Chapter 128: Tottenham's Fire and the Unending Pursuit
The triumph over Galatasaray at Old Trafford felt like a roar of defiance, affirming United's place at the top of European football. Nathan, an Overall Rating: S+ player, carried the weight of that status with quiet confidence, but his mind was increasingly drawn to the Legacy Archive, specifically the "Eternal Record Holders" category. He was studying the legends whose names weren't just whispered, but carved into the very stone of football history, players who had redefined consistency and volume of achievement. It wasn't enough to perform; he needed to perform relentlessly, setting benchmarks that would stand for generations.
He spent extra time after training, meticulously tracking his own output. Every goal, every assist, every decisive pass. He wasn't just aiming for a win; he was aiming for a mark, a statistical imprint that solidified his place among the all-time greats. His Unrivaled Dribbling (from Glide of Messi (83%) mastery) was now second nature, allowing him to create chances almost at will. He was pushing for that final 100% mastery, knowing it would be the ultimate seal on his signature skill.
One afternoon, during a post-training debrief, Erik ten Hag put up stats on the screen. "Look at this, lads. Nathan's numbers this season are off the charts. Goals, assists, chances created. He's setting new standards for midfielders."
Nathan felt a quiet satisfaction. This wasn't just about the system now; it was about real-world impact, about etching his name onto the club's records.
He observed his teammates, knowing their collective drive was essential for this relentless pursuit of records.
Bruno Fernandes – Ability: A+ | Potential: B+ | Overall Rating: A
His numbers are always impressive. The perfect partner in crime for goal contributions.
Cristian Romero – Ability: A | Potential: A+ | Overall Rating: A-
A new signing who's quickly settled. Aggressive, composed, and vital at the back. (Pretend this is a new Man Utd signing to add some new blood to the team's dynamics).
The next challenge: an away Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur at their magnificent new stadium. Spurs were always a formidable opponent, known for their attacking flair, speed on the counter, and passionate home support. This would be a true test of United's consistency and resilience.
Nathan used his "Talent Scout" on Tottenham's key players.
Son Heung-min – Ability: S | Potential: B+ | Overall Rating: S-
Electric pace, devastating finisher with both feet. Always a threat in behind.
James Maddison – Ability: A+ | Potential: A+ | Overall Rating: A
Creative hub, incredible vision, dangerous set-piece taker. Pulls the strings in attack.
Cristian Romero – Ability: A | Potential: A+ | Overall Rating: A-
Aggressive, no-nonsense center-back. Will be a physical challenge for Harry Kane. (If he's still at Spurs) Let's assume he moved to Man Utd in this fictional universe.
Okay, let's assume Cristian Romero is still at Tottenham, to make the match dynamics more interesting.
Cristian Romero – Ability: A | Potential: A+ | Overall Rating: A-
Aggressive, no-nonsense center-back. Will be a physical challenge for Harry Kane.
"They'll be quick, especially Son and Maddison," Erik ten Hag warned the team in the pre-match briefing. "They'll try to hit us on the counter. We need to be solid at the back, and clinical in attack. Every chance matters."
Nathan nodded. Clinical. That was the keyword for record-breakers.
The atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was deafening. The modern arena vibrated with the energy of the home fans, their chants loud and proud. It was a sea of white and blue, roaring its defiance against the champions.
Pheeeeeep! The whistle blew, and the Premier League clash was underway.
Tottenham started with fierce attacking intent. Son Heung-min was a blur of motion on the left wing, constantly looking to get in behind Aaron Wan-Bissaka. James Maddison orchestrated from midfield, his passes incisive, probing United's defense.
United tried to assert their control, but Tottenham's energy was relentless. Nathan found himself dropping deep to help out defensively, then surging forward, trying to link play, but space was at a premium.
Minute 15. Tottenham scored. A swift counter-attack saw Son Heung-min receive the ball on the edge of the box. He took one touch, then unleashed a blistering shot that curled past David de Gea before the goalkeeper could even react.
Manchester United 0 - Tottenham Hotspur 1.
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium erupted, a thunderous roar of jubilation. Nathan felt the familiar sting of falling behind. Tottenham's attack was razor-sharp. They needed to find a way to consistently break down Tottenham's defense, to create chance after chance, to overwhelm them with relentless offensive pressure and clinical finishing.
Just then, the familiar System chime cut through the air, sharp and clear.
Ding!
[System Notification]
[Your team is facing a rapid, counter-attacking opponent, requiring relentless offensive pressure and clinical precision to establish dominance and secure a decisive victory.]
[You may request one random legendary prolific scoring/assisting skill in the style of a football icon to guarantee consistent offensive output, constantly finding goals or setting up teammates in crucial moments.]
[Do you wish to activate it?]
Nathan's eyes narrowed. Prolific scoring? Consistent offensive output? This was it. This was about turning the game into a statistical masterpiece, relentlessly pounding the opposition until they broke.
Yes! Activate!
Ding!
[Random Skill Activated: Goal Machine of Ronaldo (CR7)]
[Effect: For the next 5 minutes of in-game time, your finishing accuracy, shot power, and ability to constantly find scoring positions are significantly enhanced. You will be a relentless goal threat, turning half-chances into high-probability scoring opportunities and elevating your offensive output.]
A surge of pure, clinical predatory instinct coursed through Nathan. He felt a heightened awareness of the goal, of every defender's weakness, every keeper's vulnerability. He became a magnet for chances, constantly moving into optimal scoring positions, his shots imbued with an undeniable precision and power. It wasn't just about scoring; it was about the inevitability of scoring.
He immediately charged forward, demanding the ball. Casemiro won a tackle in midfield, the ball spilling to Nathan. He took one touch, then, with the Goal Machine of Ronaldo (CR7) active, he spotted a tiny gap in Tottenham's defensive line, a space that seemed to open just for him. He launched a powerful run, leaving Pierre-Emile Højbjerg trailing. He was now bearing down on the defense, Cristian Romero stepping up to block him.
Nathan feigned a shot, then with his Unrivaled Dribbling, he executed a lightning-fast step-over, leaving Romero flat-footed. He was in the box, one-on-one with Guglielmo Vicario. Nathan didn't hesitate. He unleashed a powerful, low shot that zipped past Vicario's outstretched hand and nestled into the bottom corner.
GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL!!!!
The net bulged! Manchester United 1 - Tottenham Hotspur 1! The small pocket of United fans erupted in a roaring wave of relief and jubilation. Nathan screamed, pumping his fists, his teammates mobbing him. The Goal Machine of Ronaldo (CR7) had delivered a clinical equalizer.
For the next five minutes, Nathan was a relentless offensive force. He seemed to be everywhere in the final third, constantly finding space, creating chances for himself and his teammates. He unleashed another powerful shot that forced a spectacular diving save from Vicario. He then played a quick one-two with Marcus Rashford, the intricate passing opening up the defense, and Rashford's shot was just wide.
The Goal Machine of Ronaldo (CR7) faded, but it had done its job. United had weathered the early storm and established their attacking dominance.
Just before halftime, United took the lead. A brilliant run down the right wing by Antony saw him deliver a pinpoint cross, and Harry Kane rose highest to head it powerfully past Vicario, making it 2-1.
The second half was a relentless battle. Tottenham pushed hard for an equalizer, their fans roaring them on. Son Heung-min was a constant threat, his pace and movement causing problems. David de Gea made a couple of crucial saves from Maddison long shots.
Nathan continued to influence the game, even without the active skill. He made intelligent runs, created space for others, and linked play beautifully, constantly pushing his Glide of Messi (83%) mastery. He had several complex solo runs, trying to force the next milestone.
Ding!
[System Notification]
[Skill Mastery Progress: Glide of Messi (86%)]
[Next Mastery Milestone: 100% (Requires continuous, sustained application of unrivaled dribbling in every match scenario and the execution of truly impossible solo efforts).]
Eighty-six percent! Nathan thought, a thrill running through him. So close to maxing out my dribbling!
The final minutes of the match were agonizingly tense. Tottenham threw everything forward, desperate for a point. Richarlison came on, adding fresh legs and directness to their attack.
Then, in the 90th minute, a moment of pure defensive heroism. Tottenham launched one final attack, a dangerous cross swung into the box. Harry Maguire, with a last-ditch, desperate clearance, headed it off the line! The ball bounced out, and the referee blew his whistle.
Pheeeeeep!
MANCHESTER UNITED 2 - TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 1!
The United players celebrated wildly, hugging each other, exhausted but ecstatic. A crucial away win secured, allowing them to maintain their strong Premier League title challenge.
In the jubilant changing room, Erik ten Hag was beaming. "Another tough away game, lads, another three points! Nathan, your goal was pure class! And your work rate, incredible!"
Nathan, breathless but beaming, just grinned. "Just trying to contribute, boss."
He checked his system.
[Overall Rating: S+]
Still S+. The Glide of Messi mastery was pushing towards its ultimate milestone at 86%. And the Goal Machine of Ronaldo (CR7) had given him an incredible taste of relentless offensive output.
As he walked out of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the cheers of the United fans echoing in the night, a new notification flashed from the Legacy Archive.
Ding!
[Legacy Archive Update: New Record Alert!]
[You have now reached 50 Premier League Goals + Assists in your career, becoming the fastest player in Manchester United history to reach this milestone, surpassing Wayne Rooney's record (in terms of games played).]
Nathan's eyes widened. A record! The fastest to 50 goals + assists for Manchester United. This was it. This was what the "Eternal Record Holders" category was all about.