Van Gaal blames City's financial breaches for 2016 sacking

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 23:20 · Archive

Louis van Gaal says Manchester City's financial doping contributed to his 2016 sacking by Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal has blamed Manchester City's financial breaches for contributing to his dismissal by Manchester United in 2016. United finished fifth that season with 66 points, missing out on Champions League qualification. City finished fourth on the same points total but with superior goal difference, securing the final European spot. Van Gaal was sacked shortly after the season ended, despite winning the FA Cup in his final match.

Van Gaal told the Athletic that missing out on the Champions League was 'probably the deciding factor' in his dismissal and said this contributed to 'all the consequences and suffering this entailed'. He added that 'for sure' his time at United might have ended differently had he been playing in fair competition. City were subsequently found guilty of 114 financial breaches from 2009 to 2018, though the club has appealed the verdict.

Van Gaal took a sabbatical from management following his United exit and did not return to the dugout until 2021, when he was appointed head coach of the Dutch national team.

How it is being reported

• Louis van Gaal insists Man City's scandal contributed to 'all the consequences and suffering' that followed his Man United exit - as ex-boss believes 'for sure' his reign would've ended betterLouis van Gaal has blamed Manchester City's financial doping for the 'suffering' that he endured in his torrid 2016 Man United exit.Daily Mail Sport · 15 Oct, 23:02
• Louis van Gaal claims Man City antics influenced 'deciding factor' in Man Utd sackingLouis van Gaal was sacked by Manchester United in 2016 having missed out on the Champions League - with Manchester City topping them during a period where they were breaching financial rulesMirror Sport · 15 Oct, 22:33

In this story: Louis van Gaal · Manchester United · Manchester City · Crystal Palace · Barcelona · Dutch national team

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