I deffo get that vibe too. It seems the main draw is like a band of brothers, that you’re playing with this collection of players and coach. When they win a trophy, they turn inward and celebrate with each other. The Etihad doesn’t help. Imagine you could deploy this coaching team, this group of players, this footballing hierarchy to the other side of Europe and it would not change the feeling. The fact that it is at Manchester City is irrelevant.
I think City supporters feel this emptiness too. I know City supporters that are pretty apathetic now, where once they were blood and thunder in the Division 2 playoff. I also think this is why they feel victimised and search out any criticism. They want to feel something. The whole psychology of supporting the club has shifted upside down and it does not feel right.
Listen, I have lived in Manchester pretty much my whole life and I really appreciate how the Abu Dhabi United group have regenerated and invested in east Manchester. Yet it all feels ‘soulless’ and inorganic.