Nothing can last for ever — not even City’s stranglehold

BY ThE time Europe’s richest clubs had finished fashioning financial fair play into a protectionist’s charter, Manchester United, it seemed, were golden. Nothing would challenge their elite status. They had neutered the power of new money. They had insured themselves against the day Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down. David Gill’s many years of politicking in football’s highest offices had been worth every meeting. United had football where they wanted it. And then Ferguson left and the entire edifice crumbled. If Arsenal win the Europa League, United will be the only member of the Premier League’s elite six not in the Champions League next season. They did not qualify in 2014-15 or 2016-17, either. Since losing the Champions League final in 2011, the deepest they have gone into the competition is two quarterfinal appearances, five years apart. So, those worrying that Manchester City’s rule is permanent after back-to-back titles and 198 points over two years, can relax. In football — certainly in English football — nothing is for ever. If United, a club with every advantage of size, wealth and privilege, can be plunged into a relative wilderness, then City’s dominance cannot last, either. Think about it: unless Vincent

Kompany scores the greatest goal of his career, they probably don’t win this title. And then, one day, Pep Guardiola will depart. Maybe sooner rather than later, if City are banned from Europe. How do they replace him; indeed, who could replace him? City possess a more sophisticated executive strategy than United, but that doesn’t mean there will not be a Guardiola effect. Manuel Pellegrini won the title in his first season, but went downhill after. Roberto Mancini ended up in a ruinously fractious relationship with the club after a single title win. The new money that ensures the dominance of super powers like Juventus and Bayern Munich is not such a factor in the English game. Even if City were to win again next season, they would just be equalling the feats of Huddersfield (1923-26), Arsenal (1932-35), Liverpool (1981-84) and United (1998-2001 and 2006-09). Only a fourth victory would be unprecedented. As it is, City merely join a list of 11 clubs who have retained the title, on 25 occasions. And it hasn’t happened for a while — not since United in 2008-09 — and never by winning a combined 198 points, so there is a lot of projection. Yet City were never this successful until Guardiola arrived. And if he isn’t for ever, neither are they.