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.
Turnaround for Rooney
“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.”
‘Special as ever’
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,” said Giggs. “Twenty years ago we were nowhere near Liverpool. It’s a great credit to the club, the manager and the players and it’s a good feeling to be ahead of our greatest rivals.”
Wolves climb out of danger zone
At the other end of the table, Wolves climbed a point clear of the relegation zone after a 3-1 win away to Sunderland.
Former Sunderland defender Jody Craddock gave Wolves a 22nd minute lead on his return to the Stadium of Light before Stephane Sessegnon smashed home a 34th minute equaliser. But Matt Jarvis provided the cross from the right that allowed Steven Fletcher to head Wolves in at the far post. George Elokobi sealed Wolves’ victory with a header 12 minutes from time.
Meanwhile, Blackpool - who started the day in the bottom three - remained in the relegation zone despite a dramatic 4-3 win at home to Bolton Wanderers ahead of their final game of the season away to Manchester United next weekend.
But victory put them level on 39 points with Birmingham, ahead of the Blues’ match against Fulham today.
In the other match, West Brom beat Everton 1-0.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 15th, 2011.
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