Wayne Rooney Takes Stand As Man United Could Benefit From Man City Punishment

Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has rejected the idea of the club being retrospectively awarded a Premier League title if Manchester City are stripped of honours following the financial breaches established against the club.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Manchester City were found guilty of most of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League, relating to alleged breaches between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.

The club is yet to learn the sanctions that may be imposed and has indicated that it will appeal the findings. One possible consequence could involve the removal of Premier League titles won during the period covered by the investigation.

Rooney was part of the Manchester United side that finished second behind Manchester City in the dramatic 2011-12 Premier League title race. However, the former England international said he would not be comfortable receiving a winners’ medal years after the campaign had ended.

Speaking on the Stick to United podcast, Rooney explained that Manchester United had not done enough on the pitch to finish first that season.

“I wouldn’t feel comfortable about accepting another Premier League medal if I’m being honest, because I don’t think we deserve it. We didn’t do enough that season to win the league,” Rooney said.

His position differs from that of some former Manchester United teammates, including Rio Ferdinand and David de Gea, who appeared to suggest on social media that the club should receive retrospective recognition following the findings against City.

Rooney also said he would be disappointed if a title won on the pitch were later taken away from a team, noting that he could understand how Manchester City players might feel if their medals were removed despite believing they had earned them fairly.

“I wouldn’t want this one just sat there… 15 years later or whatever it was you get a medal because City cheated. I wouldn’t feel comfortable,” he added.

While rejecting the possibility of Manchester United receiving the 2011-12 title retrospectively, Rooney said he believes Manchester City could face relegation as part of any eventual punishment.

“I do think we’re going to see City getting relegated. However that happens I don’t know but I think we’re going to see them get relegated,” he said.

Rooney also suggested that any relegation could potentially be accompanied by restrictions on Manchester City’s spending for several seasons.

Manchester City’s case followed a lengthy Premier League investigation into alleged financial rule breaches. The hearing was conducted behind closed doors and began in September 2024, lasting approximately 12 weeks. The club’s eventual sanctions have yet to be announced.

Meanwhile, former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has also commented on the findings, while La Liga president Javier Tebas has called for severe punishment if the breaches are upheld through the remaining process.