Louis vanGaal has explained that failure to qualify for the Champions League in the 2015/16 season, due to goal difference against Manchester City, was the main reason for his dismissal from Manchester United. In an interview with The Athletic, the former Dutch coach said that missing out on Europe's top competition had "all the consequences and suffering" that led to his departure.
In 2015/16 United finished the Premier League in fifth place with 66 points, exactly level with City. The goal difference, however, favored the Citizens, allowing them to move into fourth position, the last place that guarantees access to the Champions League. The Red Devils management then decided to remove vanGaal at the end of the season, believing the lack of European qualification to be a deciding factor.
VanGaal also commented on potential sanctions against Manchester City, which was investigated for alleged financial breaches between 2009 and 2018. He stressed that "it will ultimately be up to a judge to decide", declining to speculate on any consequences for the club.
The former manager has widely acknowledged that his experience at Old Trafford could have had a different outcome if the competition had been fairer. “There's no doubt about that,” he said, highlighting his frustration at the circumstances that have limited the club's chances.
In summary, failure to qualify for the Champions League was the main cause of vanGaal's dismissal from Manchester United, while Manchester City's future remains uncertain due to the ongoing investigation. VanGaal's future, however, is now open to new opportunities, even if his relationship with United remains marked by a difficult conclusion.