Michael Carrick has asked for the Manchester City case to be resolved quickly, saying retrospective winners' medals would not bring back the feeling of winning in the moment. He also said the issue, which concerns City's financial conduct between 2009 and 2018 and the club's formal appeal, should be sorted as soon as possible because speed is essential for everyone's benefit.

Carrick's case on the City appeal

Speaking to goal.com, Carrick said: "It's the moment that you strive for - to win and achieve in that moment - so the medal here or there, not getting blasé about it, but that doesn't bring the feeling of when you initially win or you don't win." He added: "What I will say, the sooner it gets sorted I think for everyone's benefit is essential. Speed is essential."

That is his central point, and it is a fair one. Delayed medals do not recreate the feeling of a title race lived in real time, and Carrick made clear he sees the uncertainty as a problem for everyone involved. The case remains unresolved, with the formal appeal still live.

United's poor start and the next run

The backdrop is awkward for Manchester United. They have taken five points from games against Hull City, Ipswich Town, Everton, Manchester City and Fulham, sit 12th in the Premier League after five games, and have two points from their last five matches across all competitions.

Pressure around Carrick is building, even if the severity of it is being read differently. Some reports around Old Trafford have framed the mood as one of growing frustration, while others stop short of an immediate sacking call. What is not in dispute is the schedule. United's next three matches are against Atletico Madrid, Leeds and Como, and they come in eight days. Atletico are second in La Liga, so that first fixture is not a gentle reset.

United need a response quickly, and Carrick will not get much time to let this debate sit. The Atletico trip arrives first, then Leeds, then Como, all before the run is over.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →