"We were all aware of it" – Manchester United fan-favourite insists they knew about Manchester City

Herrera says Manchester United players knew City were breaking rules, citing suspicious ticket practices and financial irregularities during his time at Old Trafford.

Former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has claimed that players at the club were aware Manchester City were operating outside the rules during his time there.

City were found guilty of all 115 Premier League charges last month, accused of breaching financial regulations over nine years and artificially inflating revenues by more than £900m through sham commercial contracts.

Herrera told El Camino de Mario: "Rules must be followed; what was happening wasn't normal—we were all aware of it." He pointed to the contrast between Old Trafford ticket availability and free Etihad tickets as evidence of the disparity. While praising City's players and manager for their achievements, he said: "They've tainted everything. The damage is irreparable."

Herrera believes any Premier League sanction must be substantial enough to set a precedent, arguing other clubs including Manchester United, Everton and Tottenham may have been disadvantaged in the race for titles and Champions League qualification. City continue to insist they are innocent and have filed an appeal.