Louis van Gaal Links Man City Scandal to Manchester United Exit

Louis van Gaal has stated that Manchester City's alleged financial doping contributed to the "suffering" he experienced during his departure from Manchester United in 2016. The Dutch manager was dismissed at the end of the 2015-16 season after Manchester United narrowly missed out on a Champions League qualification spot, finishing level on points with City but with an inferior goal difference.

Van Gaal believes that failing to secure a place in the Champions League was the deciding factor in his sacking, stating that it led to "all the consequences and suffering this entailed." He suggested that his tenure might have concluded differently if the competition had been fair, implying that City's alleged financial manipulations played a role in the outcome.

Manchester City faces numerous charges from the Premier League related to financial rule breaches between 2009 and 2018. The club is accused of artificially inflating revenue through 'sham' contracts and agreements, totaling approximately £900 million over nine years. The Premier League stated that the club filed misstated accounts and concealed its true financial state from auditors and regulators.

Manchester City has maintained its innocence and is appealing the verdict, asserting that they possess "irrefutable evidence" to clear their name.

Van Gaal took a sabbatical from management following his dismissal from Manchester United and returned in 2021 as head coach of the Dutch national team. He acknowledged that he cannot alter the past, stating, "Not even the English Football Association can (do that)."

Similar sentiments have been expressed by former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who felt that Manchester City had "stolen memories" by winning titles during an era he believes was unfairly influenced by financial irregularities. Gerrard, who never won a Premier League medal, called for significant sanctions against City, suggesting a transfer ban and points deductions over time.