Louis van Gaal believes he lost his job at Manchester United as a direct result of the Manchester City financial scandal. Van Gaal was sacked by the Old Trafford hierarchy after City pipped United to Champions League football in May 2016 on goal difference.
The Dutchman's final game in charge was the FA Cup final, where he claimed victory over Crystal Palace, but 24 hours later he received his marching orders and was eventually replaced by Jose Mourinho. Van Gaal has now been left wondering what might have been for him after it was confirmed that an independent commission had ruled that City were guilty of all breaches of the Premier League's financial rules, with the club benefitting from more than £900m of disguised funding between 2009 and 2018.
Van Gaal's Verdict
Speaking to The Athletic by email, he said: “For me, at the time, that (missing out on the Champions League in 2016) was probably the deciding factor in my dismissal from Manchester United and all the consequences and suffering this entailed.”
Van Gaal then added: “I cannot turn back history now. Not even the English Football Association can (do that).” Asked what he thinks should happen to City in terms of punishment, the Dutchman replied: “Ultimately, that will have to be decided by the judge.”
City's Appeal and Other Grievances
City launched an appeal on 1 October, claiming they have an “irrefutable body of evidence”, and all parties are now awaiting the outcome of that appeal before the process continues.
Van Gaal isn't the only former Premier League boss who feels aggrieved, as ex-Stoke boss Tony Pulis revealed earlier this month that he feels cheated over the Potters' FA Cup final loss to Manchester City back in 2011. He said: “I thought exactly the same. While the process is far from over because Manchester City are expected to appeal, I have to say this verdict and the whole situation has left a very sour taste in my mouth.
“I don't expect Manchester City to phone me or the club up and offer back the 2011 FA Cup and the winners' medals their players received. I don't seriously believe any other trophies and titles will be handed back over either. A points deduction and a massive fine feels far more likely. But I still feel cheated.”
City Chairman's Response
While in a statement last month, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed. “We have faced challenges together before and have prevailed. There remain many who want to undermine the momentum of our club. We will not give them that opportunity.
“We have some exciting moments to look forward to after this international break. We travel to Anfield in a fortnight, and then host Paris St Germain in the Champions League back at Etihad Stadium – moments that give us an opportunity to celebrate the strength of the Manchester City family. Thank you, as always, for your constant support.”
