Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has cheekily asked how many Premier League titles he won after the seismic Manchester City verdict. The news on Friday afternoon that City were found to have breached Premier League financial rules 114 times has sent shockwaves throughout football.
City, who have always denied any allegations of wrongdoing, now face a nervous wait for their punishment. It is understood that the East Manchester side will appeal the verdict.
Nine-year breach period
The panel found that City breached the regulations over a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018, with the club originally charged in 2023. Speculation is now growing over whether the Blues could be stripped of titles from the period they have been found to have breached top-flight rules.
Such a scenario could see players like De Gea awarded winners' medals. The Spaniard missed out on Premier League titles in 2012, 2018 and 2021 after United finished second to City in those seasons.
And now the shot-stopper, who currently plays in Italy for Fiorentina, has had his say on the stunning news in a post on X.
De Gea's response
He said: "So…… Let’s talk. How many Premier League titles have I won then?"
Premier League clubs are planning potential legal action against City following their guilty verdict. With the club earning huge success during the nine-year period they are accused of breaching regulations, other sides in England look to be after financial compensation.
City claimed eight Premier League titles since the 2011/12 campaign, when they famously snatched the crown from United on the final day of the season. Domestic cup competitions and one Champions League have also been claimed since 2009, with the legitimacy of those triumphs now under scrutiny.
Potential legal action
The Athletic claim that one possible scenario could see all those impacted coming together to launch a class-action lawsuit. United, specifically, are said to be looking into their options and the knock-on effects of City's misconduct on their own success and finances.
An appeal from City is anticipated first, however, with any action from rival clubs expected to follow that process. It has been further suggested that United have been specifically scrutinising the seasons in which they were most adversely affected.
Topping that list would undoubtedly be the 2011/12 campaign, when Sergio Aguero's iconic last-gasp goal snatched the title away from Old Trafford. City's record-breaking 100-point season, during which United finished as runners-up, also fell within the nine-year period in which City are accused of committing financial breaches.
The same situation occurred during the campaign without supporters following the Covid-19 pandemic, though this came after 2018, which marks the final season under the club's investigation period.
Missing out on those trophies would almost certainly have had financial consequences for the club, including prize money and Club World Cup qualification.
