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Manchester United fans are set to revive a legendary banner mocking Manchester City during Saturday's Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
Originally debuted in 2000, the banner displaying "24 YEARS" was displayed on the upper section of the Stretford End—representing the number of years Man City had gone without claiming silverware since their 1976 League Cup final win.
As each trophy-free year passed for their crosstown rivals, United supporters would update their ticker-style banner accordingly. It eventually climbed to "35 YEARS" before being retired following City's FA Cup win in 2011.
However, according to The Athletic, a new banner is set to be displayed at this weekend's match following the guilty verdict handed down to City for violations of the Premier League's financial rules between 2009 and 2018.
The new creation will read "51 YEARS," implying that all trophies City have claimed since 2009 should no longer be recognized.
There have been widespread demands for the Cityzens to be stripped of titles won during their nine-year period of financial misconduct, along with those won thereafter. From 2009 onwards, they have accumulated 23 pieces of domestic silverware in addition to three continental and global trophies.
Stripping City of their titles remains a potential penalty for their violations, though a final punishment—which is subject to City's appeal—is more likely to result in a substantial points deduction instead.
Enzo Maresca Bites Back at Tricky Questions
City manager Enzo Maresca is unlikely to welcome Old Trafford's newest banner, particularly given his unwavering confidence in his current club and their innocence.
Like many others aligned with City in recent weeks, including his predecessor Pep Guardiola, he was keen to follow the party line when pressed about the guilty verdict ahead of Sunday's visit to Liverpool.
"I trust the club because I trust the people and this is also the reason why I joined the club," said the Italian. "Then there is not another club in the world where I would like to be. I am very happy to be here, I'm very proud. I said many times since day one, these are my thoughts."
When asked whether the titles City had won over the past 17 years were tainted, Maresca responded: "Absolutely not. The last time I was here was the treble season. I know the effort from the players, from the club, from the manager at that time, Pep, so I know exactly the effort that the club put to achieve that target, so I don't have any doubt about that."
Guardiola was somewhat less forceful in his public defense of City, but still offered an encouraging message to the club's fanbase.
"I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever," Guardiola wrote on Instagram. "I am, always have been, always will be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano], the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters.
"Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."