Our turn around under the manager this season has been nothing short of astonishing. We are the form team in the league and have gone from having one of the worst defences to one of the best. This is obviously puzzling for those who were calling for Steve Clarke to come back as a defensive coach but happily the voices from that quarter of fans have been quieted by results.
Itâs easy to understand how the game has passed them by, but other voices remain â the ones who sneer about accountants and the importance of keeping a good balance sheet. Yet for anyone working in the game as a professional the importance of money in obtaining results is all too clear.
Thatâs why qualification for this yearâs Championâs League is so crucial to clubs and domestic cup competitions arenât. This year, finishing in the top four positions in the league means between 50 and 60 million pounds from the BT TV deal and the pick of the best and most ambitious young players across the continent. And qualifying for this seasonâs tournament means it is far more likely we will qualify for next seasons too. Soon a new gap will open up between the âtop fourâ and the rest.
But the season has become even more important than just qualifying for the top four.
For the first time in a long time, our match with Manchester United could have repercussions for a generation to come.
Put simply, United HAVE to qualify for the Champions league either this year or next year or they will quickly fall behind. Currently the combined spending on the wages of Di Maria, Falcao, Mata and Shaw alone amount to over 50 million pounds a year. There is simply no way they can sustain that level of spending whilst seeing their rivals pull in the same amount every year with increased TV money. Even their kit deal with Adidas rests on the CL to the tune of a 22.5 million pound penalty.
After Van Gaalâs spending they still need to rebuild their entire defence, most of their midfield and attack but will he be trusted with the money to do this? And if not who will the Glazers employ next to rebuild? Giggs? Even a new Ferguson might take five years to rebuild the side and there is no indication that they have the gumption to identify him let alone bring him to the club.
City appear to have hit the skids since Pellegriniâs fate hangs in the balance. It is no longer clear that we can rely on them to finish in the top four (though it is likely they will). We have to derail Unitedâs season by giving them a tonking so hard that their confidence is shaken and they drop further points in the rest of their games.
First is first and second is nowhere, but this season we might be able to ensure that, even if we donât win the league, we can prevent our rivals from winning the league again for a decade, maybe more.
And isnât that a cheery thought with which to approach the rest of our games?
Logged