De Gea asks how many Premier League titles he won after Man City found guilty of 114 breaches

David de Gea has pointedly asked how many Premier League titles he has won, hours after an independent panel found Manchester City guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules 114 times between 2009 and 2018. The verdict, delivered on Friday, sent shockwaves through English football and immediately raised questions about the legitimacy of City’s success during that period.

Posting on X, the former Manchester United and current Fiorentina goalkeeper wrote: “So…… Let’s talk. How many Premier League titles have I won then?” The quip carries real weight: De Gea was on the losing side as United finished runners-up to City in 2012, 2018 and 2021, meaning he could theoretically be in line for winners’ medals if titles are redistributed as part of any punishment.

City, who have consistently denied any wrongdoing, are expected to appeal the verdict. The club now face a nervous wait to learn what sanctions will be imposed, with speculation mounting over whether they could be stripped of titles won during the nine-year window covered by the charges.

Since the 2011/12 season — when Sergio Aguero’s stoppage-time goal famously snatched the title from United on the final day — City have claimed eight Premier League titles, multiple domestic cups and one Champions League. The legitimacy of all those triumphs is now under scrutiny.

Beyond potential title redistribution, Premier League clubs are reportedly exploring legal action against City. According to The Athletic, one scenario under consideration is a class-action lawsuit from all clubs adversely affected by City’s financial misconduct. Manchester United are said to be specifically examining the seasons in which they were most directly harmed, with the 2011/12 campaign and City’s record-breaking 100-point season — during which United again finished second — topping that list.

Any legal action from rival clubs is expected to follow City’s appeal process rather than run concurrently. The scale of the verdict, and the length of the period it covers, makes this one of the most consequential moments in Premier League history.