Chapter 64: Manchester united vs Derby county
The match was heating up as Derby County continued to surprise everyone at Old Trafford. The tempo was relentless, with each side creating chances but failing to capitalize. Manchester United's defense, which he expected to be solid, seemed to be under constant pressure. Pogba was forced into making hurried passes, Fred was playing far too conservatively, and Bruno Fernandes had yet to show his usual magic.
David Jones, however, had been a revelation. Every time the ball came to his feet, something special seemed to happen. His dribbles were a blur of speed and precision, cutting through the United defense like a hot knife through butter. The fans had begun to take notice, their chants growing louder with each dazzling turn and step-over.
In the 35th minute, Derby County was on the counter again. Jason Knight intercepted a pass in midfield and quickly played the ball through to David, who was already in full stride. David's eyes flicked up to see Shaw, who had been struggling to keep up with him throughout the match. Shaw had always been a reliable fullback, but David was in a different league today. With a deft flick of the ball, David pulled it away from Shaw's tackle, leaving the Manchester United left-back trailing behind.
The crowd gasped in awe as David flicked the ball to the side, side-stepping Shaw in one fluid motion. He accelerated past him, the ball glued to his feet, before bursting into the space just outside the box. The Manchester United defenders scrambled back, but David was already lining up his shot.
It was now or never.
With a quick glance at the goal, he planted his left foot and swung his right boot in a perfect arc. The ball soared, curling away from De Gea's reach, and smashed into the top corner of the net. A wave of euphoria erupted from the Derby County supporters in the stands, and a loud roar filled the stadium. The away fans were jubilant, waving their scarves and jumping up and down as the players celebrated in front of them.
The commentators went wild.
"What a goal!" the first commentator shouted. "David Jones, the young prodigy, has just scored a sensational strike at Old Trafford! What a piece of individual brilliance! He took on Shaw like he wasn't even there and finished with the precision of a veteran. You can't teach that kind of talent. That is a world-class goal!"
David jones scores (derby county leads) 0-1
His partner added, "Incredible. We've seen flashes of this from Jones throughout the FA Cup, but that... that was something else. What a way to make your mark at the Theater of Dreams!"
David, arms outstretched, was soaking in the moment. His teammates swarmed him in celebration, all shouting his name, patting him on the back, and lifting him up. Jason Knight was the first to hug him, grinning from ear to ear.
"You did it, mate!" Jason yelled, clearly impressed. "That was world-class! You just tore Shaw a new one!"