten Hag urged Manchester United to attack through the middle and switch play, then Tang Ye rallied his teammates before the second half.
• Amrabat replaced de Jong and helped Manchester United regain some control, but his handball while blocking Firmino’s header gave Liverpool a penalty in the 56th minute.
• Salah stepped up to take the penalty as Liverpool’s supporters anticipated a second goal.

Manchester United came back from 0-2 down to draw 3-3 with Liverpool in the North West Derby, with Tang Ye scoring a free kick and Ziyech equalizing in stoppage time. After the match, Erik ten Hag defended Tang Ye’s suitability as captain and said Manchester United believed they could reach the EFL Cup final.

• After Salah’s penalty put Liverpool 2-0 ahead, Tang Ye urged Amrabat and his teammates to keep attacking and sent Dembélé forward to press.
• Tang Ye scored a free kick to make it 1-2, then Dembélé equalized after Liverpool’s defense gave the ball away under pressure.
• Van Dijk headed Liverpool back in front, making it 3-2 and prompting Jürgen Klopp to celebrate beneath the stands.
• In the 92nd minute, Rashford’s shot hit the post and Ziyech scored the rebound to secure a 3-3 draw for Manchester United.
• At the press conference, Erik ten Hag defended Tang Ye’s captaincy and said Manchester United aimed to beat Manchester City in the EFL Cup semi-final.

Manchester United led Manchester City 2-0 at halftime after Tang Ye set up Marcus Rashford, but Kevin De Bruyne’s direct free kick cut the deficit to 2-1 in the second half. Manchester City found renewed hope as they searched for a comeback.

• Pep Guardiola urged Manchester City to press after conceding, but Tang Ye kept reading their passes and Wan-Bissaka repeatedly stopped their attacks.
• Wan-Bissaka started a counterattack and passed to Tang Ye, who evaded Kyle Walker and assisted Rashford’s goal to make it 2-0.
• Guardiola told his players at halftime to switch the ball between the wings to avoid Tang Ye’s pressure.
• Wan-Bissaka dribbled into the penalty area but refused to shoot, and Otamendi cleared the ball.
• Wan-Bissaka fouled De Bruyne near the penalty area, and De Bruyne scored directly from the free kick to make it 2-1.

Manchester United beat Manchester City 3-1 to advance to the EFL Cup final 5-2 on aggregate, though Rodri suffered an injury expected to keep him out for about a month. The chapter ends with Tang Ye worrying about the rapidly spreading COVID-19 outbreak as Manchester United prepare to face Aston Villa at Wembley.

• Tang Ye helped Manchester United hold off Manchester City, but Rodri was injured in a challenge by Kyle Walker and had to leave the match.
• Tang Ye assisted Matthijs de Ligt's goal from a corner, completing his assist hat trick as Manchester United won 3-1 and advanced 5-2 on aggregate.
• Tang Ye confronted Kyle Walker in the tunnel after the match, and De Bruyne apologized on Walker's behalf before Riyad Mahrez led Walker away.
• Manchester United's doctor told Mitchell van der Gaag that Rodri could be out for nearly a month, with the Champions League tie against Real Madrid approaching.
• The English FA confirmed Manchester United would face Aston Villa in the EFL Cup final at Wembley on March 2.
• After seeing reports of more than 13,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases, Tang Ye warned his teammates that the outbreak could become serious and urged caution around crowds.

Manchester United defeated Wolverhampton Wanderers and prepared for upcoming matches against Chelsea and Real Madrid while Tang Ye supported a charity fundraiser for epidemic-hit regions. The chapter ended with Tang Ye’s market value rising to a record €240 million, placing him above Mbappé and every other player.

• Tang Ye assisted Dembélé’s winning goal as Manchester United came back to beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2 and stayed top of the Premier League.
• Tang Ye told reporters he would help people in his hometown of Guangdong and discussed a charity event organized by Manchester United and Marcus Rashford.
• Erik ten Hag put Tang Ye through extra endurance training, where Tang Ye lost a sprint contest to Dembélé but increased his endurance from 80 to 81.
• Manchester United and Manchester City joined the Premier League in donating €500,000 to support areas in China affected by the epidemic.
• Real Madrid reported that Marco Asensio would miss the Champions League match against Manchester United and that Eden Hazard was unlikely to play.
• Transfermarkt valued Tang Ye at a record €240 million, ahead of Mbappé at €200 million.

Chelsea hosted Manchester United after heavy rain delayed the match by an hour, and Ousmane Dembélé scored early to put the visitors ahead. Chelsea struggled to break through, and their apparent equalizer was ruled out for offside, leaving Manchester United leading.

• Tang Ye and Ousmane Dembélé joked about Dembélé’s former 150 million euro market value, and Dembélé vowed to return to that peak.
• Heavy rain and standing water postponed Chelsea’s home match against Manchester United by an hour, and Frank Lampard waited for the pitch to be cleared.
• Tang Ye set up Dembélé, who scored in the fifth minute and celebrated with him as Manchester United took a 1–0 lead.
• Tang Ye slipped during a Chelsea attack, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka stopped William and Manchester United’s defense held firm.
• Chelsea created a chance through Kanté, William, and Mateo Kovačić, but David de Gea saved Kovačić’s shot.
• César Azpilicueta headed the ball across for Pedro to score, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Manchester United beat Chelsea 4:1 in a match disrupted by torrential rain, with Tang Ye scoring a penalty and helping lead the attack. After the victory, Tang Ye and Dembélé discussed their form and the upcoming Champions League round-of-sixteen clash against Real Madrid.

• Taylor disallowed Chelsea's goal, and Dembélé scored twice to give Manchester United a 2:0 first-half lead.
• Chelsea brought on Giroud after halftime as torrential rain and lightning forced the match to be suspended for thirty minutes.
• McTominay won a penalty, and Tang Ye scored to make it 3:0 before the weather delay.
• Kanté set up Olivier Giroud to score for Chelsea, but Manchester United went on to win 4:1, with Tang Ye recording a goal and two assists.
• Tang Ye and Dembélé attended the press conference, where Tang Ye spoke about last season's Champions League defeat and the coming match against Real Madrid.

Manchester United faced Real Madrid in a high-profile Champions League Round of 16 match despite Rodri’s absence, and Tang Ye helped lead the team through an intense opening spell. Tang Ye scored from a direct free kick in the 19th minute to give Manchester United the lead at the Bernabéu.

• Jamie Carragher mocked Manchester United’s Champions League injury curse, while Ferdinand insisted his former club could still beat Real Madrid without Rodri.
• Tang Ye signed autographs for Barcelona fans in Madrid, who urged him to defeat Real Madrid, then joked with Ousmane Dembélé and Luka Modrić in the tunnel.
• Real Madrid started aggressively, but Eric Bailly cleared Modrić’s cross after Benzema challenged for it in the box.
• Tang Ye helped Manchester United win the ball, and the team launched an attack that ended with Courtois saving Tang Ye’s long-range shot and Dembélé winning a dangerous free kick.
• Kroos received a yellow card for a tactical foul, and Rashford was booked for protesting the referee’s placement of the free-kick spot.
• Rashford feinted over the ball, and Tang Ye scored directly past Courtois in the 19th minute to put Manchester United ahead.

Tang Ye helped Manchester United take a 1–0 lead over Real Madrid, but Real Madrid’s high press exposed United’s problems without Rodri. After Manchester United changed formation at halftime, Tang Ye scored a surprise Rabona to extend the lead.

• Tang Ye scored from a direct free kick after Rashford’s feint disrupted Real Madrid’s wall, putting Manchester United ahead 1–0.
• David de Gea made two rapid saves to deny Vinícius Júnior and Benzema, while the referee later rejected Manchester United’s penalty appeal and booked Tang Ye for protesting.
• Real Madrid pressed high and trapped Manchester United in their own half, prompting Tang Ye to advise McTominay on coordinating his runs.
• Ten Hag replaced Rashford with Amrabat at halftime, shifting Manchester United to a 4-3-1-2 formation to add another defensive midfielder.
• Tang Ye combined with Dembélé and Martial, then beat Real Madrid’s defense with a sudden Rabona strike to score.

Tang Ye scored twice as Manchester United beat Real Madrid 2–1 away in the Champions League first leg, but Anthony Martial suffered a serious knee injury and Casemiro was sent off. After Manchester United beat Watford and Tang Ye’s investment task progressed, he discussed his heading ability with Mitchell van der Gaag.

• Tang Ye scored Manchester United’s second goal against Real Madrid, completed his mission, and began investing the Napoli Chest toward its Superstar upgrade.
• Anthony Martial injured his knee and left the match, while Sergio Ramos scored for Real Madrid to make it 2–1.
• Tang Ye drew a second yellow card for Casemiro, then missed a late shot as the match ended with Manchester United leading by one goal.
• Tang Ye criticized Manchester United’s panicked play in the dressing room, and the club later confirmed Martial had meniscus damage.
• Manchester United beat Watford 4–1, and Tang Ye’s assist task advanced to 1/5 as his heading attribute increased.
• Mitchell van der Gaag asked whether Tang Ye’s talent came from rarely heading the ball, and Tang Ye reminded him that he had scored headers before.

Manchester United faced Aston Villa in the EFL Cup final, and Tang Ye broke the deadlock with a penalty before the match was interrupted by a pitch invader. In the second half, Manchester United built another attack through Tang Ye and Rashford, leaving the score of the developing move unresolved.

• Manchester United opened the final with a rapid attack, but Luke Shaw's shot was saved and the team failed to score during its early pressure.
• Tang Ye converted a penalty in the 34th minute after Rashford was fouled in the box, putting Manchester United ahead 1–0.
• A pitch invader ran onto the field, hugged Tang Ye, and took photos with him before security caught and carried him away.
• Manchester United reached halftime with a 1–0 lead, and Erik ten Hag refocused the players after they discussed the invader.
• Tang Ye disrupted Aston Villa's attempt to break through Grealish, then helped launch a counterattack with Rashford and Dembélé.
• Rashford volleyed Haller's pass toward goal as Manchester United continued its attack in the second half.

Manchester United defeated Aston Villa 2-0 to win the 2019-20 EFL Cup, with Tang Ye lifting the trophy as captain and Ousmane Dembélé named the final MVP. After the celebrations, Tang Ye discussed Manchester United’s ambitions and the approaching Champions League tie, while growing concerns about the outbreak raised questions about whether the season would continue.

• Marcus Rashford scored for Manchester United, and an Aston Villa goal was ruled offside before the final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory.
• Tang Ye celebrated with Dembélé and Rodri, consoled Jack Grealish, and watched Dembélé receive the final MVP award.
• Erik ten Hag led Manchester United to receive their medals, then handed the trophy to captain Tang Ye, who lifted it before passing it to Luke Shaw.
• Ten Hag told reporters that Manchester United had effectively reserved the EFL Cup and said the club could also win the Premier League, Champions League, or FA Cup.
• Tang Ye said Manchester United would fight for more trophies, acknowledged fears about the Champions League curse, and said it was too early to discuss winning the Ballon d’Or again.
• Fans and media debated whether the outbreak would force the Premier League to suspend the season, while the league announced Tang Ye as its Player of the Month for February.