By Monday morning, Ethan Cross had already made peace with the fact that no matter how many fires he put out, someone was always lighting another match.
Today's crisis? Finding the brain of the operation.
Not metaphorically. Literally.
Manchester United, for all its size and legacy, was currently running without a Head of Football Operations. The position had been vacant ever since Gilmore left—technically was kicked out with his Gucci loafers flying—and Ethan now had a gaping hole at the very core of his footballing structure.
"You need a shark who can swim in numbers, contracts, and egos," Ibrahim said, chewing a pen cap in Ethan's office. "But also someone who won't sell the club's soul to hedge funds."
"So basically a unicorn in a tracksuit," Ethan replied. "Got any of those in your contacts?"
Ibrahim shrugged. "One. But he's coaching under-16s in Norway and thinks email is a conspiracy."
"Perfect," Ethan muttered. "Shortlist him anyway."
11:30 AM – Boardroom Showdown: The Shortlist Meeting
Ethan sat at the head of the table, surrounded by a small, hand-picked group: Ibrahim (his consigliere), Lucy (to keep the PR bombs from detonating), and Martin Rowe, United's newly promoted analytics lead, who looked like he hadn't slept since 2019.
A projector blinked to life. The first name appeared:
1. Matthias Krug – Ex-Dortmund Sporting Director
"Krug's a tactician," Martin said. "Helped spot Haaland, Bellingham, Sancho. But rumor is he left Dortmund because he tried to rename the cafeteria 'Krug's Kantine'."
"Ego risk," Lucy said.
"Definitely German," Ibrahim added.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Next."
2. Ellie Greenwood – Brighton's Head of Scouting
"Brighton's been punching above their weight for years," Lucy said. "Smart with data. Bold with youth. Ellie's got a reputation for zero drama and 100% results."
"She also once got into a heated argument with Pep Guardiola over player positioning," Martin added.
"She win?"
"She made him apologize. In Spanish."
Ethan leaned forward. "Shortlist."
3. Remy Dubois – PSG Consultant, 'Transfer Whisperer'
"Dubois is the flashy choice," Ibrahim said. "Knows everyone. Negotiated Neymar's contract and Mbappé's bonus structure. But…"
"But what?"
"He also once signed a player just because he liked his haircut."
Lucy groaned.
"Which player?"
"Rabiot," Martin said.
"…Shortlist," Ethan said reluctantly. "But with a warning label."
4. Theo Alvarez – Retired midfielder, now tactical director at Sevilla
"Players love him," Lucy said. "Visionary football mind. Charismatic. Fluent in four languages."
"And?" Ethan asked.
"He also has a podcast called 'The Beautiful Brain' where he roasts Premier League clubs weekly. United has… not been spared."
Ethan sighed. "Put him on the maybe list. Just in case I develop thicker skin."
2:00 PM – Tea Break with Trouble
Later that day, while scrolling through CVs that felt more dramatic than Netflix pitches, Ethan heard the door creak.
It was Sir Archie Fairbanks, a longtime board member, blazer enthusiast, and resident relic from the club's aristocratic past.
"Still looking for your director, Cross?" Sir Archie asked, sipping earl grey like it was holy water. "Back in my day, we just gave the job to someone we played golf with."
Ethan blinked. "And how did that go?"
"Ah," Archie smiled, "we're still paying for some of those mistakes."
5:45 PM – Ethan's Apartment
The sun dipped low over Manchester, casting golden light on a table littered with résumés, scouting reports, and a half-eaten tuna sandwich.
Ethan sat across from Ibrahim, rubbing his temple.
"They're all flawed," Ethan said. "One's too flashy, one's too blunt, one might secretly be plotting a power grab with croissants."
"You don't need perfect," Ibrahim said. "You need aligned."
Ethan exhaled slowly.
"Then it's Ellie Greenwood."
Ibrahim nodded, a half-smile forming. "Smart. Tactical. No nonsense. Probably immune to tabloid drama too."
Ethan chuckled. "Can't say that about me."
Just then, his phone buzzed.
It was Ellie.
A single-line message:
Let's fix your club before your next press conference gives me an ulcer.
Ethan grinned.
Now he had his brain.