The Football Legends System

The World Cup trophy gleaming in photos, the endless celebrations, the roar of a nation – it all felt like a dream, a glorious, impossible dream. But it was real. Nathan had an "S" rating. He was a World Cup winner. He was the GOAT. Or at least, on the path to it.

The return to Manchester was a whirlwind. The airport was mobbed, the streets lined with screaming fans, red flags everywhere. It was a hero's welcome. He was no longer just Nathan, the promising young talent. He was Nathan, World Cup Champion.

But the real world, the club world, beckoned. After a brief, well-deserved break, it was back to Carrington, Manchester United's training ground. The familiar red crest on his training gear felt heavier, imbued with new meaning.

He walked into the changing room, and the usual banter paused. A cheer went up, and he was immediately engulfed in a wave of hugs and slaps on the back.

"Champ! Look who it is!" Marcus Rashford grinned, pulling him into a celebratory embrace. "Bringing the gold home, eh?"

"You owe us a party, mate," Lisandro Martinez said, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Nathan laughed, feeling the warmth of being back with his club family. "Plenty of time for that! First, we've got a season to win."

During drills, Nathan could feel the difference. The Glide of Messi (25%) mastery, now with its Enhanced Ball Control, was truly integrated. The ball felt like an extension of his foot, obeying his slightest command. His turns were tighter, his close control impeccable. It wasn't just a skill; it was a part of him now. He felt more confident, more eager to take players on.

He used his "Talent Scout" ability on his teammates. It was interesting to see how they compared to the international superstars he'd just faced.

Marcus Rashford – Ability: A | Potential: A+ | Overall Rating: A-

Still sharp, that acceleration is lethal. He'll hit A soon, I bet.

Bruno Fernandes – Ability: A+ | Potential: B+ | Overall Rating: A

Always the maestro, pulling the strings. His vision is something else.

Casemiro – Ability: A+ | Potential: B | Overall Rating: A+

The same rock he was for Brazil. Absolute world-class defensive midfielder.

It was a strong squad. A team capable of challenging for titles. And Nathan, now an 'S' rated player, felt a new kind of responsibility. It wasn't just about his own goals; it was about elevating his club, too.

The first Premier League match back was a massive one: Arsenal at Old Trafford. A classic rivalry, always intense, always a spectacle. The atmosphere was absolutely buzzing. The fans were still riding the World Cup high, and the return of their champion, Nathan, only fueled the excitement.

The stadium was a sea of red, punctuated by splashes of Arsenal's red and white. The chants were deafening, a relentless wave of sound that promised a fiery encounter.

Pheeeeeep! The whistle blew, and the game exploded.

Arsenal, as expected, played with their usual fluid, attacking style. Martin Ødegaard pulled the strings in midfield, his passes incisive. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka (Nathan recognized his potential, even as an opponent today) were a constant threat on the wings.

United, still finding their rhythm after the World Cup break, started a little slowly. Arsenal dominated possession in the opening minutes, passing sharply, probing the defense.

Minute 15. Arsenal opened the scoring. A quick exchange between Ødegaard and Saka saw the ball worked to Gabriel Jesus inside the box. Jesus, with a sharp turn and shot, slotted it past David de Gea.

Manchester United 0 - Arsenal 1.

The Arsenal fans erupted, while Old Trafford fell into a stunned silence. This was not the start they wanted. Nathan felt a familiar surge of frustration. They needed to wake up.

Just then, the familiar chime cut through his thoughts, sharp and clear.

Ding!

[System Notification]

[Your team is facing a disciplined and creative opponent, requiring a moment of individual brilliance to unlock their defense.]

[You may request one random legendary creative/flair skill in the style of a football icon to create unpredictable opportunities and dazzle opponents.]

[Do you wish to activate it?]

Nathan's eyes lit up. Flair? Unpredictable opportunities? This was exactly what United needed right now, something to break Arsenal's composure and open up their tight defense.

Yes! Activate!

Ding!

[Random Skill Activated: Flair of Ronaldinho]

[Effect: For the next 5 minutes of in-game time, your creative vision, audacious dribbling, and ability to execute spectacular passes and tricks are significantly enhanced. Opponents will find your movements unpredictable and your passes truly magical.]

A mischievous, almost joyful energy coursed through Nathan. He felt a newfound freedom on the ball, an urge to try things, to take risks that he normally wouldn't. The pitch felt like his playground. He saw possibilities, not just passes, but moments – moments where a flick, a no-look pass, or a sudden burst of skill could change everything.

He called for the ball immediately. Bruno Fernandes, seeing the spark in Nathan's eyes, played a quick pass to him in midfield. Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey converged quickly, trying to close him down.

Nathan didn't panic. With the Flair of Ronaldinho active, he embraced the pressure. He took a touch, then with a lightning-quick flick of his heel, he nutmegged Xhaka, sending the ball cleanly through the Swiss midfielder's legs. The crowd roared in astonishment!

Partey rushed to cover, but Nathan was already on the move. He didn't just run; he danced with the ball, a series of quick step-overs, feints, and shimmies that left Partey flat-footed. He was past them, gliding into the final third.

"Oooohhh!" Old Trafford gasped and then erupted in cheers.

He faced Ben White, the Arsenal right-back. Nathan dipped his shoulder, feigning a cross, then with a sudden burst of acceleration and a quick chop, he left White sprawling. He was inside the box, the goal gaping.

He could have shot. But the Flair of Ronaldinho whispered something else. He saw Marcus Rashford making a late, unmarked run at the far post. Instead of shooting, Nathan produced a no-look pass, a gentle scoop of the ball with the outside of his foot. It curled perfectly around William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, right into Rashford's path.

Marcus Rashford, surprised but reacting instantly, had a simple tap-in!

GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL!!!!

The net rippled! Manchester United 1 - Arsenal 1! Old Trafford exploded into a deafening roar, a mixture of disbelief and pure jubilation. Nathan rushed to celebrate with Rashford, a wide, triumphant grin on his face. The Flair of Ronaldinho had been a game-changer.

The equalizer completely changed the momentum. Arsenal, rattled by Nathan's audacious play, looked less composed. United pressed their advantage. Nathan felt the Flair of Ronaldinho fade after five minutes, but the memory of that creative freedom, that sense of joyous unpredictability, lingered.

Just before halftime, United took the lead. A corner from Bruno Fernandes found Lisandro Martinez, who headed it powerfully into the net, making it 2-1.

The second half was a tense, back-and-forth affair. Arsenal pushed hard for an equalizer, their attacking players relentless. David de Gea made a couple of crucial saves, and the United defense, marshaled by Casemiro, held firm.

Nathan continued to be a driving force, linking midfield and attack. He tried another audacious flick in the 70th minute, but it didn't quite come off. Still, it was a high-pressure moment of dribbling and creativity.

Ding!

[System Notification]

[Skill Mastery Progress: Glide of Messi (28%)]

[Next Mastery Milestone: 50% (Requires extensive application of enhanced ball control and successful solo runs).]

Nice! Nathan thought. Getting closer.

The final whistle blew. Manchester United 2 - Arsenal 1. A hard-fought victory against a fierce rival. Old Trafford erupted once more, celebrating the win and the return of their World Cup champion.

In the jubilant changing room, Bruno Fernandes clapped Nathan on the back. "That nutmeg, Nathan! And the no-look pass! You were on fire today! Like a magician!"

Nathan just smiled, soaking in the praise. "Just playing with a bit of freedom, Bruno."

He checked his system. His Overall Rating remained at S. The journey wasn't over just because he'd hit the top tier. Being the GOAT wasn't just about reaching 'S'; it was about staying there, consistently performing, and continuing to evolve.

The Flair of Ronaldinho had given him a taste of creative brilliance. He knew that mastering it, just like the Glide of Messi, would be crucial for his continued evolution.

As he headed home, already thinking about the next training session, his phone buzzed with a news notification. The headline screamed:

"United's Champions Return: But Are They Ready for Europe?"

The next challenge wasn't domestic. It was the UEFA Champions League.