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Manchester United coach Michael Carrick considered that "the sooner (the Manchester City case) is resolved, the better for everyone," when asked about the financial irregularities involving the cross-town rival club in the English Premier League.
The arch-rival had been found guilty of multiple offenses between 2009 and 2018 by an independent panel that issued its decision during the international break, following years of investigation and a lengthy legal battle with the Premier League.
Carrick said in a press conference yesterday, Friday: "It is essential that things move quickly so that everyone knows where things are heading and can deal with the situation and move forward, whatever the outcome," adding that the "repercussions" could be huge, so "we all need to know what is going to happen."
The former midfielder wore the Manchester United shirt between 2006 and 2018 during the period covered by the investigation. He finished the season as league runner-up twice behind City, in 2012 and 2018.
He said: "That has affected me personally in different ways over the years. But looking at the current trajectory of the case, I don't really know where we stand nor how all this will end. We have to wait to see what happens."
Carrick believes that nothing can compensate for the emotions experienced on the pitch, even if a title is awarded retrospectively.
He explained: "Whether we succeed or fail (...) the beauty of sport, the beauty of football, and the beauty of the pursuit of titles lies partly in the journey that leads us there, and then in the final result."
He continued: "After everything is over, it is impossible to turn back time, regardless of the direction we might wish to go in."
The coach believes that Manchester United fans "feel the same way," saying: "Those emotions we experience in the exact moment are the reason why we love this sport so much."
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