Inevitable whether united win or not this year, they can't keep up over the next few years.
Blackburn said this in 94, Arse after that, and Chelski under Abramovich after that. The fact is, different clubs come along and set new challenges and so far, it's only taken United a season or two to adjust, and then overtake the new pretenders. Even when United are in transition, as they are now, they seem to be too good for everyone else.
How much have City spent? I've seen £400 million, £500 million, £600 million. Whichever it is, how much more money will it take? Another £200 million? £400 million? Who will they buy that will want to come and would make the difference? Messi? Not a chance. Ronaldo? Doubt it. Ibrahimovic? Possibly. Benzema?
By definition, the kind of player attracted to City's billions are not necessarily the kind of player you need to mold into a team capable of winning titles year in, year out.
The manager is the key position, obviously. RM has shown he's not the man for the job. Not tactically, not in terms of man-management, media-management nor in the vital area of spotting a player who will help bring sustained success to a club.
If City can land Mourinho, invest the probable further £200 million he'd want to bring in half of Real Madrid, then City will almost certainly win the title within the next couple of years. Apart from Fergie, I doubt there's another man on planet who could make City the best team in England. And that would only be until Jose gets bored and seeks another challenge.
And it looks like he wants the United job anyway.
You can't buy sustained success. Blackburn and Chelsea are proof of that.