Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini can see a shift in power with Manchester United.
Even before a scarcely believable four days, which started with hints that Wayne Rooney was ready to abandon the United cause, the perception has been of a seismic power shift in English football, and the epicentre is undoubtedly Manchester.
"I don't think any club can win for 50 or 100 years," said Mancini.
"City must now work well to try to win something this year.
"At that moment the situation can change. And that is what we want."
Mancini very carefully avoided the subject of Rooney joining City, or whether he would be interested in buying him.
But the Blues boss made a pretty forceful point, which emphasised why the Eastlands outfit must at least take more than a mere passing interest in current events at Old Trafford.
"I don't feel sympathy for Sir Alex. This is football," said Mancini. "Football has changed, and every player can change club every year - it's not like 10 years ago.
"There are not a hundred fantastic players in the world - there are maybe 15 who can change a squad.
"If these players have this chance, it is normal."
