Van Gaal Blames Man City Sponsorship Case for Manchester United Exit
Manchester City have appealed after a Premier League regulatory panel found their revenues were artificially increased through “sham” sponsorship arrangements between 2009 and 2018, a ruling that has reopened painful memories for former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.
City deny wrongdoing and say they hold extensive, conclusive evidence in support of their position. The case covers more than 100 disciplinary allegations, with the scale of any eventual sporting or financial sanction still to be determined.
Van Gaal believes the consequences of the findings reach back to United’s 2015-16 campaign, when his side missed Champions League qualification on goal difference behind their local rivals.
Van Gaal links exit to Champions League miss
United and City both finished the Premier League season on 66 points, but Manuel Pellegrini’s team claimed fourth place with a goal difference 16 better than that of Van Gaal’s side.
Van Gaal said failing to reach the Champions League was likely the decisive factor in United ending his employment. He was dismissed 48 hours after lifting the FA Cup, with Ed Woodward preparing Jose Mourinho to take over at Old Trafford.
The Dutchman, now 75, said the episode brought significant personal suffering. He believes his time in England would have ended differently had the competition been conducted fairly, while accepting that the latest ruling cannot alter what happened in 2016.
United had the stronger derby record that season. They drew 0-0 with City at Old Trafford before Marcus Rashford scored the only goal in a 1-0 away win at the Etihad Stadium.
But those results did not prevent City from finishing ahead of their neighbours, and Van Gaal said neither he nor the Football Association can reverse the history of that campaign.
What happens next
City’s appeal means the process is not over. The club continue to contest the allegations, while English football awaits a final decision on whether punishment will follow the panel’s findings.
Van Gaal declined to demand a specific penalty, saying the appropriate sanction must be decided by the judge.
