Manchester City's Premier League verdict has taken the spotlight off Manchester United and every other club, easing the pressure on head coach Michael Carrick during the international break.
United were the focus of Premier League chat and gossip a week ago, but the most remarkable story in Premier League history has shifted attention. Five points from five games and some woeful results had questions and concerns piling up around Carrick. But for Matheus Cunha's late equaliser at Fulham, it could have been a really difficult three weeks around Carrington.
Pressure Eased by City's Verdict
Carrick isn't in danger of the sack just yet, but no club dominates column inches like United, and three weeks without club fixtures is always a time of risk and danger, when the analysis shines a light on what has gone wrong and why.
From the news the verdict was in on Friday to the Premier League release on Wednesday, radio phone-ins, newspaper columns and social media discourse have been dominated by City, what they have done and what comes next. Carrick and United? Suddenly, it's all gone quiet. The only context in which United are really getting a mention at the moment is in terms of the compensation they might feel is due if the City verdict is upheld.
Focus Shifts to Rivals
Instead, the focus amongst United fans is on poking fun at their cross-town rivals and dissecting a judgment that is era-altering in the Premier League. In Premier League circles, it's accepted that there is pretty much always one crisis club. One of the big beats will always be a moment that intensifies scrutiny and pressure. United are close to that role, as are Tottenham.
But this week it's the club that sits top of the league with a perfect record that occupies that position. The shutters have come down at the Etihad, and a siege mentality has taken hold, drawing attention away from every other club in the league.
Quiet Week for United
So it's been a quiet week for United. The players returned to training this week and while not everything has gone to plan, with injury concerns arising during the international break, it is a chance to press the reset button and refocus ahead of a crucial run of games.
That it can happen without speculation around Carrick's future or what comes next is beneficial. It might only be outside noise, but speak to long-serving staff members at the club and you get the impression it can have an impact. It's much easier when the mood around the club is calm and quiet.
Thanks to Manchester City, that is what is happening now. The pressure will build again when the football resumes and Carrick knows he needs results, but this week and next, he has been handed the ideal working environment.
