Manchester United could face increased pressure to challenge for the Premier League title if rivals Manchester City are expelled from the division over their financial charges, according to Jamie Carragher.
City were found guilty of 114 breaches of financial rules between 2009 and 2018. A three-person commission found that the club inflated their revenue via 'sham' sponsorship deals, something they strongly deny. The club are appealing the ruling and say that they have 'irrefutable evidence' that proves their innocence.
If their appeal is rejected, City could face significant punishment, with the original three-person commission responsible for determining the sanction. The Premier League handbook stipulates that penalties can range from fines and points deductions to expulsion from the division.
Carragher on the 'shield' for rivals
However, the potential consequences would extend beyond the Etihad, with United among the clubs facing increased pressure if City are removed from the title picture. As Carragher explains in his column for The Telegraph, having two dominant teams to chase can give rival clubs valuable time to rebuild.
"Having two teams that look well ahead of the rest can be a useful shield for coaches or directors trying to buy time to catch up, especially when there are long-standing allegations that one club are breaking the rules," Carragher wrote. "Arsenal are well positioned to take advantage."
"Many expect them to retain their title regardless of when the sanctions are issued. They have solid grounds for optimism that they can dominate for the next few years. For Liverpool, Chelsea and United, the timescale to become title challengers changes the moment City hear the outcome of their disciplinary hearing."
United fans' impatience and Carrick's response
"The power shift will be instant and dramatic. Coming into this season, there was a sense only two clubs - Arsenal and City - could realistically become champions. Once City are removed from the title equation there will be little tolerance from their rivals' fans for Arsenal setting their sights on a dynasty, particularly given the scale of investment at Anfield and Stamford Bridge."
"United fans will be similarly impatient for their side to bridge the gap. No one thinks Michael Carrick’s squad are equipped to compete at the very top yet. Remove City, and growing agitation about how Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Ineos hierarchy are going about their business will go up another notch."
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Michael Carrick said he was keen for the outcome to be reached as soon as possible, insisting that speed was essential to provide clarity for everyone involved.
"Difficult to say in many ways. It's thrown up a lot of questions," Carrick said. "It's ongoing, and there's only so much I can say. I have my own questions about it because it has affected me personally."
"We'll have to see how it goes. The sooner it gets sorted for everyone, the better. Speed is essential, as I just said. That's obvious for me to sit here and say that."
"There are so many angles, but speed is essential for everybody to be clear, to deal with it, and move on. It's unprecedented to be in this situation at this level. We all need to know what is going to happen."
Carrick's title heartbreak
Carrick believes City's wrongdoing robbed him and his team-mates of the feeling of winning the Premier League title, although he suggested a medal 14 years later would mean little.
United finished second to City on goal difference in 2011/12, with Carrick part of the squad, before again finishing runners-up in 2017/18, his final season as a player. However, he did not make enough appearances that campaign to qualify for a medal.
"When you're in football the strive to win and the emotion, the feeling about winning is a lot of it is in the moment," he added. "Whether you're successful, whether you lose, whether it goes against you, the beauty of football and the beauty of trying to win trophies here is a little bit on the journey towards it and then the finale."
"Once that's done, there's no getting that back in any direction. That's the feeling we all crave, coming out on top. That kind of sums it up, whatever's done in the past, but it is how you feel in that moment. Certainly as a participant, as a performer, and I'm sure the supporters feel the same, that's why we love it so much because of the emotion in the moment."
United return to Premier League action today (Saturday), taking on Tottenham at 5.30pm at Old Trafford.
