Chapter 133: Bad Impression
While David had controlled himself, vowing to impress the coach as he wanted to be part of Manchester United 2.0—even planning to make a good first impression—something entirely out of his control was happening now, threatening to destroy all his hopes. Not just for a good first impression, but possibly for any impression at all.
"What do you mean they can’t sign Antony?"
Ole’s voice rang out, sharp and agitated, as he stood in his backyard, phone pressed to his ear. Another call with his agent. Another moment of frustration. This had become far too frequent ever since he had made the decision to join Manchester United.
"Eric, can you please calm down? Manchester United has exceeded their budget for the summer transfer window. They simply can’t get Antony," Kees said, his voice measured, steady. He knew his client’s fascination—no, obsession—with the Brazilian winger. Eric had spent a full year trying to pry Antony away from São Paulo FC, even taking the unusual step of signing him in February under a deal that would only allow him to join in July. But fate had other plans.
Then COVID struck.
And just like that, the obsessed coach and his prized obsession had been kept apart. Football had been suspended, and while leagues across Europe eventually found ways to return, the Dutch football federation had remained steadfast in its decision to shut down the Eredivisie until further notice. Not only had this denied Eric the chance to work with Antony, but it had also robbed him of his second Eredivisie title—his fourth trophy overall with Ajax.
Kees never fully understood Eric’s near-irrational fixation on the winger, but as one of his most important clients, it was Kees’ job to appease him. It was also precisely why he preferred managing coaches over players. Sure, players brought in more money through contracts, bonuses, and endorsements, but with a coach? With a coach, he had influence. He could introduce his other players to the club, ease them in through a familiar face, and if that club just so happened to be Manchester United—one of the richest and most powerful institutions in world football—then the potential was limitless.
Eric Ten Hag, as Manchester United manager, was now his most valuable asset. His gold mine. His cash cow. And he had every intention of keeping him happy—within reason, of course.
Still, that didn’t mean he wasn’t growing irritated.