Manchester City warned the Financial Football Players (FFP) about upcoming financial obligations, likening them to a looming threat

Manchester City must ensure they do not make any mistakes against Manchester United as they strive to defend their Premier League championship, particularly with external expectations looming.

Rene Meulensteen, ex-Manchester United assistant manager, cautioned Manchester City that their future could be negatively impacted by imminent financial penalties in the Premier League.

Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, are now in second place in the Premier League standings as they head into Sunday’s Manchester derby. They are just one point behind leaders Liverpool, but they could be four points down if Jurgen Klopp’s squad wins against Nottingham Forest today.

Ranked sixth United understand that achieving a positive outcome is essential in their pursuit of a Champions League qualification spot. They will also face the additional challenge of playing away from home against their rivals.

Meulensteen, who was part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s team from 2007 to 2013 and was involved in overseeing 20 Manchester derbies, is now contributing to agitating the opposition camp. He mentioned City’s upcoming financial charges as an additional distraction in an already intense title fight.

The Dutch coach expressed to the MEN that he believes there is a significant cloud of suspicion about City, despite acknowledging their accomplishments during Pep Guardiola’s tenure.

“The ambiguity surrounding the 115 charges will eventually be resolved.” It is not related to the derby on Sunday as each game is independent, but given the current state of the Premier League this year, no team can afford to make mistakes.

If City loses points to United on Sunday, it will allow Arsenal the opportunity to move ahead of them when they play against Sheffield United on Monday night. The matches against Liverpool at Anfield on March 10 and Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on March 31 will have increased significance throughout the latter stages of the competition.

Despite facing 115 unresolved charges, City have managed to secure two trophies and are currently one of the final eight teams in the FA Cup this season, aiming for consecutive Champions League titles.

The result is anticipated to be undisclosed until 2025, with the official hearing scheduled to commence at the beginning of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Everton have been penalized 10 points by the Premier League this season, which was later lowered to six. They also face additional FFP sanctions together with Nottingham Forest.