Chapter 11: The Showdown

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

Acceleration-76

Agility-76

Reaction-69

Vision-74

Positioning-75

Stamina-84

Ball Control-78

Finishing-79

Crossing-77

Overall-83

Goals-17

Assists-8

Playstyle- Quick Step +

The pain of the defeat to Brentford had not yet faded, and Marcus felt the weight of that missed opportunity like a heavy shroud. The title was so close, but now, with Manchester City just two points ahead, it all came down to this final game. The stakes were clear—Manchester United had to win. A draw wouldn't be enough. This was the moment of truth, and Marcus knew he had to step up and redeem himself.

MATCH 38: MANCHESTER UNITED VS MANCHESTER CITY

The anticipation was palpable as Manchester United took to the field at the Etihad Stadium. The air was thick with tension, and the roar of the crowd was deafening. City were in top form, playing some of their best football of the season, and it showed as they dominated possession from the start. Marcus could feel the pressure mounting with each passing minute.

At the 35th minute, Kevin De Bruyne delivered a sublime long ball to Erling Haaland, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net. It was 1-0 to City, and the worst-case scenario had come true. The whistle blew for halftime, and United trudged off the pitch, heads hanging low.

The second half began, and City continued to press. In the 55th minute, they struck again. Another well-executed play saw Haaland score his second of the night, making it 2-0. The hopes of the United faithful seemed to wane, but not Marcus. He refused to let history repeat itself. He had let his team down against Barcelona, and he wasn't going to let it happen again.

Marcus picked up the ball near the halfway line, determined to make a difference. He weaved his way past two defenders, his speed and agility leaving them in his wake. As he approached the 35-yard mark, he could hear the crowd's collective gasp. "Don't shoot!" they seemed to cry out, but Marcus had other plans. He unleashed a thunderous strike, the ball arcing high and then dipping perfectly into the top corner of the net. The stadium erupted as the scoreboard changed to 2-1. It was the 77th minute, and hope was rekindled.

United surged forward with newfound energy. In the 84th minute, Marcus found himself on the ball again. This time, he linked up beautifully with Bruno Fernandes and Rashford. They executed a series of quick passes, and Marcus fed the ball to Rashford in the box. Rashford's shot sailed agonizingly over the bar. The crowd groaned in unison, the chance slipping away.

But Marcus wasn't done. With every ounce of determination, he pushed forward once more. In the 87th minute, he collected the ball at midfield, his eyes locked on the goal. He dribbled past one defender, then another, twisting and turning his way through the City defense. As he reached the edge of the box, he unleashed a rocket of a shot. The ball flew like a missile, smashing into the top corner. The score was now 2-2, and the clock ticked down.

A draw wouldn't be enough. United needed to win, but time was not on their side. Marcus could feel the weight of the moment, but he wasn't about to let City take the title. In the 89th minute, he picked up the ball once more, driving toward the goal. Just as he was about to shoot, a City defender slid in, taking him out in the box. The referee pointed to the spot. Penalty!

The crowd held its breath as Bruno Fernandes stepped forward. But then, to everyone's surprise, he handed the ball to Marcus. "All on you, young boy," he said, a reassuring smile on his face.

Marcus took his position at the penalty spot, staring down Ederson in goal. The pressure was immense, the fate of the title resting on his shoulders. A Panenka penalty in such a crucial moment was the epitome of audacity and skill. He took a deep breath, his heartbeat thundering in his ears. With a delicate touch, he chipped the ball, the lightest of touches sending it floating towards the net. Ederson, diving to his right, was completely deceived. The ball nestled gently in the middle of the goal, a moment of pure genius.

The scoreboard now read 3-2, and Marcus had completed his hat-trick in the most dramatic fashion. The final whistle blew, and Manchester United were Premier League champions. The players erupted in celebration, the long wait for the title finally over after 11 years of City's dominance. The fans poured into the streets, the red of Manchester celebrating with unbridled joy. And of course Marcus gets the MOTM for this match.

Marcus was lifted high on his teammates' shoulders, the hero of the night. The young 17-year-old had redeemed himself, his name etched in the annals of United's history. As the confetti fell and the trophy was lifted, Marcus couldn't help but think about the journey that had brought him here.

But as the celebrations continued, a new challenge loomed on the horizon. Garnacho would be returning from his ACL injury next season. Would Marcus be put back on the bench, overshadowed once more? Only time would tell, but for now, Marcus reveled in the glory of their triumph, knowing that he had given everything for this moment of victory.

The new season starts soon.

Stay tuned.