Manchester United are reportedly weighing up taking action against Manchester City after they were found in breach of 114 financial rules. Between 2009 and 2018, which is the time period City are guilty of breaking Premier League regulations, many clubs including United lost out on silverware.
Title losses under scrutiny
Eight Premier League titles have been won by City since the 2011/12 campaign, where they infamously pipped United to the crown on the final day. The validity of numerous Carabao and FA Cup triumphs are also now under scrutiny with United going as far as looking for financial compensation.
According to The Athletic, United are one of many clubs that have been exploring the ramifications on their own success and finances due to City's misconduct. Other Premier League teams are considering legal action and it could become a class action, with multiple top-flight outfits coming together as one to seek damages.
Appeal process first
An appeal from the latter is expected to arrive first, though, with any action from elsewhere following that process. Their report also claims that United have been looking specifically into the seasons they were most impacted.
At the very top of that list would undeniably be the 2011/12 campaign when Sergio Aguero scored an iconic goal to snatch the title from United. City's historic 100-point season a few years later also came with United finishing second and that campaign was also during the nine-year period of which City are accused of financial breaches in.
Financial impact and reactions
The same scenario played out in the season without fans after the Covid-19 pandemic but it did arrive after 2018, which is the final year when the club were under investigation. Losing out on those honours would have almost certainly had a financial impact on the club regarding things such as prize money and participation in the Club World Cup.
United icon Rio Ferdinand has already made his thoughts perfectly clear on what he wants to see happen through a variety of posts on the social media platform X. He first said: "Another premier league medal to be added to the cabinet [eyes emoji]." He also demanded medals for Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who were in charge during campaigns where United finished second to City.
He concluded his demands by stating: "Seriously tho…. Ryan Giggs should have 14 Premier League titles [nine laughing face emojis]. Come on @premierleague."
City are the only party involved to provide a public statement on the matter with the Premier League refusing to comment as the matter is still ongoing due to City's appeal. Via a spokesperson, City said: "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the club’s statement of February 2023."
"The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League Board and Executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence."
