RISE OF THE FOOTBALL LEGACY

October 4, 2019, Carrington Training Ground, Manchester

Neil Goyal laced his boots at Carrington, the Newcastle United match on October 6 looming large.

His Legendary Football System glowed with poacher's prowess: Off The Ball (20), Composure (8), Determination (9), First Touch (10), Finishing (20). With Off The Ball and Finishing maxed.

Neil's 2025 Football Manager instincts shifted focus to First Touch and Composure—key for retaining possession and staying calm in Premier League pressure.

The system's objective pulsed:

Impact Newcastle Match. Reward: 2 S.P.

With one S.P. banked, Neil aimed to shine at St. James' Park.

Training was intense, Ole Gunnar Solskjær drilling counters to break Newcastle's low block. Neil's Off The Ball (20) found space, but a pass from Paul Pogba bobbled off his First Touch (10), drawing a sigh from Michael Carrick.

His shot was saved by De Gea, his Composure (8) wavering.

The system chimed:

Objective: Show Hunger in Training. +1 S.P.

Juan Mata patted him. "Control the ball, Neil. You'll get your chance."

October 5, 2019, Manchester United U23 vs. West Ham U23, Leigh Sports Village

As a reserve team substitute, Neil played in United's U23s match against West Ham U23s. Coming off the bench, his Off The Ball (20) carved a run, and his precise pass set up James Garner for a goal.

United won 2-0, coaches noting Neil's spark.

The system pinged: Assist in Reserve Match: +1 S.P.

With three S.P. banked, Neil saved them, eyeing First Touch to fix his training struggles.

October 6, 2019, St. James' Park, Newcastle vs. Manchester United

St. James' Park's 52,000 fans roared, Newcastle's black-and-white sea hostile. Neil, number 47, sat on United's bench, heart pounding.

The system rewarded his presence: Matchday Squad vs. Newcastle: +1 S.P.

United's attack, without Anthony Martial, was toothless. Daniel James and Marcus Rashford misfired, the game locked at 0-0 at half-time. Neil's Off The Ball (20) ached to exploit Newcastle's defense, his Finishing (20) primed.

In the 60th minute, Solskjær subbed Neil on for Andreas Pereira, the crowd jeering. "Find space, Goyal!" Solskjær barked. Neil sprinted on, his Determination (9) flaring.

A long ball from Harry Maguire came, but his First Touch (10) let him down, the ball bouncing to Schär. Neil pressed, his Off The Ball (20) creating a chance, but Rashford's shot sailed wide. Stay calm, he urged, his Composure (8) fraying under pressure.

In the 72nd minute, Newcastle struck. Matty Longstaff, a 19-year-old debutant, rifled a low shot past De Gea.

1- 0.

United pushed, but Neil's moment came in the 88th minute—a pass from Pogba found him in the box. His First Touch (10) faltered, the ball popping up, and Clark cleared before his Finishing (20) could strike. The whistle blew, United falling 1-0.

The system stayed silent—no impact, no points. X erupted: "Goyal tried, but United are dire!" Neil's head dropped, his struggles glaring.

October 6, 2019, Post-Match, St. James' Park

In the locker room, Solskjær's voice was heavy. "We weren't good enough, lads. Neil, you fought, but we need more quality." Neil nodded, his Determination (9) battling shame.

His West Ham and Rochdale goals felt distant, his First Touch and Composure weaknesses exposed. Solskjær's pat on his shoulder softened the sting. "Keep pushing, kid. You're in my plans."

That night, in the team hotel, Neil opened the system, four S.P. glowing.

His FM wisdom screamed for better ball control and poise. He allocated two S.P. to First Touch, raising it to (12), a surge of stickiness in his boots.

Two S.P. went to Composure, pushing it to (10), a calm settling his nerves. His stats now read: Off The Ball (20), Composure (10), Determination (9), First Touch (12), Finishing (20), others at 7.

The system pinged: New Objective: Impact Liverpool Match. Reward: 2 S.P.

October 6, 2019, Evening, Team Hotel, Newcastle

Mason Greenwood slumped beside Neil, the loss heavy. "Rough one, mate, but your runs were class." Neil forced a smile, his Liverpool objective daunting.

His FM knowledge recalled the October 20 clash—a 1-1 draw in reality. With First Touch (12) and Composure (10) boosted, Neil vowed to seize his next chance, his United legacy still burning bright.