NOVEL WEB Chapter 7: 7. Thwarted by Fate
September 30, 2019, Old Trafford, Manchester
Neil Goyal sat on Manchester United's bench, Old Trafford's 74,000 fans roaring as the Premier League clash against Arsenal unfolded.
His Legendary Football System burned with poacher's promise: Off The Ball (18), Composure (8), Determination (9), First Touch (10), Finishing (20, maxed).
Using his knowledge from 2025 Football Manager days, Neil focused Stat Points on Off The Ball, his Finishing already lethal.
The system's objective pulsed:
Impact Arsenal Match. Reward: 2 S.P.
With two S.P. banked, Neil awaited his chance.
United struck first, Scott McTominay's 45th-minute rocket giving them a 1-0 lead. Arsenal equalized in the 58th minute, Aubameyang slotting past De Gea.
Neil's Off The Ball (18) itched to exploit Arsenal's shaky defense, his Finishing (20) ready to strike. In the 70th minute, Ole Gunnar Solskjær signaled him to warm up, his heart racing. This is it, he thought, picturing his first ever Big 6 competition.
But fate intervened. In the 73rd minute, Andreas Pereira, a rotation midfielder, lunged at Saka, catching his ankle. The referee brandished a red card, Old Trafford groaning.
Down to ten men, Solskjær's plan shifted. Instead of Neil, he subbed off Marcus Rashford for defender Axel Tuanzebe, barking orders to hold the 1-1 draw.
Neil froze, his Composure (8) tested, frustration boiling. The system stayed silent—no impact, no points. United clung on, the draw a gritty point but a blow to Neil's hopes.
September 30, 2019, Post-Match, Old Trafford
In the locker room, Solskjær's voice was stern but measured. "We fought hard with ten, lads, but that red card cost us. Neil, you were ready—I saw it. Your time's coming."
Neil nodded, his Determination (9) battling disappointment. X posts buzzed with mixed reactions: "Goyal robbed of a golden moment!" and "Pereira's foul killed our attack." His West Ham goal lingered in fans' minds, fueling his resolve.
Late that night, Neil opened the system in his dormitory. With two S.P. banked, he considered his path. Finishing was maxed at (20), but Inzaghi's genius lay in movement.
He allocated both S.P. to Off The Ball, raising it to (20), a surge of spatial instinct making him feel like he could ghost past any marker.
His stats now read: Off The Ball (20), Composure (8), Determination (9), First Touch (10), Finishing (20), others at 7.
The system pinged: New Objective: Impact AZ Alkmaar Match. Reward: 2 S.P.
October 1-2, 2019, Carrington Training Ground
The Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar on October 3 loomed, a chance for youth to shine. Carrington buzzed with intensity, Solskjær pushing tactical drills to counter Alkmaar's possession game.
Neil's Stamina (7) strained under high-pressing runs, but his Off The Ball (20) dazzled, slipping past Harry Maguire in a scrimmage.
His shot, though, was saved by De Gea, his Composure (8) faltering. Juan Mata clapped him on. "Keep lurking, Neil. You're a nightmare for defenders."
In a youth match against Derby U18s on October 1, Neil channeled Inzaghi's poacher spirit. A pass from Brandon Williams found him, his Off The Ball (20) carving a perfect run.
His Finishing (20) buried a low shot, sparking a 2-0 win.
The system chimed: Goal in Youth Match: +1 S.P.
Neil saved it, his pool at one S.P., eyeing a boost if the match against Alkmaar called.
October 3, 2019, Morning, Carrington
The Alkmaar matchday approached, United traveling to the Netherlands. Solskjær's team talk was clear: "They'll keep the ball, so we hit on the break."
Neil, likely in the squad, felt the weight of his Arsenal frustration. His FM knowledge recalled the real 0-0 draw—a turgid game. Could his Off The Ball (20) and Finishing (20) make a difference?
Mason Greenwood nudged him. "You're on fire, mate. Show 'em what you did at West Ham." The system's objective—impact Alkmaar—hung heavy. With his Inzaghi-honed instincts maxed, Neil packed his kit, ready to seize the next stage of his United legacy.
October 3, 2019, Cars Jeans Stadion, The Hague, Netherlands
The AZ Alkmaar match unfolded under The Hague's dim lights, United's makeshift lineup battling on a plastic pitch.
Neil sat on the bench, number 47 gleaming, his heart pounding as 17,000 fans watched. Alkmaar's possession game suffocated United, their slick passing yielding no clear chances.
Daniel James and Mason Greenwood's counters fizzled, the game locked at 0-0. Neil's Off The Ball (20) ached to exploit gaps, his Finishing (20) primed for a late strike.
In the 80th minute, Solskjær signaled Neil to warm up, his pulse spiking. But Alkmaar's pressure mounted, and Solskjær opted for Fred's midfield grit over an attacking sub.
Neil stayed on the sideline, his Composure (8) straining as the whistle blew—0-0, a drab point earned.
Solskjær's face was tight in the tunnel. "Tough one, lads. Neil, you're close—keep pushing." X grumbled: "Why no Goyal? United need goals!"
The system stayed silent—no impact, no points. Neil's Determination (9) held firm, the system pinging:
New Objective: Impact Newcastle Match. Reward: 2 S.P.
With his Inzaghi instincts maxed and one S.P. banked, Neil vowed to strike at St. James' Park.