'Massive cloud is going to burst' - Man City sent FFP warning over looming financial charges

Former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen has warned Manchester City their 'cloud is going to burst' with looming Premier League financial charges hanging over the club.

Pep Guardiola's side arrive into Sunday's Manchester derby second in the Premier League standings. They are only one point shy of leaders Liverpool, however could be four points worth of ground to make up if Jurgen Klopp's team take full points from Nottingham Forest this afternoon.

Sixth-placed United meanwhile know a result for themselves could prove crucial in the race for a Champions League qualification spot, plus will have the added pressure of playing away from home against their rivals.

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Now, doing his part to stir the opposition camp, Meulensteen - who served on Sir Alex Ferguson's staff between 2007 and 2013, helping to oversee 20 Manchester derbies - referenced City's looming financial charges as a distraction on top of an already pressurised title race.

Speaking to the MEN, the Dutch coach said: "I do think - and I’m not taking anything away from what they have done and achieved in the time Pep Guardiola has been there - there is a massive cloud hanging over City.

"There is the unclarity of the 115 charges and that cloud is going to burst at some point. It has nothing to do with the derby on Sunday because those games stand on themselves, but with the way the Premier League is shaping up this year, nobody can afford to slip up."

Should City cede points to United on Sunday, it will also open the door for Arsenal to leapfrog them