Jose Mourinho Premier League Medal

Jose Mourinho's tongue-in-cheek claim that Manchester United could yet be awarded the 2017-18 Premier League title has resurfaced following the latest reports surrounding Manchester City's financial case. Mourinho remarked in October 2024, when he was preparing Fenerbahce to face his former club United in the Europa League.

Almost two years later, it has acquired fresh relevance after reports claimed that an independent tribunal had found the majority of the charges against City to be proven. City insist the Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements still to be completed.

Sky Sports News understands it is now moving towards the appeal stage. Mourinho's old line, carried again by BBC Sport, has therefore returned to the conversation.

"I think we still have a chance to win that league… and then they have to pay me the bonus and give me the medal. " Mourinho's 2017-18 claim takes on new relevance Mourinho was smiling when he originally made the comment, and there was little doubt about the humour behind it.

The numbers from 2017-18 explain the reference. United finished second under Mourinho with 81 points, but City were well out of reach.

Pep Guardiola's side accumulated 100 points and won the title by a 19-point margin. At the time Mourinho made his medal joke, City's hearing was still taking place behind closed doors.

Reports on Friday claimed the independent tribunal had reached decisions in the case and found the majority of the charges proven. Sky Sports News understands the process is moving towards an appeal, while City continue to deny wrongdoing and say significant elements of the proceedings remain outstanding.

There is no suggestion, however, that United are about to be handed the Premier League trophy. No sanction has been publicly announced, and the Premier League has not indicated that the 2017-18 title will be reassigned.

Until the disciplinary and appeal process has run its course, City remain the officially recognised champions of that season. Could Manchester United actually be awarded the title?