Chereads / Marcus-The Next Wayne Rooney / Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: New Season, New Challenges

Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: New Season, New Challenges

Player Details:

Name: Marcus Edge

Age: 17

Height: 5'8

Position: LW/LM

Current stats:

Pace-95

Dribbling-84

Shooting-86

Passing-86

Physicalilty-50+5=55

Acceleration-76

Agility-76

Reaction-69

Vision-74

Positioning-75

Stamina-84

Ball Control-78

Finishing-79

Crossing-77

Overall-83+1=84

Goals-17+3=20

Assists-8

Playstyle- Quick Step +

He gets +1 in his overall for scoring a hattrick, and +5 in his stats for getting the MOTM.

SEASON 2:

The new seasonal dawned with a renewed sense of purpose for Manchester United. After their stunning Premier League triumph, the board's ambitions had soared. Now, they wanted to win the treble and restore Manchester United to their former glory as the world's best football club. The players were eager, the fans were hopeful, and the expectations were higher than ever.

However, this season came with its own set of challenges. Garnacho had returned from his ACL injury and was eager to reclaim his spot on the left wing, a position that Marcus had made his own with his stellar performances. The question loomed large—what would manager Ruben Amorim decide?

The announcement of the team sheet for Match 1 against Brighton was a moment of truth. Marcus's heart sank as he saw Garnacho's name in the starting lineup while he was relegated to the bench. After all his hard work and the incredible season he'd had, this was a bitter pill to swallow.

Determined to understand the decision, Marcus approached Ruben Amorim after training. The manager was reviewing tactics in his office when Marcus knocked on the door.

"Come in," Ruben said, looking up.

"Coach, can we talk?" Marcus asked, stepping inside.

Ruben nodded, gesturing for Marcus to sit. "What's on your mind?"

Marcus took a deep breath. "I saw the team sheet for the Brighton game. After everything I've done last season, I thought I had earned my place. But Garnacho is starting, and I'm on the bench. I need to know why."

Ruben leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "Marcus, I understand your frustration. You had an incredible season, and your contributions were crucial. But Garnacho has fully recovered, and I believe he brings something unique to the team."

"But Coach," Marcus pressed, "I scored goals, provided assists, and proved myself in crucial moments. I deserve to be on that pitch."

Ruben sighed. "It's not about deserving, Marcus. It's about the best fit for the team in each match. Garnacho's pace and dribbling ability can be game-changers. I trust him to deliver."

Marcus felt a lump in his throat. "So, you're saying he's better than me?"

"Not better, Marcus," Ruben corrected gently. "Different. You both bring unique qualities to the team. There will be opportunities for you, but for this game, I need Garnacho's particular skill set."

Marcus nodded slowly, though the disappointment was evident in his eyes. "I understand, Coach. I'll be ready when you need me."

The match against Brighton kicked off, and the anticipation was high. However, the game quickly turned into a nightmare for United. From the start, Brighton dominated possession, their players moving the ball with precision and confidence. Garnacho, eager to make an impact, struggled to find his rhythm. Every time he received the ball, he seemed hesitant, and the Brighton defenders pounced on his uncertainty.

In the 20th minute, Brighton capitalized on a misplaced pass from Garnacho, launching a swift counterattack that resulted in the opening goal. The United defense was caught off guard, and the frustration was palpable.

As the game wore on, Garnacho's weaknesses became more apparent. He lost possession frequently, his dribbling attempts thwarted by Brighton's disciplined defense. The midfield struggled to retain control, and the attack lacked cohesion. By halftime, the score was 2-0 in favor of Brighton, and the United bench was in shock.

The second half saw no improvement. Brighton continued to exploit United's vulnerabilities, and Garnacho's ineffective performance added to the team's woes. In the 65th minute, Brighton scored again, making it 3-0. The fans' hopes dwindled, and the frustration boiled over.

In the 80th minute, Brighton delivered the final blow, scoring their fourth goal of the match. The stadium fell silent, the reality of the situation sinking in. Manchester United had crumbled in their opening game, suffering a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Brighton.

As the final whistle blew, the players walked off the pitch, heads hanging low. The dream of winning the treble seemed distant after such a disheartening start. In the dressing room, the tension was palpable. Ruben addressed the team, his tone firm but composed.

"This is not how we start our season," Ruben said. "We have to learn from this and move forward. We are better than this."

For Marcus, the disappointment was twofold. Not only had the team suffered a crushing defeat, but his place in the starting lineup remained in question. As he sat in the locker room, lost in thought, his phone buzzed with a notification. It was a message from his agent: Arsenal had made a transfer offer.

The timing couldn't have been more poignant. Arsenal, one of the Premier League giants, was offering Marcus a chance to play under Mikel Arteta, a manager known for nurturing young talent. The opportunity was tempting, especially after the setback he had just experienced.

Marcus pondered the decision. Playing for Arsenal could be great for his career, a fresh start where he could showcase his abilities without the shadow of competition from Garnacho. But leaving Manchester United, the club where he had risen to prominence, was a difficult choice.

As the transfer window remained open, Marcus knew he had a decision to make. The path ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear—his journey was far from over. Whether he stayed at United or moved to Arsenal, Marcus was determined to prove himself once again and continue his rise in the world of football.