Chapter 37 : Old Trafford Tragedy

For the third scene, the cameras rolled as Nico and Kylie stood facing each other, the golden beach setting the perfect atmosphere. Their conversation was scripted, but the way they delivered it was what mattered—natural, playful, and full of chemistry. 

"So, you're really only fifteen?" Kylie teased, tilting her head slightly as she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. 

Nico smirked, shifting the ball between his feet. "You say that like I'm supposed to be shorter or something." 

She chuckled, crossing her arms as her eyes trailed over him. "Well, yeah. But instead, you're built like a Greek god." 

Nico raised an eyebrow. "And you don't look a day over perfection." 

Kylie blinked, then let out a surprised laugh. "Smooth." 

"Not as smooth as you falling just now," he shot back playfully. 

She gasped in mock offense, lightly pushing his shoulder. "Hey! That was your fault." 

The director grinned behind the camera. This was exactly what they wanted—flirtation without forcing it, natural chemistry that looked good on screen. 

After a bit more teasing, Kylie finally leaned in slightly, her voice dropping into something more playful. "You know, I don't usually give my number out that easily." 

Nico gave a knowing smile. "Oh? So, what's the catch?" 

She turned and pointed at the buckets set up in the distance—one at 60 meters, another at 50, and the last at 55. "If you can land the ball inside those, maybe I'll consider it." 

Nico glanced at the buckets, then back at her, amusement glimmering in his eyes. "Just one, or all three?" 

Kylie smirked. "All three." 

Nico let out a low whistle, rolling his shoulders as he got ready. "Guess I better not miss, then." 

The director called, "And… cut! Perfect. Let's set up for the next shot!" 

As the crew prepped the scene, Kylie leaned toward Nico with a sly grin. "Think you can actually do it?" 

Nico chuckled. "Watch and see."

As they set up for the fourth scene, the director pulled Nico aside and reassured him, "It doesn't matter if you miss. We can edit it in with CGI later." 

Nico simply nodded, but inside, he had no intention of missing. 

The cameras started rolling, and Nico stepped up for the shot. He placed the ball down, took a few measured steps back, and exhaled. The ocean breeze lightly ruffled his hair as he focused on the distant bucket. 

With a smooth yet powerful run-up, he struck the ball cleanly. It swerved in his signature S-shape, curving through the air before landing perfectly inside the bucket. A soft thud echoed as it hit the bottom. 

For a moment, there was silence. Then, the crew erupted in murmurs of admiration. 

Even Kylie, who had been watching intently, blinked in surprise. "Damn..." she muttered under her breath. 

Nico, unfazed, walked back to his spot and placed another ball down. Without hesitation, he took the second shot. Once again, the ball soared through the air, bending just right before sinking into the second bucket. 

Now, all eyes were on him. 

The third shot came next. He took a breath, adjusted his stance, and struck the ball. It followed the same mesmerizing arc, landing perfectly in the last bucket. 

This time, the set exploded with cheers. Some of the staff even clapped, genuinely impressed. 

The director shook his head, laughing. "Well, I guess we won't be needing CGI after all." 

Kylie turned to Nico, folding her arms with a smirk. "Alright, I'm impressed. Guess you've earned it." 

She held out her phone, pretending to type something before slipping it into his hand. 

"Cut! That was perfect!" the director called out. 

As the crew reset for the final shots, Kylie leaned in closer. "So… was that real, or are you secretly some kind of magician?" 

Nico smirked. "A magician never reveals his secrets."

As the shoot wrapped up, the sun had begun to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the beach. The crew congratulated Nico and Kylie on a job well done, and everyone started packing up. 

Kylie, still standing beside Nico, turned to him with a small smile. "Hey, since we're done here… do you wanna grab dinner?" 

Nico immediately understood where this was heading. He had experienced enough admiration and attention to recognize when someone was interested. While he wasn't opposed to spending time with her, he also didn't want to lead her on or hurt her feelings by outright rejecting the offer. 

Thinking quickly, he offered a polite yet strategic response. "I'd love to, but we have the Manchester Derby in two days," he said with a small shrug. "We've got a tactical meeting tonight, so I can't." 

Kylie pouted slightly, but before she could say anything, he added, "Maybe you can come watch the match? If you're up for it, we can go out after." 

Her eyes lit up a little. "Oh, really? That actually sounds fun. I'd love to see you play in person." 

Nico nodded with a small smile. "Alright then, I'll make sure you get a good seat." 

"Deal," she said, grinning before nudging him lightly. "But you better score, or I'm taking my offer back." 

Nico chuckled. "Guess I'll have to put on a show, then." 

With that, they exchanged goodbyes, and Nico left the set, ready to shift his focus back to football.

________

Back at home, Nico sank into the couch, feeling the exhaustion from the long day creeping in. He grabbed his phone and called Jorge Mendes, his agent.

Jorge picked up after a few rings. "Nico, how was the shoot?"

Nico leaned back, rubbing his temple. "It went well. The boots looked amazing on camera, and everything was smooth. But… there's something else."

Jorge immediately picked up on the tone. "Go on."

Nico sighed. "Kylie Jenner—she was my co-star. After the shoot, she asked me to dinner."

There was a pause on the other end before Jorge let out a short chuckle. "Already attracting Hollywood, huh?"

"I knew where it was going, and I didn't want to be rude or reject her outright. So, I told her we have the Manchester Derby in two days and a tactical meeting tonight. Then I said she could come watch the match, and we could go out after."

Jorge hummed in thought. "Not a bad way to handle it. Keeps things neutral but open-ended. And it's true—you do have the derby."

Nico nodded, even though Jorge couldn't see him. "Yeah. Just wanted to keep you in the loop. You know I told you when I signed with you that I wouldn't give you any trouble—no scandals, no distractions."

Jorge chuckled again, but this time with a bit more warmth. "And I appreciate that, Nico. But you're also a 15-year-old superstar playing at the highest level. Women—especially high-profile ones—are going to be interested. Just be smart about it, which you already are."

"I will," Nico assured him.

"Good. Now, get some rest. You've got a derby to win."

Nico smirked. "That's the plan."

With that, they ended the call, and Nico let his phone rest on his chest, staring at the ceiling. The Manchester Derby was coming. He wasn't going to let anything distract him.

__________

October 25, 2015 – Old Trafford

The tension in the air was electric as Manchester City arrived at Old Trafford for one of the most anticipated matches of the season—the Manchester Derby. The atmosphere inside the stadium was deafening, with both sets of fans singing and chanting in full voice. The iconic rivalry between the two Manchester clubs had always been fierce, but this time, there was an added layer of excitement.

In the Manchester City locker room, Pep Guardiola stood in front of the players, his expression serious as he laid out the tactical instructions.

"United will try to control the tempo through possession, but their defense is vulnerable under pressure. I want you all pressing high. Force them into mistakes. Nico, you're playing as an attacking midfielder today. I want you moving between the lines, finding pockets of space, and exploiting their weaknesses. De Bruyne and Silva will support you. Aguero, stay alert for runs in behind."

The players nodded, absorbing every word. But before they could fully focus, the teasing began.

"So, Nico," Raheem Sterling smirked, leaning forward. "Big movie star now, huh? Saw that commercial. You and Kylie looked real close."

The entire locker room erupted in laughter, with even Yaya Touré shaking his head in amusement.

"Yeah, mate," Vincent Kompany added, grinning. "You sure you're playing football? Or are you switching careers to Hollywood?"

Nico, who had been tying his boots, sighed before shaking his head with a small smirk. "You guys really have nothing better to talk about before a derby?"

Aguero chuckled, nudging him. "Hey, just saying—if you score today, Kylie might just ask you out again."

More laughter followed, and even Guardiola shook his head with an amused smile. "Enough, enough," Pep finally said, clapping his hands. "Focus on the game now. We win this, then Nico can worry about his Hollywood career."

The players laughed one last time before their expressions turned serious. It was time for war on the pitch.

_________

As the players emerged from the tunnel, the atmosphere inside Old Trafford reached a fever pitch. The deafening roars of both sets of fans filled the stadium, a sea of red and blue clashing in the stands. The Manchester Derby was always special, but this one carried an extra edge. 

Peter Drury, the lead commentator, spoke with his signature poetic tone. "It is a fixture that defines cities, a battle that splits households, a game where legends are made. The Manchester Derby, red versus blue, United versus City, and today, a new story is set to be written." 

Beside him, Jim Beglin added, "And there's an added layer of intrigue today. At just 15 years old, Nico Cruyff becomes the youngest player ever to start in a Manchester Derby. He's been sensational so far this season, but can he handle the pressure of Old Trafford?" 

As the camera panned across the two teams, the commentators broke down the lineups. 

"For Manchester United," Drury continued, "David De Gea starts in goal, with a backline of Matteo Darmian, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, and Marcos Rojo. In midfield, Louis van Gaal has opted for Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger to provide steel, while Juan Mata, Ander Herrera, and Memphis Depay offer creativity behind Wayne Rooney, who leads the attack." 

Beglin nodded, analyzing the setup. "United are going with a solid midfield structure here, trying to control possession and limit City's space to attack. But on the other side, we see Pep Guardiola's tactical brilliance on full display." 

"For Manchester City," Drury continued, "Joe Hart is in goal, with a back four of Bacary Sagna, Vincent Kompany, Nicolas Otamendi, and Aleksandar Kolarov. In midfield, Yaya Touré and Fernandinho will be the anchors, allowing Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, and Nico Cruyff to operate with freedom behind Sergio Aguero." 

Beglin added, "Nico has been phenomenal this season, and Guardiola is trusting him with a huge role today. He'll be operating in that attacking midfield position, linking up with Aguero and De Bruyne. It's a bold move by City, but if anyone can handle this pressure, it's him." 

As the camera zoomed in on Nico, his emerald-green eyes locked onto the pitch with unwavering focus. The weight of history was on his shoulders, but for him, this was just another game—another chance to show the world what he was made of.

________

Old Trafford fell silent for a moment before the traveling City fans erupted in celebration. The Manchester Derby had its first goal, and it came from the 15-year-old prodigy, Nico Cruyff.

Peter Drury's voice rose with excitement. "Ohhh, that is sensational! Nico Cruyff, take a bow! He's only 15, but he plays like a man beyond his years. That was pure class—like a seasoned veteran on the grandest stage!"

Jim Beglin chimed in. "It's that signature cut-in, just like Arjen Robben, but he makes it his own. He completely sells Phil Jones and Darmian before wrapping his foot around it. De Gea at full stretch, but even he can't stop that one!"

Nico ran towards the City fans, raising his hands to the sky in his usual celebration. His teammates swarmed him, patting his head and ruffling his hair in excitement. Guardiola clapped on the sidelines, a knowing smile on his face.

Meanwhile, United players looked at each other in frustration. Smalling was shouting instructions, trying to reorganize the defense, while Van Gaal stood on the touchline with his arms crossed, shaking his head. He knew his team had just been torn apart by a moment of individual brilliance.

As the game restarted, United tried to respond quickly, pushing forward with urgency. Memphis Depay tested Joe Hart with a dipping long-range effort, but Hart calmly punched it away. Rooney dropped deeper to collect the ball, looking to create something, but every time he tried to drive forward, Fernandinho and Yaya Touré were there to cut off his passing options.

City, on the other hand, smelled blood. Nico was buzzing with confidence, linking up effortlessly with De Bruyne and Silva, threading passes that had United's defense scrambling. It was clear—City weren't done yet 

________________

Old Trafford buzzed with tension as the game restarted. Manchester United, stung by the early goal, immediately tried to push forward. Memphis Depay picked up the ball on the left wing, cutting inside before unleashing a fierce strike from outside the box. Joe Hart reacted quickly, punching the ball away to safety. 

Wayne Rooney dropped deeper, trying to link play and organize United's attack, but every time he got the ball, he found himself immediately pressed by Fernandinho and Yaya Touré. The midfield battle was being dominated by City, and Guardiola's tactics were working to perfection. 

On the other side, City smelled blood. Nico was playing with confidence, constantly dropping into the half-spaces, linking up with De Bruyne and Silva. His quick touches and intelligent movement were causing United's defense all sorts of problems. 

In the 32nd minute, City nearly doubled their lead. A quick interchange of passes between De Bruyne and Silva saw Aguero played through on goal. The Argentine took a quick touch and tried to chip De Gea, but the Spanish goalkeeper stood tall, making an incredible fingertip save to deny City a second goal. 

The crowd erupted in noise, half in relief, half in admiration for De Gea's heroics. 

City continued to press, with Nico pulling the strings in midfield. In the 41st minute, he received a pass from Fernandinho near the center circle, turned swiftly, and drove forward with blistering pace. 

Smalling and Jones immediately rushed towards him, trying to close him down, but with a deft feint, Nico shifted his body weight and threaded a perfect through ball between the lines. The pass found Aguero in stride, one-on-one with De Gea. 

Aguero took a touch to his right, but before he could shoot, Daley Blind lunged in with a desperate last-ditch tackle, deflecting the ball just enough for De Gea to claim it. 

Jim Beglin couldn't believe it. "That pass from Nico was outrageous! The vision, the weight—he completely dissected United's defense. But Daley Blind, with a crucial intervention, keeps United in this game!" 

Peter Drury added, "You can see why this kid is being called a generational talent. He doesn't just have the skill—he has the vision, the intelligence, the ability to manipulate time and space on the pitch." 

United were barely hanging on as halftime approached. 

Just before the whistle blew, City won a free kick 28 meters from goal. A mistimed challenge from Schneiderlin on De Bruyne saw the referee immediately award the set piece. 

The moment Nico placed the ball down, the United players shifted nervously. De Gea carefully positioned the wall, shouting instructions to his defenders. The commentators immediately knew what was coming. 

Peter Drury's voice was filled with anticipation. "Well, well, well. We've seen him do it before. We've seen the magic in those boots. Is there more to come?" 

Nico took his usual four steps back, his eyes locked onto the goal. The Etihad Stadium had already witnessed the erratic, mesmerizing arc of his S-Shaped free kicks, but Old Trafford was about to experience it firsthand. 

The referee blew the whistle. 

Nico ran up, struck the ball with precision, and once again, the unpredictable movement was there—the ball swerved left, then right, then back left again before curling into the top right corner. 

De Gea had dived, but it was futile. 

For a second, there was stunned silence. Then, chaos erupted. 

Jim Beglin was practically shouting. "That's it! That's just unreal! Nico Cruyff has done it again!" 

Peter Drury's voice carried the weight of history. "A phenomenon. A prodigy. A magician at 15 years old! Old Trafford is witnessing something truly special!" 

Nico turned towards the away stand, raising his hands to the sky in his signature celebration as his teammates rushed to embrace him. 

Guardiola, standing on the sidelines, simply smirked, clapping his hands in approval. 

Meanwhile, Louis van Gaal had his hands on his hips, looking utterly defeated. United's players stood in disbelief—how do you stop someone like this? 

As the referee blew for halftime, City walked off the pitch with a commanding 2-0 lead. But with 45 minutes left to play, they knew the job wasn't done yet.

________

As the final whistle echoed through Old Trafford, the scoreline on the massive electronic board displayed a number no Manchester United fan could ever have imagined—Manchester United 0-7 Manchester City.

City's players celebrated on the pitch, embracing one another, while United's squad stood frozen in disbelief, their heads hanging low. The home fans had already begun filing out of the stadium long before the final whistle, unable to watch any more of the destruction that had unfolded before them.

Peter Drury's voice carried the weight of the moment. "A massacre at Old Trafford! A statement, a warning, a humiliation of the highest order! Manchester City have not just defeated Manchester United today—they have annihilated them!"

Jim Beglin, just as stunned, chimed in. "This isn't just a loss for United—this is a historical disaster. And leading the charge? A 15-year-old phenomenon. Nico Cruyff, with a hat-trick of goals and a hat-trick of assists! This is his moment!"

The cameras focused on Nico, standing near the center circle, taking in the scene. He didn't celebrate wildly—no knee slides, no exaggerated gestures. He simply looked around, nodding slightly, as if absorbing the magnitude of what had just happened.

Peter Drury continued. "Remember this night, remember this name—Nico Cruyff. The boy who tore Manchester United apart at their own home. He came, he played, and he humiliated one of the greatest clubs in football history."

The City players clapped towards their away fans, who were chanting, their voices deafening even in the hostile stadium. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola stood on the sidelines, shaking hands with his staff, a small satisfied smile on his face. He had seen many brilliant performances in his managerial career, but this one would be etched in history.

United's players, broken and exhausted, walked off without a word. Louis van Gaal looked utterly defeated as he shook Guardiola's hand. He didn't even attempt to mask his frustration—his team had been outclassed in every way.

As Nico walked towards the tunnel, the camera zoomed in on him one last time, capturing the moment for history.

Jim Beglin shook his head. "15 years old, and he's already doing things like this. What happens when he's 20? What happens when he reaches his peak?"

Peter Drury's final words carried a sense of inevitability. "This is not just a boy with talent. This is a player destined to define an era. Tonight, at Old Trafford, we may have just witnessed the beginning of something truly legendary."