The Ferguson era coincided with the rapid rise of social media which were used mainly by youngsters who spent hours talking to like-minded ‘fans’ all of whom knew only success. For them and their experiences the Ferguson era was ‘the norm’ and what is happening now is the exception, which explains the mass hysteria and wailing about the current situation.
We know better.
They also have to convince themselves that City only succeed by cheating as the alternative is that we succeed by excellent recruitment on and off the field, and have great management and a coherent business plan.
Then they would have to ask why their management and club isn’t doing the same. Good business practice can be followed by anyone serious, but hey….you can’t compete with cheats, so why try?