Carrick seeks clarity on City verdict before Tottenham match

Ahead of the Premier League match against Tottenham, Michael Carrick wants greater clarity on the verdict concerning Manchester City. An independent commission found the club guilty of the majority of the financial charges brought against it by the Premier League. Manchester City has appealed, leaving the consequences unresolved.

The possibility of Manchester United being awarded titles if the outcome changes City’s achievements was also raised. Carrick stressed, however, the difference between retrospective recognition and experiencing a victory on the pitch. “A medal here and there does not bring the feeling back for winning,” he said, adding that he did not want to speculate on how the case might end. Reflecting on the 2011-12 title race, he said no decision could restore the emotions of that season.

The manager wants the process to move quickly so that everyone knows where things stand. “Speed is essential,” he said, arguing that the situation needs to be clarified, dealt with and left behind. He also described the case as unprecedented at this level. The verdict, he acknowledged, had raised personal questions because of his experience competing against City during its period of domestic success.

Manchester United’s attention must now turn to Tottenham, although the club has several fitness concerns among its players. Carrick expects a difficult match and believes Tottenham’s results have not always reflected its performances. “When you look at the games, they are a very good team with good players,” he said. Asked about the pressure surrounding the fixture, he played it down as “just another game”.

Carrick acknowledged that the case had raised many questions, while noting that he could say only so much while the process continues. “The sooner it gets sorted for everyone, the better,” he said.