Manchester United boss Michael Carrick says he still has his "own questions" over the Manchester City case, which he admits has "affected me personally" over time. An independent commission found City guilty of multiple charges relating to breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. City have appealed, and boss Enzo Maresca says he "trusts" the club.
The 45-year-old has a personal connection to the title races involved. He was on the pitch at Sunderland when City won the 2012 title on Sergio Aguero's injury time winner, and he was part of Jose Mourinho's squad when United finished runners-up in 2018. He was also on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's staff when it happened again in 2020-21. Carrick says a winners' medal years later would not replace the feeling of winning at the time: "You can't take that back. It's the moment you strive for."
On whether titles should be reassigned, Carrick says he will hold that view until the case is finalised. He stresses that a speedy resolution is essential for everyone's benefit. If the appeal follows strict Premier League guidelines, it should conclude by Christmas Day, with a verdict in early 2027.
United fans have also made their stance known, rehanging a 'ticker' banner at the Stretford End showing 50 years since City's last trophy, the 1976 League Cup, before Sheikh Mansour's takeover. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, a former Guardiola assistant, said he trusts City's leadership and that the titles are "absolutely not tainted." Liverpool's Andoni Iraola and Chelsea's Xabi Alonso have both called for patience while the process continues.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing