“Mourinho is like The Simpsons, he predicts things”: Ander Herrera revives the Manchester City case

The Spaniard recalled how Mourinho, his manager at the time, was already suspicious of City's irregularities when he finished runner-up with United in 2018. Those suspicions eventually became City's financial case, which still has an appeal and sanctions pending.

Ander Herrera has put José Mourinho back at the centre of the debate over Manchester City. The former United player compared the Portuguese coach to The Simpsons while recalling how he defended the value of finishing second in the 2017/18 Premier League.

“He's like The Simpsons, who predict what happens, and he knew what was going on,” said the midfielder, who played for United between 2014 and 2019.

Mourinho's side finished second with 81 points, behind a City team that reached 100. The gap was 19 points, but the manager insisted that result deserved more recognition.

His defence of that second place was on record in January 2019: Mourinho called it one of the best jobs of his career and alluded to United's internal difficulties. Herrera now links that assessment to his rival's financial irregularities.

The Spaniard also called for exemplary punishment for those responsible for running City. He made clear he recognises the sporting merit of the players and coaches, but believes the case has cast doubt on what was achieved and harmed other clubs.

The 115 charges case

Manchester City players beside scales of justice and case files — City were found responsible for serious financial breaches between 2009/10 and 2017/18.

The case, known as the 115 charges case, has already produced a ruling. On September 29, an independent commission found City responsible for serious financial breaches over the 2009/10 to 2017/18 period, as well as failures to cooperate with the investigation.

The club maintains its innocence and lodged an appeal on October 1. Sanctions will be decided separately.

Herrera sees that second place as an achievement that now deserves a different reading. But the ruling against City still has an appeal pending and a punishment to be set: the Simpsons comparison has not changed any champion yet.

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