The phone call to Mbappé's agent was only the first step. A seemingly small step, but in Ethan's mind, it felt like he had just crossed a bridge that separated mere dreams from something real. Now, it was all about how to build the momentum and turn that initial contact into something tangible.
He leaned back in his chair, fingers still lingering on the desk, the faint hum of Carrington's offices around him. Ten Hag and Ellie were in a meeting with the scouts, going over player assessments, but Ethan couldn't focus on anything but the next move. Mbappé wasn't just another target; he was the player. The one who could change everything.
He knew it wouldn't be easy. In fact, it was likely to be one of the hardest challenges of his life. PSG were not exactly known for letting their superstars go for cheap, especially someone as high-profile as Mbappé. And there was also the question of whether the player himself would even entertain the idea of leaving a club where he was the face of the franchise.
By midday, the first email had arrived: an official acknowledgment from Mbappé's agent that they'd received the initial inquiry. It wasn't much, but it was a sign that Ethan had at least made the right call to begin the pursuit. However, as any seasoned negotiator would tell you, the hard part was just beginning.
Ethan knew that if they were going to make a move, it had to be bold. United's financial power was well-documented, but it wasn't just about the money. This was about ambition, vision, and something deeper than just being another paycheck. He needed Mbappé to understand what United was building — something that transcended the trophies of the past and reached toward the future.
Later that evening, Ethan found himself sitting across from Ten Hag in the small office adjacent to his. The air felt thick with anticipation as the manager sipped his coffee, looking every bit the calm strategist that he was.
"This is a different beast we're dealing with," Ethan said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Mbappé isn't just another signing. He's a symbol. He could be the catalyst for everything we're trying to do here."
Ten Hag nodded, his face serious. "I've been in this game long enough to know that players like Mbappé don't just decide where to go overnight. It's about more than just football. It's the environment, the culture, the people. And you know better than anyone — United needs a culture shift."
Ethan looked out the window at the darkening sky, thinking about the challenge ahead. "I know. I know it's not just about football. We need to show him that this is bigger than a paycheck or fame. It's about a legacy."
Ten Hag placed his cup down, his eyes narrowing with determination. "Then we need to be united in our pitch. He needs to feel the power of this club and what we're building. And he needs to see that we're hungry. Not just for success, but for dominance."
The conversation lingered in the air, and Ethan couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency. Mbappé wasn't just a flashy name; he was the kind of player who could redefine everything. But they had to convince him that United was the place to do it.
Two days later, another email arrived, this one more substantial than the last. It was a response from Mbappé's agent, confirming that a meeting could be arranged. The terms were vague, but the door was now open.
Ethan immediately called Ten Hag. "We've got the meeting. They're willing to talk."
"Good," Ten Hag replied. "Let's make sure we have a strategy. We can't just pitch him our vision. We need to show him we're serious."
The next few days felt like a blur as Ethan, Ten Hag, and Ellie worked tirelessly on the finer points of their strategy. They knew they had to sell the dream, but it had to be done carefully. Mbappé wasn't just a player — he was an icon, and icons were hard to sell. He needed to believe that United was more than a big club with rich history. He needed to see that United was about to write a new chapter, and he could be at the center of it.
They decided on a plan: Ethan and Ten Hag would meet with Mbappé's agent first, laying out their vision for the future. The second part would be personal — showing Mbappé that United wasn't just a football club. It was a movement.
The day of the meeting, Ethan stood in front of the mirror in his office, adjusting his tie with a quiet resolve. His mind was focused, the nerves he had once felt now replaced with pure determination. He was no longer just a young owner trying to make his mark; today, he was a leader — someone who would lead Manchester United into a new era, and Kylian Mbappé would be a part of that.
He met with Ten Hag in the parking lot. The manager looked composed, but there was a fire in his eyes. "Ready?" Ethan asked, offering a small smile.
"As I'll ever be," Ten Hag replied, his voice low but filled with conviction.
The meeting took place at a neutral location — a sleek, modern office building in the heart of Manchester. Ethan and Ten Hag arrived early, both looking sharp in tailored suits that spoke of authority. When Mbappé's agent arrived, he was every bit as polished as his client.
"We're happy you could make the time," Ethan said, offering a handshake. "I know Kylian's time is valuable, and we appreciate him considering our offer."
The agent smiled politely but didn't waste any time. "We're here to listen. Let's get to the point."
Ethan didn't waste any words either. He leaned forward, his gaze focused. "Kylian has been the face of PSG for years. He's one of the best players in the world, and he deserves to be a part of something bigger than just being a part of a great team. At United, we're not asking him to be a piece of the puzzle — we want him to be the centerpiece of a revolution."
Ten Hag took over the conversation at that moment. "This is more than just a football project. We're not building just another squad; we're creating a dynasty. We've got young players with immense potential, and a manager who is ready to work relentlessly to build something incredible. Kylian can be the key to everything. He can define this era of Manchester United."
There was a pause, and the agent studied both of them intently. Ethan could almost feel the wheels turning in his head. This wasn't a pitch he was used to hearing, and for the first time, Ethan allowed himself a small, confident smile. The words were powerful, yes, but it was the conviction behind them that made all the difference.
Finally, the agent spoke. "I think Kylian will want to hear more about what you're offering. You've got his attention."
The meeting ended on a high note, with a tentative agreement to meet again soon. As Ethan and Ten Hag left the building, Ethan couldn't help but feel a sense of achievement. But he knew the game wasn't over. This was just the beginning.
He glanced over at Ten Hag, who gave him a nod of approval. "You're doing it, Ethan. You've got him on the hook."
Ethan grinned, his heart beating with anticipation. "We're not done yet. But we're closer than we've ever been."
As the two men walked toward the car, the bright lights of the city seemed to sparkle with possibilities. The revolution had begun.
And maybe, just maybe, it was about to take the world by storm.