Player Details:
Name: Marcus Edge
Age: 17
Height: 5'8
Position: LW/LM
Current stats:
Pace-95
Dribbling-84
Shooting-86
Passing-86
Physicalilty-55
Acceleration-76
Agility-76
Reaction-69
Vision-74
Positioning-75
Stamina-84
Ball Control-78
Finishing-79
Crossing-77
Overall-84
Goals-20
Assists-8
Playstyle- Quick Step +
Marcus was caught in a dilemma. On one hand, Ruben Amorim clearly favored Garnacho for the left wing position, citing his experience over Marcus's youthful exuberance. Amorim's favoritism bordered on villainy in Marcus's eyes, as his consistent benching seemed unwarranted after the phenomenal season Marcus had just had. On the other hand, a lucrative offer from Arsenal was on the table, promising him a starting spot and the chance to prove his worth under Mikel Arteta.
But deep inside, Marcus had other plans. His childhood dream had always been to win the Champions League with Manchester United, the club he had grown up idolizing. This ambition was too powerful to ignore, and he wasn't ready to abandon it just yet. However, staying meant potentially languishing on the bench, overshadowed by Garnacho.
After much soul-searching, Marcus made his decision. He rejected the offer from Arsenal and committed to staying at Manchester United. The moment he made up his mind, a surge of determination coursed through him. He knew he had to reclaim his starting spot.
Match 2: Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace
The atmosphere at Old Trafford was tense as Manchester United faced Crystal Palace in their second match of the season. Marcus watched from the bench, frustration gnawing at him. He knew he could make a difference, but Ruben Amorim had once again placed his trust in Garnacho.
From the kickoff, it was clear that United were struggling. Palace's defense was disciplined, and their counter-attacks posed a constant threat. Garnacho, eager to impress, seemed to be trying too hard. Every time he got the ball, he either over-dribbled or made poor decisions, losing possession repeatedly. The crowd's frustration was palpable, and Marcus clenched his fists, longing to be out there making an impact.
In the 35th minute, Palace took the lead with a well-executed set piece. United's response was disjointed, and Garnacho's inefficiency on the left wing was glaringly obvious. Despite several promising build-ups, they failed to find the back of the net. The halftime whistle blew with United trailing 1-0.
The second half saw little improvement. Garnacho continued to struggle, his lack of form affecting the entire team's rhythm. In the 70th minute, Palace doubled their lead with a swift counter-attack. Marcus watched helplessly as the game slipped away.
The final whistle blew, and the scoreboard read 2-0 in favor of Crystal Palace. The fans' disappointment was evident, and the murmurs of discontent grew louder. Marcus's frustration reached a boiling point. He knew the team needed more from the left wing, and he was convinced he could provide it.
Match 3: Manchester United vs. Manchester City
The next match was a highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Manchester City, the team they had defeated to clinch the Premier League title last season. The stakes were high, and the tension was palpable. Marcus's hopes of starting were once again dashed as Garnacho was named in the starting lineup.
City dominated from the start, their fluid passing and relentless pressing putting United under immense pressure. Garnacho's struggles continued, and his lack of confidence was evident. He lost possession time and time again, allowing City to exploit the left wing mercilessly.
In the 20th minute, City opened the scoring with a brilliant team goal. Garnacho's failed attempt to dribble past two defenders led to a quick counter-attack, and City capitalized. By halftime, the score was 3-0, and United were in disarray.
The second half saw no respite. City continued their onslaught, and Garnacho's performance deteriorated further. He seemed lost, unable to contribute effectively to either defense or attack. In the 65th minute, City scored their fourth goal, and the atmosphere in the stadium turned hostile.
By the time City added a fifth goal in the 80th minute, the humiliation was complete. Garnacho's match rating plummeted to a dismal 5.5, a reflection of his poor performance. The final whistle blew, and the scoreboard read 5-0 in favor of Manchester City. The defeat was devastating, and United's hopes of a strong start to the season lay in tatters.
The Manager's office:
The back-to-back defeats had pushed Marcus to the edge. The team's suffering due to Ruben Amorim's bias towards Garnacho was evident, and Marcus could no longer stay silent. He marched to the manager's office, anger boiling inside him.
Without knocking, Marcus burst into the office, startling Ruben. "What is the meaning of this, Marcus?" Amorim demanded, his tone icy.
"I can't stand by and watch this anymore," Marcus retorted, his voice steady but filled with fury. "You're letting your favoritism for Garnacho ruin this team."
Ruben's eyes narrowed. "Garnacho is more experienced. He brings more to the table."
"More? All I've seen is him losing the ball and costing us games," Marcus shot back. "I've proven myself last season. I deserve to play!"
"You need to understand your place," Ruben replied coldly. "Garnacho is my choice."
Marcus's respect for the manager had evaporated. "Your choice is destroying this team. I'm not asking for a favor. I'm demanding what's right."
Ruben stood, his expression stern. "You need to be careful, Marcus. You're walking a fine line."
Marcus met his gaze unflinchingly. "I've made my decision. I'm staying, and I'm going to fight for my spot. Whether you like it or not."
With that, Marcus turned and left the office, determination burning in his chest. He knew he had crossed a line, but he was ready to face the consequences. The season was long, and he was determined to prove himself once again.