The Football Legends System

The triumph in Porto, clinching the top spot in their Champions League group with a new record, felt like another resounding affirmation of Nathan's status. His Overall Rating: S+ was now a permanent hum of confidence. His Perfected Dribbling (from Glide of Messi (100%) mastery) felt like an effortless extension of his will, a quiet joy in every touch. But his mind was already reaching beyond individual skills, delving deeper into the Legacy Archive's "Era-Defining Icon" challenge. This was about more than just personal milestones; it was about consistently shaping the narrative, defining an era through unwavering dominance.

He spent extra time after training sessions, not just refining his physical output, but also observing how Erik ten Hag meticulously planned for opponents. He started to see the subtle chess moves within the game, how to exploit a weakness over an entire ninety minutes, rather than just in a single moment. He reflected on the "Eternal Record Holders" and "Transcendent Legends," realizing that their greatness stemmed from an unbreakable will to perform at their peak, relentlessly, game after game.

One blustery morning at Carrington, during a tactical discussion, Nathan found himself suggesting a subtle positional tweak for the wingers to exploit a perceived weakness in an upcoming opponent's defensive line. Erik ten Hag listened intently, nodding slowly.

"Good insight, Nathan," the manager said, a thoughtful look on his face. "Very good."

Nathan felt a quiet satisfaction. This was the "Era-Defining Icon" at work – influencing not just play, but the very strategy.

He observed his teammates, knowing that their collective drive and willingness to adapt were crucial for establishing a lasting dynasty.

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

His leadership and creativity are consistently pushing the team forward, making him a true driving force.

Lisandro Martinez – Ability: A | Potential: A+ | Overall Rating: A

A warrior at the back, his aggression and tactical awareness are vital to United's defensive solidity.

The next challenge: a home Premier League fixture against AFC Bournemouth. Their previous League Cup encounter had been a tight 2-1 win at the Vitality Stadium. Nathan knew Bournemouth, despite their lower league position, were a disciplined, hard-working side, capable of frustrating any opponent and snatching results from set-pieces or quick counters. They would come to Old Trafford hoping to defy expectations.

Nathan used his "Talent Scout" on Bournemouth's familiar faces, refreshing his memory.

Dominic Solanke – Ability: A- | Potential: A | Overall Rating: A-

Strong, intelligent striker. His movement in the box and aerial threat are dangerous.

Philip Billing – Ability: A- | Potential: B+ | Overall Rating: B+

A powerful midfielder, capable of long-range shots and disrupting play.

Marcos Senesi – Ability: B+ | Potential: A- | Overall Rating: B+

Aggressive center-back, good on the ball, but can be prone to rash tackles.

"They'll be organized, compact," Erik ten Hag warned in the pre-match briefing. "They'll sit deep, frustrate us, and try to hit us on the break or from set-pieces. We need to be clinical, and we need to show unwavering mental strength to break them down."

Nathan nodded. Unwavering mental strength. The mark of an undisputed legend.

The atmosphere at Old Trafford was vibrant, a packed house eager for another Premier League victory. The roar as the teams walked out was deafening, a sea of red anticipating a dominant performance.

Pheeeeeep! The whistle blew, and the Premier League clash was underway.

Bournemouth started with their characteristic discipline and defensive solidity. They formed a tight, low block, denying United any central space. Their midfielders, led by Philip Billing, worked tirelessly, closing down every passing lane and challenging every ball. Nathan tried to use his Perfected Dribbling to weave through, but Bournemouth's defense was disciplined, quickly shifting to cover. Clear-cut chances were hard to come by.

United dominated possession, but it was slow, probing football. Bournemouth's defense seemed impenetrable, frustrating every attempt to create clear-cut chances.

Minute 25. Still 0-0. Old Trafford started to stir, a low hum of impatience. Nathan felt the frustration. They were dominating, but Bournemouth was holding firm. They needed a different kind of weapon – not a skill to create a single moment of magic, but a sustained, almost unbreakable mental and physical resilience that would simply wear down the opposition, grinding them into submission over ninety minutes. This was about being the immovable object and the irresistible force, combined.

Just then, the familiar System chime cut through the air, sharp and clear.

Ding!

[System Notification]

[Your team is facing a stubborn, resilient opponent, requiring unparalleled mental and physical endurance to maintain relentless pressure and break their spirit over the course of the match.]

[You may request one random legendary unbreakable will/relentless endurance skill in the style of a football icon to command the midfield through sheer stamina, win every second ball, and project an unyielding presence that eventually breaks the opponent's resolve.]

[Do you wish to activate it?]

Nathan's eyes narrowed. Unbreakable will? Relentless endurance? This was it. This was about winning the battle of attrition, about being the last one standing, the true hallmark of an Era-Defining Icon.

Yes! Activate!

Ding!

[Random Skill Activated: The Perpetual Motion Engine of Gattuso (Midfield Dominance)]

[Effect: For the next 5 minutes of in-game time, your physical and mental stamina are elevated to an unprecedented level. You will cover every blade of grass with tireless energy, win every contested ball, consistently outwork opponents, and project an unyielding, relentless presence that mentally exhausts the opposition and dominates the entire midfield.]

A profound sense of boundless energy and unshakeable resolve coursed through Nathan. He felt no fatigue, only an insatiable hunger to run, to tackle, to win every single duel. He saw the smallest signs of weariness in the Bournemouth players, and instinctively knew how to exploit it, how to push harder, how to press even when they thought they had a moment's rest. He became the engine that never stopped, a perpetual motion machine in the heart of the pitch.

He immediately charged forward, pressing Jefferson Lerma, who had just received the ball deep in his own half. Lerma, usually composed, felt Nathan's instant, tireless pressure. Nathan didn't just close him down; he hounded him, forcing a rushed, misplaced pass. The ball spilled to Bruno Fernandes!

United immediately launched a lightning-fast counter-attack. Bruno played a quick pass to Harry Kane, who laid it off to Nathan, who had continued his relentless run. He was now on the edge of the box, with Marcos Senesi and Chris Mepham trying to block him. Nathan unleashed a powerful shot, which was blocked by Senesi, but the relentless pressure had created the chance.

For the next five minutes, Nathan was everywhere. He covered immense ground, winning tackles, intercepting passes, and launching counter-attacks. He pressed Bournemouth's defenders deep in their own half, forcing them into errors. He shadowed Philip Billing, making it impossible for the midfielder to find space. Bournemouth, initially so disciplined, started to look tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed by the sheer, unwavering energy radiating from Nathan.

In the 28th minute, this relentless pressure paid off. Nathan, with the Perpetual Motion Engine of Gattuso (Midfield Dominance) active, won a tackle high up the pitch, dispossessing Lerma. He then surged forward, drawing three Bournemouth defenders. With his Perfected Dribbling, he weaved through them, then released a perfectly weighted pass to Marcus Rashford, who was now clean through on goal. Rashford took one touch and slotted it past Neto.

GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAL!!!!

The net bulged! Manchester United 1 - Bournemouth 0! Old Trafford erupted in a thunderous roar, a mixture of relief and pure jubilation. Nathan screamed, pumping his fists, embracing Rashford. The Perpetual Motion Engine of Gattuso had worn down Bournemouth's defense through sheer, unwavering dominance.

The goal seemed to completely shatter Bournemouth's spirit. Their defensive discipline wavered, their passes became more hesitant. United, fueled by the goal and Nathan's relentless energy, pressed even harder.

The Perpetual Motion Engine of Gattuso faded, but it had done its job. United had completely overwhelmed Bournemouth in midfield.

Just before halftime, United doubled their lead. A brilliant run and cross from Diogo Dalot found Harry Kane, who powered a header into the net, making it 2-0.

The second half was a testament to United's control. Bournemouth pushed for an equalizer, but United's sustained pressure and tactical discipline, influenced by Nathan's earlier orchestration, made it difficult for them. David de Gea was rarely tested.

Nathan continued to influence the game, even without the active skill. He made intelligent runs, created space for others, and linked play beautifully.

The final minutes of the match were comfortable for United. Bournemouth, disheartened, couldn't find a way back into the game.

The final whistle blew.

MANCHESTER UNITED 2 - BOURNEMOUTH 0!

Old Trafford cheered, celebrating a dominant home win that kept their Premier League title challenge strong.

In the jubilant changing room, Erik ten Hag was beaming. "Another clean sheet, lads, another three points! Nathan, your work rate and dominance in midfield today... you broke their spirit! That's how champions control a game!"

Nathan, breathless but beaming, just grinned. "Just trying to keep the pressure on, boss."

He checked his system.

[Overall Rating: S+]

Still S+. He had demonstrated the unwavering brilliance of an undisputed legend, grinding down a resilient opponent.

Ding!

[Legacy Archive Update: Challenge Progress for "The Era-Defining Icon"]

[Description: Your consistent performance and influence across multiple matches, demonstrating tactical adaptability and unwavering dominance, are now actively contributing to defining the current footballing era. Keep up this level of sustained excellence.]

Nathan's eyes widened. "Actively contributing to defining the current footballing era." This wasn't just a general goal; it was a real-time assessment of his impact. The Legacy Archive was measuring his mark on history. His GOAT journey had truly become about shaping the very landscape of the sport.

Ding!

[New Record Alert!]

[You have now reached 20 goals + assists across all competitions in the current season, becoming the fastest player in Manchester United history to reach this milestone, surpassing Wayne Rooney's previous record.]

Another record! Fastest to 20 goals + assists across all competitions. Nathan grinned.