novelraw Chapter 865 599: Teammates Chickened Out, Tang Long: "Put Me In, I'll Teach Manchester United a Lesson.
Chapter 865 599: Teammates Chickened Out, Tang Long: "Put Me In, I'll Teach Manchester United a Lesson.
The word of a man is his bond, and Tang Long is determined to fulfill his promise of scoring as many goals as he has attempts.
Thus, he committed to Gracie on the spot that he would achieve a hat-trick in the FA Cup final against Manchester United.
Unaware of the events between Tang Long and Dilata a couple of nights before, Gracie assumed Tang Long's promise was just banter, and didn't take it to heart. She tried to comfort him, advising him not to push too hard and to avoid injury before the Champions League final.
But since Tang Long has made his declaration, he is determined to make it happen!
To prepare, the day before the FA Cup final against Manchester United, he resolutely declined Dilata's invitation.
"Don't be like that, it's not proper. As a footballer, I must be disciplined."
After all, such distractions are never good in excess; they inevitably divert some player focus. Tang Long figured that scoring three goals against Manchester United would suffice.
He is already the top scorer in the many rounds of the FA Cup; there's no need to compete with anyone.
The value of an FA Cup trophy isn't significant, as long as the title is won. Tang Long has no qualms about who claims the Golden Boot.
However, after promising to score three goals, Tang Long becomes anxious about Guardiola's tactics for the match.
A day prior to heading to Wembley Stadium, Guardiola pulled Tang Long aside to discuss his thoughts.
Though the tone was consultative, the words suggested that Guardiola wasn't keen on having him start in the lineup.
Despite hesitating for a moment, Tang Long graciously agreed, respecting the coach's decision.
With extensive experience against Manchester United, Manchester City had already achieved a double victory against them in the league this season.
Tang Long chuckled and said, "Boss, we've already secured the title. Do you think Manchester United will give us a guard of honor at Wembley Stadium?"
The guard of honor is a traditional football gesture, where the next opponent forms a corridor and applauds the league champion as they take the field, showing respect for their achievement.
In 2007, Chelsea had previously formed a guard of honor for Ferguson's Manchester United.
Similarly, in 2013, Arsenal players lined up to applaud the premature champions Manchester United as they entered.
This tradition isn't mandated by the Premier League but relies on the spontaneous actions of rival clubs.
Guardiola instantly shook his head and remarked, "You're overthinking. This isn't a Premier League match; it's the FA Cup final. Manchester United wouldn't form a guard of honor."
"Besides, if Ferguson were still with Manchester United, it might be possible. But now, with Pellegrini as their manager, given his personality, he wouldn't do such a thing."
The animosity between Pellegrini and Guardiola dates back to their La Liga days.
To have him form a guard of honor for Guardiola, who replaced him last season, would be a humiliating insult, akin to a slap in the face.
"I respect your decision, but please let me play at Wembley Stadium. I have a fondness for this venue!" Tang Long said.
Guardiola replied, "Naturally, such a grand event wouldn't be complete without you. Rest assured, you'll have the chance to score in front of 90,000 fans. I'm sure you can accomplish it."
...
The next evening.
Wembley Stadium was dazzling, with an exhilarating atmosphere.
Even in the bustling global economic hub of London, Wembley stood out as the most radiant area in the sprawling metropolis tonight.
Contrary to expectations, Manchester United fans outnumbered Manchester City supporters by more than double!
Clearly, Red Devils fans were more eager for their team to secure this title than Manchester City fans were.
With over one hundred years of history, the FA Cup is the oldest trophy in English football history, and no team would decline such an honor.
Manchester United is yearning for a title now!
Since Ferguson's era ended, the team has been without silverware.
As the season began, with the additions of Pellegrini, Icardi, Eevee, Bony, and others, Red Devils fans and media started hoping for a Manchester United revival in the post-Ferguson era. They looked forward to Pellegrini, the experienced coach who led Manchester City to two titles in three years, guiding this Premier League giant back to the pinnacle after the ownership change.
However, it seems the outside world has underestimated Pellegrini's capabilities and underestimated Manchester City's ambition.
As the season nears its end, the FA Cup has become Manchester United's only chance for a title, and this is the closest they've come to a championship in years.
Media reports have suggested that the FA Cup title is Pellegrini's lifeline to saving his coaching career.
If they fail to secure the FA Cup, a titleless Manchester United will start by removing the veteran manager and continue with sweeping changes within the team.
After all, Manchester United lacks nothing except a title;
Or, one might say they're lacking in everything except money!
In a last-ditch effort, Pellegrini deployed his full-strength squad.
In fact, the team will promptly go on holiday after this match, so there's no need to hold back.
Key players like Eevee, Rooney, Rashford, Pogba, De Bruyne, Blind, Rojo, Smolin, and Valencia were all sent to battle.
On the other hand, Guardiola opted to conserve players, reminding himself: "A week after the FA Cup final is the Champions League final against Real Madrid. Real Madrid is much stronger than this Manchester United, so some rotation is necessary. Even in the worst-case scenario, losing the match against Manchester United, we must win the Champions League final with Real Madrid."