Matt Oldfield - Lukaku (Ultimate Football Heroes)--Collect Them All!

Tuesday, 8 August 2017

You wanted to play in big games, Paul told Romelu before kick-off in Macedonia. Well, they dont get much bigger than this!

Romelu was about to make his Manchester United debut against the European Champions Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup. Paul was right; big games didnt get much bigger than that. Romelu would be playing against world-class players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos. He felt nervous but also very excited.

I belong at this level, he kept telling himself. He would need every ounce of his self-belief.

Romelu had played in the Super Cup before, for Chelsea, four years earlier, but Bayern Munich won the trophy on that awful night when his penalty was saved by Manuel Neuer. This time Romelu was determined to replace that painful memory with something much happier.

Romelu was a completely different player now. After four successful seasons with West Brom and Everton, he was no longer merely a youngster with great potential. At the age of twenty-four, he was now an experienced Premier League striker with pace, power and skill. He could do it all. He had proved that he could score every kind of goal tap-ins, headers, one-on-ones and wondergoals and lots of them.

But this was now the next level. Jos Mourinho had paid 75 million to bring him to Old Trafford. He had been chosen as the man to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic, one of the best strikers of all time. As Uniteds big new Number 9, Romelu needed to get off to a strong goalscoring start against Real Madrid.

You ready? Paul asked as they waited in the tunnel.

Romelu didnt need to reply. His friend could see the fire in his eyes, and could see that Romelu just wanted to get out on the pitch and start playing.

Lets win this! Romelu shouted to Uniteds other big new signing, midfielder Nemanja Mati. They had both joined the club to challenge for big trophies like this.

Romelu was really looking forward to his battle with Sergio Ramos and Raphal Varane. They were two of the best defenders in the world, but he had the pace and power to cause them lots of problems. Romelu felt fearless. With a giant leap, he won his first header against Varane. The fans cheered.

Real Madrid took the lead, but Manchester United didnt panic. There was plenty of time to equalise. When Ander Herrera tackled Toni Kroos, Romelu sprinted towards the ball like a dog after a bone. He got there first but when he took a touch, the referee blew the whistle. The linesmans flag was up offside!

Why didnt you leave it? Ander complained. I was right behind you and I was onside!

Sorry, I wasnt thinking, Romelu apologised. I was just so eager to score!

It was a very embarrassing mistake to make, especially with millions of fans watching on TV around the world. Romelu was playing at the top level now, and he needed to use his brain as well as his brawn.

A few minutes later, Paul floated a great cross towards Romelu in the penalty area. Was this his moment? Ramos was marking him tightly but Romelu was taller, stronger and more determined. In the air, he used his neck muscles to flick the ball towards goal. His dad had taught him well but unfortunately, his header was straight at the keeper.

Nearly! Romelu gave Paul a big thumbs-up. Next time, he would do better. He would score.

Were still in this game, United manager Mourinho told his players at half-time. Romelus doing a great job up front but lets get forward and support him!

Real Madrid shocked United by scoring again early in the second half. It looked like game over, but Romelu wasnt giving up on that debut goal.

Paul headed Anders cross towards goal. The keeper saved it, and the rebound fell at Romelus feet. This was an even better chance for him to score! He was inside the six-yard box and it was pretty much an open goal. But on the verge of glory, he got too excited. Before he could stop himself, he had blazed his shot high over the bar.

He couldnt believe it. He stood there in the penalty area, staring up at where the ball had gone. It sounded like the Real Madrid fans were laughing at him. Why had he kicked it so hard? Next to him, Paul punched the air in frustration.

I have to make up for that miss, Romelu told himself as he jogged back into position.

A few minutes later, Nemanja hit a long-range strike. Again, the keeper saved it, but the ball bounced out. Romelu was the first to react and he got there ahead of Ramos. He wasnt going to mess it up this time. He stayed calm and aimed for the bottom corner.

Gooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllll
llllllllllllllllll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Romelu didnt celebrate; there wasnt time. He grabbed the ball out of the back of the net and ran back for the restart. United still had half an hour to score an equaliser.

Come on! Romelu shouted, waving his fist. He was really pumped up now.

Despite his best efforts, though, the match finished 21 to Real Madrid. Romelu didnt collect the winners medal that he wanted, but he did have a debut goal in red.

Well played, Mourinho said, patting him on the back. You didnt let that miss get to you. You kept going and you got your reward. Congratulations!

Thanks, boss, Romelu replied.

It was great to have his managers full support. Years before at Chelsea, Mourinho hadnt trusted him in the team. In fact, he sold Romelu to Everton, but that was all forgiven. The disappointment had only made him stronger. Romelu was now a different striker with different teammates, at a different club.

Do you think theyll stop saying that you dont score in big games now? his best friend Vinnie texted later that night.

Romelu sent a one-word reply No.

Really?! But you just scored against Real Madrid!

Romelu was used to people doubting his footballing ability. It had been happening for his whole life, ever since his days as a very tall six-year-old. Fortunately, he always had his family, friends and coaches to support him, and he let his goals do the talking. Yes, he was big and strong, but he was a lot more than that. He was also talented, professional and hard-working.