September 4, 2012
Carrington Training Ground had never felt this intimidating.
Alex stepped off the shuttle minibus, boot bag slung over one shoulder, and found himself surrounded by legends.
Real ones.
Ryan Giggs chatted quietly with Michael Carrick by the corner flag. Patrice Evra was showing something on his phone to Nani and Rafael. Even David de Gea was smiling — a rare sight, apparently.
And then there was Wayne Rooney, stretching next to Robin van Persie like it was just another Tuesday.
The staff gave Alex a solid pat on the back. "This is it, mate. Welcome to the show."
Fletcher walked over with a clipboard. "Marshall. You'll be working with Group B — midfield rotation, small-sided games. Stay sharp."
Alex nodded, nerves tightening in his stomach.
Rooney caught his eye from across the field and gave him a quick nod.
Small gesture. Huge impact.
Warm-Up
Training began with the usual high-tempo rondos.
Alex found himself sandwiched between Tom Cleverley and Anderson, both senior midfielders who clearly had years of chemistry.
The pace was unreal.
He barely had time to receive the ball before the pressure came from behind, then sideways, then back again.
Anderson barked, "Move the ball quicker! Don't wait for it to come to you!"
Alex adjusted. His instincts from the youth side weren't enough here. This was another level.
By the third rotation, he was holding his own. Not dominating — but not out of place either.
Tactical Drill – Positional Play
They moved to a half-pitch game.
Scholes was watching.
From the balcony again. Arms folded. Silent.
Alex took a deep breath as he jogged into position. Darren Fletcher stood in the middle, ready to give instructions.
"You're central today, Marshall. Quick decisions. You're linking Rooney and Carrick. Don't slow the tempo. Understood?"
"Understood."
Rooney came up beside him and slapped him lightly on the back. "You'll do fine. Don't be scared to give it to me — even if I'm marked."
Alex nodded.
The whistle blew.
Training Match – Small Sided Game
From the first pass, the tempo exploded.
Van Persie dropped deep and pulled defenders with him. Nani ran the channels like a lunatic. Carrick orchestrated like a conductor.
Alex got his first touch — controlled, clean — and quickly slipped it to Rooney, who one-touched it back.
Rooney spun. "Again."
Alex played it forward — Rooney cut inside and rifled it past the stand-in keeper.
"YES!" someone yelled.
Fletcher blew the whistle. "That's the tempo I want! Keep it moving!"
Scholes shifted ever so slightly on the balcony.
Alex caught it.
Was that... approval?
As the team caught their breath and sipped water, Rooney walked over.
"You've got good instincts," he said. "Most kids hold it too long. You play simple."
Alex smiled. "Thanks."
"You ever watch our games from '07 to '09?"
"All the time. With my dad."
Rooney nodded. "Then you know how we moved. Ball never stayed still."
Alex nodded again.
Rooney added, "You keep training like this, the gaffer will take notice."
Later
Training wrapped, and as the squad drifted back toward the changing rooms, Alex felt a presence behind him.
Curtis.
He'd been training with the reserves today but he was here now, arms crossed, waiting near the exit.
"You think this makes you special?" he asked quietly.
Alex didn't stop walking. "I didn't ask for anything."
"No," Curtis said. "But you're getting it anyway. And that's what makes it worse."
Alex paused.
Curtis stepped closer. "Just remember not everyone in that locker room is your friend."
Then he turned and walked away.
System Notification
System Alert – Mentorship Progress
Mentor: Wayne Rooney – 8% Complete
Trait Discovered: "Fighter's Mentality" – Unlock at 25%
New Trigger: "Train with Senior Squad" – Completed.
+5 Experience+1 Ball Control+1 Decision-Making (Under Pressure)
You are learning how to operate at a Premier League tempo.
At Home – That Night
Alex flopped onto his bed, drained.
His phone buzzed.
Rooney: Good shift today. Thought you might bottle it. Glad to be wrong.
Alex: Thanks. It means a lot coming from you.
Rooney: Don't get soft. You're not there yet. But you're close.
Alex smiled at the screen.
Not there yet.
But close.
He rolled over, looking at the Man United poster on his ceiling — Rooney, Giggs, Scholes, Vidic.
Soon, maybe, his name could be up there too.
[I'm thinking of having Jurgen Klopp come in as the long term manager. he will come in after Moyes and Van Gaal. so instead of Mourinho,we will have Klopp as the manager. What do you think ?]