I have no evidence so it's just a feeling that our "problem" with UEFA since 2018 and especially the relish shown by our PL "rivals" trying to exploit it to ruin the club off the pitch and destroy it on it led to a complete change of policy at the Etihad. I have always believed that those running our club want a PL which can compete with us and, in particular, a rivalry with the rags which is genuine. For generating interest, football tourism and revenue this is desirable, but what we have seen repeatedly is a determination by the 'istry clubs to use the rules of the game to make the game anything but competitive. Some very influential voices at our club may feel that, while our rivals are on their knees as a result of the pandemic, it is time to show them how weak their position is and exactly what kind of domination we can make permanent if they continue to misbehave. Haaland, Messi and even one or two others would make the point nicely.