Louis van Gaal links Man City financial scandal to his Man Utd dismissal

Former Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes that Manchester City’s financial rule breaches may have directly contributed to his dismissal from Old Trafford in 2016.

During the 2015-2016 season, both Manchester clubs finished with 66 points. However, Manchester City secured fourth place and Champions League qualification due to a superior goal difference, leaving United in fifth. Following a recent independent commission's finding that Manchester City committed more than 100 financial rule breaches between 2009 and 2018, Van Gaal suggested the outcome of that season might have been different in a fair competition.

Van Gaal noted that missing out on Champions League qualification was likely the deciding factor in his sacking, despite having just guided United to an FA Cup victory. While he acknowledged that he cannot turn back history, he expressed that his departure was one of the most painful moments of his career. Manchester City has appealed the commission's findings.