Man City whistleblower Rui Pinto sends message to Man United fans after support banner unfurled

As expected, supporters of certain Premier League clubs have taken the opportunity this weekend to take shots at Manchester City and their supporters.

Over the international break, the club were found guilty of 114 financial breaches, which, pending an appeal, could see them hit with hefty sanctions, including relegation to the EFL.

Unsurprisingly, Manchester United fans have been at the front of the queue to taunt City this weekend, with several chants, banners and stickers seen at Old Trafford on Saturday before and during the Red Devils' clash with Tottenham.

Rui Pinto shows appreciation to Man Utd fans

The man who unearthed the emails that uncovered Manchester City's financial doping is Rui Pinto, who has been in witness protection up until this week, due to the seriousness of what he uncovered.

Pinto, a hacker who created Football Leaks, is now an icon among United fans. At Old Trafford, a banner above the tunnel was unveiled as the players walked out before kick-off on Saturday, reading ‘Rui Pinto, computer genius'.

Stickers with the same slogan on them were seen dotted around the outskirts of Old Trafford, too, and Pinto has taken to social media to show his apprecIation to supporTers. On Saturday, he posted on X: “This is also what football is all about. Appreciate it!”

This is also what football is all about. Appreciate it!

— Rui Pinto (@RuiPinto_FL) October 10, 2026

The post sparked some amusing comments from United fans, urging Pinto to dig up some dirt on the Glazer Family to help them oust the Americans from the club. One wrote: “Hack some documents about our owners as an act of thanks, please, Rui son.”

The other major banner addition to Old Trafford on Saturday was the return of the ticker, which now reads 51 years, marking the last time Man City won a trophy (prior to the 2008 takeover).

FGG says: Harmless fun, play on

There are some people out there who don't believe anyone should be celebrating someone who has made a name for themselves through hacking, but given the tribalism in football, this was always inevitable. Pinto's fame will likely only last a couple more months, but until then, he will milk it for all it's worth, and you can't blame him.