Manchester United Clinch Title
United win their 19th title, 12th under Ferguson (Foto: eurosport.com)
Rooney has brought Manchester United’s 19th Premier League title after scoring a precious goal in the 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers. Alex Ferguson’s side are the new English champions, the Devils sitting seven points ahead of the defending champions Chelsea.
The only inconvenience was that the success didn’t come on Old Trafford, but at the Ewood Park. Emerton opened the score for the home side in the first half, while Rooney coveted a penalty with 15 minutes left. This is Alex Ferguson’s 12th title with Manchester United, the Scott having become the most successful manager in Premier League. Ryan Giggs has also celebrated his 12th title with the Devils, the first one dating from 1992-93 season.
Manchester dominated the game at all facets, but managed to convert just one shot. Nani was the firt to trouble keeper Robinson, missing a great opportunity in the fourth minute. Rooney picked the winger inside the box but the Portuguese’s header hit the bar to his own dismay. Blackburn’s first reply came in the 12th minute through defender Samba whose shot from the edge of the box went just wide.
Roberts came closest to bringing the first lead in the 19th minute, but Rovers’ striker was denied by Vidic whose clearance saved Untied from a potential disaster. Anyway, Blackburn did bring the opening one minute later. Emerton made it 1-0 following a poor defending and keeping from Kuszczak who failed to hold the ball, allowing thus the striker to put it home.
Hernandez got his first chance in the 34th minute. The Mexican was picked on the edge of the box, but his finish was deflected into corner by a vigilant Robinson. Rovers were the first to collect a yellow card, N’Zonzi being cautioned by the referee for a trip on Fabio. Kuszczak must have been the most nervous player on the pitch. United keeper committed another big error with five minutes left of the first half, his poor saving highlighting Hoilett in good position. Fortunately for the keeper, the action brought a goal kick for the visitors.
The first half went 1-0, but Untied were still chasing the goal in a desperate manner. Ferguson replaced Fabio with veteran Paul Scholes, who looked eager to be part of his tenth Premier League success with the Red Devils. His first title came back in 1995. Olsson then hit the post in what could have been a big deception for the leaders. Manchester had more than 70 percent of possession, but they still found it difficult to bring the leveler.
Hernandez, who failed to score an historical goal, managed instead to award his side a penalty in the 70th minute. Robinson stopped the Mexican while trying to create some space for a killer. Thus, he brought half a goal for United as Rooney converted the penalty into the top left corner. Berbatov, who is likely to finish the season first in the top-scorers’ table, replaced Nani with ten minutes left, but the scoreboard remained unchanged until the end. United have won their fourth title in the past five seasons.
Said a delighted Rooney: “It’s a great feeling after the year I’ve had with the ups and downs, so for me this is for the fans. It took a long time before the ref gave it. I just had to compose myself. I knew where I was going to put it, I’d been practising all week and it was nice to score.”
Manchester have won 77 points so far this season, while their main followers Chelsea sit second with 70 points in 36 games. As for Balckburn, they got rid of the relegation zone and will spend the next season in Premiership.
