Chapter 14 – The Boy from Manchester
September 16, 2012
The day after was when it truly hit him.
Not the assist.
Not the tap on the shoulder from Fletcher, or even Rooney's text.
It was the moment Alex sat in his small living room, still in his hoodie and joggers, and saw his name scrolling across the bottom of the TV screen.
"Alex Marshall, 16, makes promising debut for United in 3–0 win over Reading."
His mum gasped like she'd seen a ghost.
Back Home – Family Reaction
The Marshall household was modest — semi-detached, red-bricked, tucked in the heart of Stretford, a few bus stops from Old Trafford itself.
The living room still smelled of Sunday roast. A framed photo of young Alex in a Sunday League kit sat above the fireplace, just below a faded poster of Eric Cantona — his dad's idol.
"Look at you, lad," his mum whispered, eyes glassy, hand over her mouth.
His father didn't say anything at first. Just stared at the screen. His thick hands — rough from years at the garage — tightened into fists.
Then, softly:"That pass…"He cleared his throat. "You saw the run before he even made it."
Alex smiled, a little shy.
"I just felt it."
The old man nodded, eyes never leaving the screen.
"Rooney's not the only one with vision anymore."
Brother Trouble
Later, in the hallway, Alex passed his older brother, Ethan, slouched on the stairs scrolling his phone.
They used to play in the alleyway behind the house. Ethan was always the striker. Always the star.
"Not bad," Ethan muttered, not quite making eye contact.
Alex stopped. "Cheers."
A pause.
Then Jaime said, "That ball to Rooney — I would've messed that up."
Alex grinned.
"Yeah, probably."
They both laughed, and something unspoken passed between them — the beginning of something new.
Across Manchester – United Royalty
The buzz wasn't limited to fans.
At a quiet pub in Salford, Gary Neville scrolled through clips on his phone. He nudged the man beside him.
"Watch this. Reverse pass. One touch. Proper."
David Beckham, sipping his tea, raised an eyebrow. Watched the replay.
"Number 42?" Scholes asked.
"Yeah. Kid's from Stretford."
Beckham leaned back, silent, thoughtful.
"Be good to see someone local rise again," he murmured.
Meanwhile – Sir Alex's Office
Sir Alex sat alone, red binder open, notes scattered. The tape from the match played in the background.
"Composed. Smart movement," he said to himself.
Knock-knock.
"Come."
It was Mike Phelan, assistant manager.
"Media's poking around already," he said. "Sky Sports wants a word with the kid this week."
Sir Alex grunted. "Let's not throw him to the wolves just yet. He needs to focus on the pitch, not get distracted by the press. "
Phelan nodded. "What now?"
The gaffer glanced at the next fixture on the calendar.
"Carabao Cup next week. Start him. Let's see how he handle a full game"
System Notification – Morning Buzz
Public Perception Updated
"Promising debut for local lad Marshall" – The Guardian
"Is this the next breakout star at Old Trafford?" – BBC Sport
"Remember the name?" – MUTV
+15 Charisma+2 Reputation (Club)+1 Reputation (Fans)
You are being noticed. Your name is on people's lips.
Instagram Post – @alexmarshall_42
Alex hugging Rooney post-assist
Dreams don't work unless you do.❤️ #MUFC #DebutDay #Marshall42
That Night
Back in his room, Alex checked his phone one more time before bed.
1 New Message – Unknown Number
"Not bad, kid. There's more to come."– Rio
Alex blinked.
Another one.
"You keep passing like that, I'll teach you how to hit them like me."– Scholes
He stared at the messages, heart thumping.
Then he opened his Mentorship Path.
Mentors Available:
Wayne Rooney (55% Progress)
Paul Scholes (Locked)
Rio Ferdinand (Locked)
⚠ New Mentorship Paths Unlocked!
Paul Scholes (Passing – S-Rank)
Rio Ferdinand (Defensive Positioning – A-Rank)
Build rapport through continued performances and interaction.
Alex leaned back, stunned.
The door to greatness was creaking open.
All he had to do was walk through it.