JOSE MOURINHO HASN'T GIVEN UP ON RECEIVING A DELAYED PREMIER LEAGUE WINNER'S MEDAL FROM HIS TIME AT MANCHESTER UNITED. NOW MANAGING FENERBAHCE, HE IS HOPING FOR MANCHESTER CITY TO FACE FINANCIAL FAIR PLAY (FFP) SANCTIONS, WHICH COULD LEAD TO HIM RECEIVING A 'BONUS' PAYOUT

Jose Mourinho, one of football's most decorated managers, has never been one to shy away from controversy. Now managing Turkish giants Fenerbahçe, the charismatic Portuguese tactician has reignited an old desire to receive a Premier League winner's medal for his tenure at Manchester United. His hope? That Financial Fair Play (FFP) sanctions could eventually come crashing down on Manchester City, retroactively affecting title outcomes.

Mourinho, who managed Manchester United from 2016 to 2018, came agonizingly close to adding another Premier League title to his impressive resume. During the 2017-18 season, his United side finished second, 19 points behind the Pep Guardiola-led Manchester City, who stormed to the title with a record-breaking campaign. However, Mourinho believes that Manchester City's alleged financial irregularities, which have been the subject of scrutiny and investigation, could potentially lead to sanctions that might change the historical outcome.

The ongoing investigations into Manchester City’s alleged breaches of FFP regulations have raised eyebrows in footballing circles. Mourinho, who has never hidden his disdain for what he perceives as financial doping, has publicly expressed that if City were to be stripped of their title due to such sanctions, it could open the door for United to be retroactively awarded the championship—resulting in Mourinho receiving a "bonus" Premier League winner's medal.

The Manchester City FFP Controversy

Manchester City have faced multiple investigations regarding their financial conduct, with allegations of inflated sponsorship deals and circumvention of FFP regulations. UEFA previously sanctioned City with a two-year Champions League ban in 2020, though the decision was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, ongoing investigations, particularly those led by the Premier League, continue to put City under the microscope.

Mourinho has always been outspoken about the impact financial irregularities have on football's competitive balance. In a 2020 interview during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, he referred to the decision to overturn City's European ban as a "disgrace." Now at Fenerbahçe, he still holds firm to his belief that City’s financial dealings should face stronger repercussions.

A Delayed Premier League Medal?

Mourinho’s Manchester United tenure might not have ended in a Premier League title, but it wasn’t without success. Under his guidance, the Red Devils won the Europa League and League Cup in 2017. However, the elusive Premier League crown is something he has never forgotten. Should Manchester City face retroactive sanctions, some believe that their title could potentially be stripped, leading to United being awarded the 2017-18 championship.

While such a scenario remains speculative and would undoubtedly lead to legal battles and intense scrutiny, Mourinho has made it clear that he would welcome such an outcome. It would not only be a personal triumph for the “Special One” but also serve as vindication for his competitive stance against City during his time in Manchester.

Mourinho’s Current Focus at Fenerbahçe

Currently managing Fenerbahçe in Turkey, Mourinho has found a new challenge in leading the Istanbul club to domestic success. His reputation for building resilient, winning teams has followed him across Europe, but he remains attentive to developments in English football. While the Portuguese manager is focused on winning the Turkish Super Lig, he has not hidden his hopes of potentially benefiting from any fallout surrounding Manchester City’s financial dealings.

For Mourinho, receiving a delayed Premier League winner's medal would be a symbolic "bonus" payout. It would mark yet another chapter in his storied managerial career—one that is already packed with achievements across Europe's top leagues. More importantly, it would reflect his longstanding battle against clubs he believes have gained unfair advantages through financial power.