Ten years after his departure from Manchester United, Louis van Gaal has still not digested his dismissal. The Dutch coach, fired in 2016 despite an FA Cup victory, today believes that the financial irregularities accused of Manchester City indirectly cost his place at Old Trafford. That season, the two Mancunian clubs finished with 66 points in the Premier League, but the Citizens took fourth place, synonymous with qualification for the Champions League, thanks to a better goal difference. In an exchange with The AthleticVan Gaal returned to this painful episode. “ For me, at the time, failing to qualify for the Champions League in 2016 was probably the deciding factor in my dismissal from Manchester United, with all the consequences and suffering that brought “, he confided. The former Netherlands coach is convinced that his story could have taken a different turn if the competition had been fair.
These statements come as Manchester City faces serious accusations regarding its financial practices between 2009 and 2018, including sponsorship income which was allegedly artificially inflated. The English club disputes these accusations and has appealed the decision mentioned in the press. For Van Gaal, the possible sporting consequences of this affair go far beyond the question of the titles won by the Citizens. “ I can’t go back in time anymore », Regretted the 75-year-old technician. A feeling shared by Steven Gerrard, who recently denounced the memories that Manchester City would have deprived its competitors, notably Liverpool during the 2013-2014 season. The former captain of the Reds even called for heavy sporting sanctions, citing a ban on recruitment and withdrawals of points spread over several seasons.
