Van Gaal Blames Manchester City for Manchester United Sacking

Louis van Gaal has suggested that Manchester City's alleged financial rule breaches contributed to his sacking by Manchester United in 2016. That season, the Red Devils finished fifth in the Premier League, missing out on Champions League qualification as their cross-town rivals pipped them to fourth place on goal difference.

Van Gaal's final game in charge was the FA Cup final victory over Crystal Palace, but he was dismissed just 24 hours later. The decision was the culmination of a disappointing league campaign in which United slumped after December and ultimately finished outside the top four due to an inferior goal difference to City.

"For me, at that time, that [missing out on the Champions League in 2016] was probably the deciding factor in my sacking from Manchester United, and all the consequences and suffering that came with it. I cannot turn back history. Not even the English Football Association can do that," Van Gaal told The Athletic, adding that his tenure in Manchester would "certainly" have had a far happier ending had it been a fair contest.

Asked what sanction he believes City should face, Van Gaal stated: "In the end, that will have to be decided by the judge."