The moment Kylian Mbappé's name was linked to Manchester United, the entire footballing world turned its gaze towards Old Trafford. It felt like the calm before a storm, the collective breath of the global football community held as the whispers of a potential transfer rippled through the air. Fans were speculating, pundits were analyzing, and rival clubs were strategizing. For Ethan Cross, however, it was just another day at the office — albeit, one that now came with the weight of a monumental decision.
Ethan sat in his office, staring out at the rainy Manchester skyline. The city was buzzing with anticipation, but he couldn't help but feel the weight of it all. This wasn't just another transfer. This was a statement, a chance to bring the world's best player to a club that had been waiting for a superstar to ignite its fire.
Ellie stood at the door, arms crossed, watching him. "You look like someone who's about to get a very expensive headache," she said with a smirk.
Ethan chuckled. "You're not wrong. The entire world's eyes are on us now. If we screw this up, it'll be catastrophic."
"We won't screw it up. You've come too far," Ellie replied, her tone both confident and reassuring. "Besides, you're not alone in this. We've got a plan."
Ethan turned to her, offering a small smile. "That's the thing. I don't want this to be about me. I want it to be about the club, the fans, the future. I want Kylian to see that."
Ellie raised an eyebrow. "You're getting all sentimental on me now?"
"Maybe," Ethan admitted. "But this isn't just about signing a player. It's about starting a new chapter. A chapter where United doesn't just buy players. We buy players that define the game."
The phone call from Mbappé's agent had come just two days after their meeting. The message was clear — Mbappé was interested. That was the good news. The bad news? The other suitors hadn't backed off. In fact, they had ramped up their efforts. Real Madrid had reportedly increased their bid, and PSG was digging in their heels, reluctant to lose their star player without a fight. The stakes had never been higher.
Ethan sat in his office, staring out at the rainy Manchester skyline. The city was buzzing with anticipation, but he couldn't help but feel the weight of it all. This wasn't just another transfer. This was a statement, a chance to bring the world's best player to a club that had been waiting for a superstar to ignite its fire.
Ellie stood at the door, arms crossed, watching him. "You look like someone who's about to get a very expensive headache," she said with a smirk.
Ethan chuckled. "You're not wrong. The entire world's eyes are on us now. If we screw this up, it'll be catastrophic."
"We won't screw it up. You've come too far," Ellie replied, her tone both confident and reassuring. "Besides, you're not alone in this. We've got a plan."
Ethan turned to her, offering a small smile. "That's the thing. I don't want this to be about me. I want it to be about the club, the fans, the future. I want Kylian to see that."
Ellie raised an eyebrow. "You're getting all sentimental on me now?"
"Maybe," Ethan admitted. "But this isn't just about signing a player. It's about starting a new chapter. A chapter where United doesn't just buy players. We buy players that define the game."
The call came the next morning. Ethan had been expecting it, but the moment the phone rang, his heart still skipped a beat. It was Mbappé's agent. The deal was moving forward.
"You've got him," the agent said, his voice steady but with a note of excitement. "Kylian's agreed to meet with you. But there are still some details to iron out. Real Madrid's not giving up. And PSG… well, they're not going to make this easy."
Ethan nodded, already mentally preparing himself. "We expected that. We'll make our pitch. But this time, it's not about just money. We need to sell him on the future of Manchester United."
The agent was quiet for a moment. "I think that's exactly what Kylian wants to hear."
The next few days were a blur of meetings, phone calls, and strategy sessions. Ethan, Ten Hag, and Ellie spent hours refining their approach, ensuring that every detail of their pitch was perfect. They needed to show Mbappé that United was more than just a destination — it was a place where he could truly make history.
On the morning of the meeting, Ethan couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation. This was the moment. The one that could change everything.
He dressed carefully, putting on the same suit he'd worn for the first meeting with Mbappé's agent. Today, he wasn't just the owner of Manchester United. He was the man who could potentially secure the future of the club, the one who could land the most coveted player in world football.
As he walked into the boardroom, he found Ten Hag already there, calm as ever. Ellie followed shortly after, her usual composure masking the quiet anxiety that hung in the air. They were ready, but the pressure was undeniable.
The meeting was held at a private venue, away from the public eye. Mbappé's camp had requested discretion, and Manchester United was all too happy to comply.
When Mbappé's agent entered the room, he was all business. Kylian was expected to join shortly, but for now, it was just the agent and the United staff.
Ethan wasted no time. He wasn't about to let this drag out. "We're not here to talk about money," he began. "We're here to talk about the future. Kylian Mbappé is one of the best players in the world. But right now, I believe Manchester United is the only club in the world that can offer him something more than just trophies. We're offering him the chance to define an era."
The agent nodded, clearly listening, but he wasn't giving much away.
Ethan continued, his tone steady and confident. "We've been through a lot here at United, but we're on the verge of something special. Ten Hag's philosophy is built around young, hungry players. We've got the infrastructure, the vision, and the ambition to make something unforgettable. Kylian doesn't need to be a part of a great team. He can be the face of the future — the player who leads Manchester United back to the top of world football."
Ten Hag spoke up then, his voice calm but filled with conviction. "We don't need Kylian to just score goals. We need him to be the leader on the pitch, the one who inspires those around him. We want him to be the symbol of this club — someone who defines what Manchester United is all about. If he's ready for that challenge, we're ready to make it happen."
The agent paused, clearly impressed by the passion and conviction in Ten Hag's words. But the meeting wasn't over yet. Mbappé still hadn't arrived.
Finally, the door opened, and Kylian Mbappé stepped into the room. The air seemed to change the moment he entered — the room seemed to hold its breath as the world's most sought-after player took his seat.
Ethan stood up, extending his hand. "Kylian," he said, his voice steady. "It's an honor to meet you."
Mbappé shook his hand, his eyes locked onto Ethan's with an intensity that matched his reputation on the pitch. "Thank you for the opportunity," he said simply, his voice calm but measured.
Ethan took a deep breath. This was it. "Kylian, we don't want to just offer you a contract. We want to offer you the chance to build something legendary. I know there are other clubs interested in you — Real Madrid, PSG, others — but what we're offering you here at Manchester United is bigger than just football. It's the chance to leave a legacy, to be the player who led United back to glory."
There was a brief silence as Mbappé looked at him, weighing his words.
"You're not just offering me money," Mbappé said slowly, almost as if testing him. "You're offering me responsibility."
Ethan nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Exactly. You'll have the freedom to shape this team. To lead it. To make your mark."
Mbappé leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. The room was quiet as the weight of his decision hung in the air.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke. "I'll think about it," he said simply.
As the meeting concluded, Ethan's heart raced with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. They had made their pitch. They had shown Kylian what Manchester United could offer. But the decision was no longer in their hands.
The next 48 hours felt like a lifetime. The press were already buzzing with rumors, and fans were on edge, hoping for any sign that Mbappé was coming to United. But there was nothing. No leaks. No updates. Only the silence of waiting.
Ethan sat at his desk, staring at his phone, waiting for that fateful call.
And then it came.