CHAPTER 355: DERBY IN THE HORIZON!

While Richard was deeply occupied in America with his Apple dealings, a storm was brewing in English football.

Before the storm arrived, the chrishmas rush had just begun—the month that would soon bring the season to its tense midpoint.

Derby Manchester!

After their 4–3 defeat to Manchester United in the previous match, Manchester City would finally face their rivals once again.

In football, a derby may seem like a casual spectacle for the neutral fan — something to enjoy from the comfort of a couch, beer in one hand and snacks in the other, waiting for the thrill of fierce competition to unfold. But for the coaches, players, and supporters of the two rival teams, a derby is nothing less than war.

For Manchester City, this derby is vital. On the club’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a top-tier powerhouse, a battle like this is a rite of passage — a test of pride, ambition, and identity. Later, it wouldn’t just be about the derby; in the future, Manchester City could find themselves competing against revitalized teams like Arsenal or rising forces like Chelsea. In such a context, the appeal of fierce competition would only be amplified.

Look at the world’s most prestigious clubs: Manchester United vs. Liverpool, the Milan Derby, the Italian Derby, the Madrid Derby, El Clásico. These matches are more than games; they are annual epics.

For a top club to go through an entire season without a worthy derby is to lose some of its edge, its fire, and perhaps even a slice of its soul.

Bayern Munich, for example, is undisputedly Germany’s most dominant side. Yet, from the public’s perspective, their clashes with local adversaries — be it 1860 Munich, the Bavaria Derby, or the North-South Derby — have rarely carried the same global allure. In response, Bayern has worked tirelessly to cultivate a "national derby" that captures widespread attention.

Bayern Munich, for example, is undisputedly Germany’s most dominant side. Yet, from the public’s perspective, their clashes with local adversaries — be it 1860 Munich, the Bavaria Derby, or the North-South Derby — have rarely carried the same global allure. In response, Bayern has worked tirelessly to cultivate a "national derby" that captures widespread attention.

"..."

"BOOOO!"

The fans in blue jerseys jeered loudly at the thousands wearing the red Devils shirts.

Who said Manchester City didn’t have fans?

Even in the future, locals in Manchester were often more inclined to support City than United. If Manchester United was the global powerhouse, then Manchester City, in the heart of the city itself, was the little lord.

It’s just that United’s fanbase was simply too large and overwhelming. If this match were at Old Trafford, "Glory, Glory, Man United" would probably echo across the stands. But here, at Maine Road...

"Blue Moon...

You saw me standing alone...

Without a dream in my heart..."

Today, the Manchester Derby could be said to heavily favor Manchester City.

After Roy Keane’s injury, Paul Scholes was also unexpectedly sidelined recently with a hamstring problem that would keep him out for at least four weeks. As a result, in their recent matches, United have been forced to rely on a midfield pairing of Nicky Butt and Karel Poborský. The winger was even deployed in a central midfield role.

And not only that — last week, in a stunning turn of events, Eric Cantona, at the age of 30, unexpectedly announced his retirement from football, shocking the entire football world!

Manchester United were thrown into turmoil.

He had just led United to their fourth Premier League title in five years, and now... he announced his retirement? Why?!

The news was a major shock to both fans and teammates alike. Some, like Ole Gunnar Solskjær, admitted they had been completely unaware of his plans.

When the media reached him, Cantona stated that he had "always planned to retire when I was at the top" and that he had "reached the pinnacle of my career" at Manchester United.

Not even Alex Ferguson could persuade him to stay — his decision was final.

In the Sky Sports commentary room.

"Well, that’s an interesting one from Ferguson. I have to say, when I saw the team sheet, I had to look twice. Karel Poborský... in the middle of the park? He’s a winger through and through — quick feet, tricky dribbles — but is he the man you want in the engine room of a Manchester Derby?"

"It’s a bold call, Andy. With Scholes and Keane out, you’d think McClair’s experience or Cruyff’s versatility would be the safer bet. But maybe Ferguson’s seen something in training."

Manchester United signed Brian McClair back in 1987 from Celtic for around £850,000. At the time, he quickly repaid that faith, becoming the first United player since George Best to score more than 20 league goals in a season. This season, however, he has been reduced to the role of a substitute.

It’s a similar story with Jordi Cruyff. United, seeking to add creativity and versatility, brought him in from FC Barcelona for about £1.4 million. Being the son of the legendary Johan Cruyff, expectations were high. Jordi could operate both in midfield and attack, and Ferguson hoped his technical skills would inject some continental flair into the squad.

Soon, the Manchester United bus safely arrives at Maine Road, the home ground of Manchester City.

The players’ expressions are tense, especially after witnessing the "welcoming gestures" from the City supporters along the way.

Alex Ferguson says nothing, allowing his players to absorb the atmosphere. The electrifying energy here is among the most exhilarating in England. For a footballer, playing in such an environment is a privilege; if one’s career were spent only in quiet stadiums, they would surely feel regret upon retirement. Football is, by nature, a passionate and explosive sport.

As the players change into their kits for warm-ups, two things unsettle them.

First, Maine Road is packed to capacity. United fans are seated in the North Stand, separated from the City faithful. Security police line the aisles on both the east and west sides, vigilantly preventing any contact between the rival crowds.

Second, the noise. City fans never stop waving their inflatable bananas, blowing bubbles, and belting out their team songs. On both sides, supporters point and shout across the divide:

"Your support is rubbish!"

"United is going down today!"

In the City locker room, O’Neill sat beside Mourinho, who was completely absorbed in a football daily magazine, his eyes locked on a vibrant, full-page spread.

O’Neill leaned over and teased, "What’s this? Feeling homesick for Spain? Should I give you a day off?"

Mourinho looked up with a faint chuckle. "No... it’s just—what a genius Manchester United let slip through their fingers," he said

Before the season began, the hottest transfer rumor in the football world was Barcelona’s approach to PSV for Rivaldo. However, the bid was rejected, as PSV firmly insisted they would not let Rivaldo go for less than £20 million.

Barcelona, on the other hand, were equally adamant that they would not pay more than £15 million. However, once the season started, everything changed. Something they had not anticipated happened — a forward crisis!

Their performance, especially in the UEFA Champions League, was nothing short of disastrous — one win and five draws. They barely scraped through the group stage.

Robson was clearly unhappy. Even with new signings like Sonny Anderson from Monaco, Giovanni Silva, Juan Antonio Pizzi, and Luis Enrique (who could play as a forward or winger), it still wasn’t enough firepower.

By the time December came around, Manchester United — now in crisis after Cantona’s retirement — were looking to sign Rivaldo. But Barcelona were also targeting him to partner with Sonny Anderson.

In the end, it was Barcelona who succeeded in securing Rivaldo’s signature for a staggering transfer fee of twenty million — the most sensational storyline in the Spanish transfer market at the time, almost rivalling the Luis Enrique saga, in which he made the dramatic switch from the Santiago Bernabéu to Camp Nou.

Mourinho suddenly paused, as if a thought had just struck him. "Wait... didn’t he used to play for City?" he asked.

O’Neill gave a slow nod. "Yes. It was Richard himself who went to Brazil to recruit him. But... they parted ways after a clash of opinions."

"..."

Mourinho was left speechless.

Richard Maddox again. Richard Maddox, again!

Was there ever a player he recruited who turned out to be a flop? It seemed that every signing he made ended up becoming a star.

The man had an eye for talent sharper than anyone in the game — and the track record to prove it.

In the end, it was Barcelona who succeeded in securing Rivaldo’s signature for a staggering transfer fee of twenty million — the most sensational storyline in the Spanish transfer market at the time, almost rivalling the Luis Enrique saga, in which he made the dramatic switch from the Santiago Bernabéu to Camp Nou.

Richard, who was currently in America, was well aware of the issue. To be honest, he felt conflicted.

City had been riding a three-month winning streak, delivering thrilling performances week after week — yet all of it was being overshadowed by the exploits of a single superstar whose individual brilliance stole the headlines.

Even in London, the spotlight had shifted entirely to Barcelona, despite Rivaldo having played just one match for them. The turning point came only a few days earlier, during the seventeenth round of La Liga.

In an away clash against Compostela, the dazzling Rivaldo produced a moment of pure magic: receiving the ball, he weaved past five defenders in just 14 seconds before slotting home Barcelona’s third goal. It was the kind of strike that showcased everything — his footwork, spatial awareness, physicality, and technical mastery — leaving Bobby Robson frozen on the sidelines in disbelief.

What made it even more memorable was what happened next: the very first person to burst out of the Barcelona dugout to celebrate was none other than Bobby Robson himself.

Perhaps his reaction resonated so strongly in England because Robson was already a familiar figure there — he had managed the England national team from 1982 to 1990, and football fans back home immediately recognized the moment.

CLAP.

Mourinho’s thoughts were instantly pulled back to the present by the sharp sound of O’Neill clapping.

The entire squad was already in their spots in the locker room.

After changing into their uniforms and lacing up their boots, O’Neill had sent his players to warm up on the field. Now, they sat quietly, the air heavy with focus.

While City’s form was soaring, Manchester United’s season had taken a steep and painful decline. By this stage, they were teetering near the lowest point since the Premier League’s inception.

The campaign had begun with promise in August — winning the Community Shield and opening the league with Beckham’s stunning lob against Chelsea. But soon, the momentum faltered. Three consecutive draws were followed by a brief resurgence: four wins and a draw before a crucial derby against Liverpool in the ninth round.

Though they managed to recover, by late November to December United’s form crumbled — from the freshness of spring to the bitter frost of winter.

Just three days earlier, in the Champions League, they had suffered a shocking 0–1 defeat at home to Fenerbahçe, ending Ferguson’s remarkable forty-year unbeaten home record in European competition in a blaze of humiliation.

In an instant, headlines screamed across England: The Fall of Manchester United!