Chapter 17 – Media Day Mayhem
September 20, 2012
Location: AON Training Complex, Manchester – Media Centre
The cameras were already out by 9:00 AM. Boom mics hovered over every conversation. Laughter echoed from one end of the room to the other as photographers adjusted lights, PR staff chased down interviews, and players posed with carefully rehearsed smirks.
Today was Media Day — a necessary circus.
And somehow, for the first time, Alexander Marshall was part of it.
The Red Carpet… Sort Of
Alex stood near the backdrop wall, nervously adjusting his collar. He'd been handed a club blazer and a too-tight tie. Next to him stood Tom Cleverley, effortlessly casual, tossing a stress ball in the air while chatting with the press officer.
"You alright?" Cleverley grinned, noticing Alex fidget.
"I feel like I've accidentally walked into a fashion shoot," Alex said.
"You did. Except here, no one's good-looking — just famous."
Before Alex could respond, a photographer barked directions.
"Alex, look this way. Eyes up. Smile — no, less teeth. Okay, one serious. Chin down. A bit more swagger. No — too much swagger."
"Do you want me to score a goal for the camera too?" Alex muttered under his breath.
"Only if you volley it into the lens," Cleverley whispered with a chuckle.
The Interview Gauntlet
He was ushered next to a sleek set draped in red and white with Sky Sports banners all around. A young, sharp-dressed presenter sat with a clipboard in one hand and an earpiece tucked just beneath her curls.
"Alexander Marshall, the boy wonder of Manchester," she greeted as he took the seat opposite her. "I've got to say, you're one of the most talked-about names in the club this week."
Alex smiled, trying not to look awkward in the chair that swallowed him whole. "Well, that's better than being the least talked about, right?"
The crew chuckled lightly behind the cameras.
"First off — let's talk debut. Assist. Goal. Crowd on their feet. You couldn't have written a better script."
Alex shrugged with a grin. "Maybe if I'd done a backflip celebration or something. But yeah… it was special."
"What was going through your head when you got the call to come on?"
"Honestly? My heart was in my throat. Then my boots felt too tight. Then I forgot how to breathe. After that… I kind of blacked out until I touched the ball."
She laughed. "Well, you seemed composed enough to thread a perfect pass for Rooney's second."
Alex gave a shy smirk. "I saw the run and knew if I didn't make that pass, I might not get another chance like it."
"Has Wayne said anything to you since?"
"He texted me, actually," Alex admitted.
"Ooh, exclusive!" She leaned in. "Can you share what he said?"
Alex chuckled. "Just… that he liked the pass. And to keep it up. I think that's Wayne Rooney for 'good job.'"
Another round of laughter rippled from the crew.
"Talk to me about growing up in Manchester," she continued. "How does it feel to wear this shirt for real?"
He took a breath.
"Honestly? It's surreal. I grew up watching United, pretending to be Scholes in the backyard. My dad used to wake me up early for big games. Now I get to live that. I'm trying not to take any of it for granted."
She softened. "There's something poetic about a local lad making it. You've got the city behind you."
Alex nodded. "And I'm going to fight to make them proud. That's a promise."
Just off set, Rooney raised an eyebrow again, now visibly amused. He whispered something to Patrice Evra, who burst out laughing.
"Last one — quickfire round. Ready?" the interviewer said.
Alex sat up straighter. "Let's do it."
"Messi or Ronaldo?"
"Don't do that to me," he groaned. "Ronaldo — for the United blood."
"Favourite United legend?"
"Paul Scholes. Easy."
"Pre-match ritual?"
"Left boot on first. Always. No idea why."
"If you weren't a footballer?"
"I'd be working in my dad's garage and scoring screamers in Sunday League."
"Who would win a sprint — you or Danny Welbeck?"
Alex paused. "Danny, if it's 100 meters. Me, if it's a race to the last slice of pizza."
The crew howled behind the camera as the interview wrapped up.
"Thanks, Alex. And best of luck with the season — though from the looks of it, luck might not be what you're relying on."
He smiled as he stood, relaxing his shoulders for the first time since sitting down.
"Thanks. I'll do my best to keep giving you something to talk about."
As he walked off the set, the producer gave him a small thumbs-up.
System Notification: Interview Bonus: +3 Charisma
Fan Engagement Boost – "Charming Local Wonderkid" effect applied
Insight Perk Unlocked – "Quickfire Clarity" (Improves short-form media responses)
Post-Interview Moments
As Alex stepped away from the bright lights and booming microphones, a sudden wave of relief washed over him. He exhaled deeply, tugged at the stiff collar of his blazer, and muttered, "Well, that wasn't a total disaster."
"Mate," a voice called from the hallway. "You're officially media-trained now. Welcome to the circus."
It was Danny Welbeck, holding a protein shake in one hand and a wide grin on his face.
"Did I pass the vibe check?" Alex joked, matching his stride.
"Yeah, you were alright," Danny said, elbowing him lightly. "But you said I'd beat you in a sprint? You trying to lose a locker room vote already?"
"You saw what I said next, right?" Alex grinned. "Pizza always wins."
Danny laughed. "Fair. Fair. Can't argue with that."
As they walked toward the back hallway, Tom Cleverley joined them, holding up his phone.
"Bro," he said, "you're already on Twitter. One of those clip accounts is calling you 'the most media-ready teenager since Rashford.'"
Alex blinked. "Rashford isn't even famous yet."
"Exactly," Tom said. "You're the prototype."
Photo Bombs and Legends
Between sets, a photographer tried posing Alex beside a few senior players. He stood awkwardly next to Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick.
"Smile, kid," Rio said. "You look like you're being arrested."
"Too many legends in one room," Alex mumbled.
Carrick nodded toward the lens. "Get used to it. It won't feel that weird after a couple more goals."
Just as they were about to finish, Ryan Giggs wandered in behind them — still in training kit, clearly having dodged the formal dress code.
Without warning, he photobombed the picture with a goofy face and thumbs-up.
The camera clicked right as Alex cracked up.
System Notification:🎉 Charisma +1% – "Humor Under Pressure" bonus activated
A Moment with Sir Bobby
Later, between stations, a staff member waved Alex over.
"Someone wants a quick word."
Standing quietly by the far wall, elegant in a suit and still glowing with quiet wisdom, was Sir Bobby Charlton.
Alex's breath caught.
"Sir Bobby…" he said, trying to steady himself.
"You played very well the other night," Sir Bobby said gently. His voice was calm, but every syllable carried weight. "And more importantly — you played smart. That's what we need at this club. Not just flash — intelligence."
Alex nodded quickly. "Thank you, sir. That… means everything."
Sir Bobby smiled.
"You've got something. Protect it. Sharpen it. And never lose who you are — Manchester needs players who feel the shirt."
Mentorship Opportunity Unlocked – Charlton Legacy Trait Path (Locked until 1st full Premier League season)
Behind the Scenes Banter
In the dressing room later, players shared their most awkward moments from the day.
Valencia had accidentally spoken Spanish in a live interview.
De Gea had sneezed mid-photo.
And Rooney?
"Some intern handed me a hair product sample," he muttered.
The room exploded with laughter.
Even Sir Alex popped his head in at one point and said, "You lot better put as much energy into Saturday's match as you did into hair gel and camera poses."
Alex sat back in his corner, grinning.
This was his dream — but it was also becoming his life.
System Notification – Weekly Update
Reputation: +5 Media
Charisma Trait (Lv.1) Unlocked – "Local Boy Makes Good"
Mentorship Progress
Rooney: 23%
Scholes: 4%
Charlton (Locked – Future Legacy Path)
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