Chapter 51 – A Name in the Firelight
29th Minute – Old Trafford under the lights. Wet turf, heavy air, and hearts pounding in sync with every pass.
Valverde saw it before anyone else.
A sliver of space. A split-second opening. The kind of window you don't ask for twice.
Tch!
A deft through ball pierced Milan's midfield line. Clean. . Rolling at the perfect pace.
Nathan was already on the move.
He surged into the channel, the rain slicking his boots, defenders snapping at his heels.
One touch to control.
Another to set.
The center-back lunged.
Too slow.
Nathan dipped his shoulder—woosh!—
then glided past him with a sway so smooth it drew a gasp from the Stretford End.
The second defender closed in. This one was smarter, patient.
Nathan slowed, drawing him in like a matador.
Then—
Tap!
A disguised feint. Left foot over right. The defender blinked—and Nathan was gone, sliding past on the outside.
The box opened before him.
Only the keeper to beat.
