Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe
AFP
Wayne Rooney scored the goal that gave Manchester United a record 19th English title in a 1-1 draw away to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday.
United needed just a point from this game to regain the Premier League title from Chelsea and they got it when England striker Rooney scored from the penalty spot 17 minutes from time after Rovers keeper Paul Robinson brought down Javier Hernandez.
Australia’s Brett Emerton had fired Rovers, still not certain of top-flight survival, into a 20th minute lead before Rooney settled United’s nerves with a powerful spot-kick.
The result gave United, now in sole possession of a record they had shared with arch-rivals Liverpool an unassailable seven-point lead at the top of the English Premier League table, with closest pursuers Chelsea only able to win a maximum of six points from their two remaining matches.
“I was terrified, the ref took a long time to give it,” Rooney told Sky Sports in relation to the penalty.
“I had to compose myself, I’d been practising all week.”
Rooney, who earlier in the season stunned United by handing in a transfer request, added: “After the year I’ve had, with the ups and downs, this is for the fans and the team.”
United’s latest triumph gave both manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs a 12th English title.
“It’s a tough league to win and it’s still as special as ever,” Giggs said.
Asked about suggestions the current team was not as good as previous United sides, he added: “We’re champions and in the Champions League. We’re rubbish aren’t we?
“Twenty years ago we were nowhere near Liverpool. It’s great credit to the club, the manager and the players and it’s a good feeling to be ahead of our greatest rivals.”
