4. Poacher’s Instinct
September 14, 2019, Old Trafford, Manchester
Neil Goyal sat on Manchester United's bench, the roar of 74,000 fans at Old Trafford vibrating through him.
The Premier League clash against Leicester City was underway, and the Legendary Football System hummed in his mind, his stats reflecting a budding striker: Off The Ball (8), Composure (8), Determination (9), First Touch (10), Finishing (12).
Inspired by Filippo Inzaghi's poacher legacy, from his 2025 Football Manager marathons, Neil vowed to channel his Stat Points into Off The Ball and Finishing—movement to find space, precision to punish defenders. With two S.P. banked, he awaited his chance.
The system pinged: Objective Complete: Make the Matchday Squad vs. Leicester. Reward: 2 S.P. Neil now had four S.P., itching to boost his Inzaghi acquired instincts.
Leicester's defense, led by Maguire's former club, was stubborn. Rashford's penalty in the 8th minute gave United a 1-0 lead, but chances were scarce.
Neil watched, his Off The Ball (8) itching to exploit gaps Vardy left. Solskjær glanced his way, but the whistle blew—1-0, no debut. Neil's Determination (9) burned; he'd make the next squad.
September 15-18, 2019, Carrington
The Leicester win lifted United's spirits, but the Europa League opener against Astana loomed on September 19. Neil trained with the first team, his First Touch (10) earning praise from Juan Mata in passing drills.
Solskjær's high-pressing tactics tested his Stamina (7), leaving him gasping. In a scrimmage, he slipped past Aaron Wan-Bissaka, his Off The Ball (8) sharp, but his shot sailed wide. Finishing 12, and I'm still off? he cursed. The system stayed silent—no points for misses.
After training, Mason Greenwood nudged him. "You're moving like Inzaghi, mate. Always in the right spot." Neil grinned, his 2025 FM knowledge validating the comparison.
Inzaghi thrived on cunning movement and lethal strikes. Neil opened the system, allocating all four S.P. to Off The Ball, raising it to (12). A surge of instinct sharpened his positioning, as if he could sense every gap.
The system pinged:
Objective: Impress in First-Team Training.
Reward: 1 S.P.
September 19, 2019, Manchester United U18 vs. Newcastle U18, Carrington
With United's first team in Kazakhstan for the 1-0 Astana win (Greenwood's goal), Neil played a youth match against Newcastle U18s.
The system flashed:
Objective: Score in Youth Match.
Reward: 1 S.P.
Under Carrington's gray skies, Neil channeled Inzaghi, lurking on the shoulder of defenders. In the 25th minute, Brandon Williams' long ball found him.
His First Touch (10) controlled it, and his Off The Ball (12) carved space. He struck, his Finishing (12) rifling the ball into the net. The small crowd erupted, coaches scribbling.
In the 60th minute, Angel Gomes' pass split the defense. Neil's Off The Ball (12) put him in the perfect spot, and his Finishing (12) buried a low shot. United won 3-1, Neil's brace stealing the show.
The system chimed:
Two Goals in Youth Match: +2 S.P.
Solskjær, back from Astana, got the report. "Goyal's got that killer edge," he told McKenna, eyes gleaming.
September 20-24, 2019, Carrington
The EFL Cup clash against Rochdale on September 25 loomed, a chance for youth to shine. Neil trained relentlessly, his Determination (9) driving him through Solskjær's fitness drills.
In a 7v7 scrimmage, he linked with Daniel James, his Off The Ball (12) finding space. His shot, though, was saved by De Gea, his Composure (8) wavering under pressure.
Rashford clapped him on. "Stay sharp, Neil. You're close."
The system rewarded his effort: Objective: Show Hunger in Training. +1 S.P.
Neil now had four S.P.
Late on September 24, in the dormitory, he opened the system. Inzaghi's ghost guided him—finishing was a poacher's lifeblood.
He allocated four S.P. to Finishing, pushing it to (16), a surge of precision flooding his veins.
His stats now read: Off The Ball (12), Composure (8), Determination (9), First Touch (10), Finishing (16). Zero S.P. remained.
The system pinged:
New Objective: Debut in EFL Cup vs. Rochdale.
Reward: 2 S.P.
September 25, 2019, Morning, Old Trafford
The Rochdale matchday dawned, Old Trafford's floodlights calling. Neil sat in the team meeting, Solskjær outlining tactics—Rochdale's League One grit demanded focus.
Neil's FM knowledge recalled this game: a 1-1 draw, United scraping through on penalties. His Off The Ball (12) and Finishing (16) could tip the scales. Solskjær's gaze lingered on him. "Goyal, be ready. You might get a run."
Objective: Score In Debut match.
Reward: 2 S.P.
Greenwood caught him outside. "This is it, Neil. Show 'em that Inzaghi spark." Neil nodded, his Determination (9) blazing.
The system's objective, debut against Rochdale and to score against them hung heavy. With his poacher's instincts honed, Neil gripped his boots, Old Trafford's stage awaiting his first step into United's legacy.