From Berbatov’s hat-trick against Liverpool to Rooney’s penalty at Blackburn – the games that sealed Manchester United’s 19th title

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Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has acknowledged Rio Ferdinand's return to action could not have been better timed. The United defender had been out of action for over two months with a calf injury when he made a seamless return in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final win over Chelsea. Three weeks and three games later, Ferdinand looks as if he has never been away and tonight in Gelsenkirchen will be one of the United men aiming to keep legendary Spain striker Raul quiet

By Jonathan Birchall

14 May 2011 14:45:00

When Javier Hernandez scored Manchester United‘s opener against Chelsea last weekend, it felt as if the entire title race had been won in a matter of 36 seconds but when Nemanja Vidic holds the Premier League crown aloft next Sunday, the trials and tribulations of 10 months toil will be remembered with the same clarity as the Serb’s reflection in the trophy.

Now, aving picked up ___ at Ewood Park, it was confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson’s side had proved themselves the strongest in another marathon season and despite being labelled as the worst side in the Scot’s illustrious era, there can be no doubting that his side’s unwillingness to give in, even when all hope appeared lost, marks them worthy champions.

Goal.com has looked back at each of the 37 games that led to United reaching title number 19, with each one providing their own piece to the another succesfully completed Premier League puzzle.






MATCHDAY 11 – Nov 6 – WOLVES (h) Won 2-1
(Park 45, 90+3)
United typically left it late to pick up all three points as a Park brace, the second coming in the 93rd minute, spared United’s blushes and kept up the pressure on league leaders Chelsea.
Star man: Park Ji-Sung 8.5
MATCHDAY 12 – Nov 10 – MANCHESTER CITY (a) Drew 0-0
The visitors played out a frustrating derby, unable to break down their city rivals as Roberto Mancini looked to settle for a point at Eastlands.
United’s star man: Nemanja Vidic 8.0
   
MATCHDAY 13 – Nov 13 – ASTON VILLA (a) Drew 2-2
(Macheda 81, Vidic 85)
Ferguson’s side fought back from being two behind with 14 minutes remaining with a blistering closing performance as Macheda and Vidic secured a point in what was arguably one of the defining games of United’s season.
United’s star man: Nemanja Vidic 7.5
 

MATCHDAY 14 – Nov 20 – WIGAN ATHLETIC (h) Won 2-0
(Evra 45, Chicharito 77)
United disappointed on the way to a 2-0 win over Roberto Martinez’s Wigan but took full advantage of Chelsea’s defeat to Birmingham to draw level with Ancelotti’s men at the top of the table.
United’s star man: Rafael 8.0

MATCHDAY 15 – Nov 27 – BLACKBURN (h) Won 7-1
(Berbatov 2, 27, 47, 62, 70, Park 23, Nani 48)
The league leaders secured their largest win of the season as Dimitar Berbatov hit five to hammer Sam Allardyce’s Blackburn 7-1 and help his side leapfrog Chelsea at the top of the table.
United’s star man: Dimitar Berbatov 10.0





MATCHDAY 19 – Jan 1 – WEST BROM (a) Won 2-1
(Rooney 3, Chicharito 75)
Javier Hernandez took advantage of Peter Odemwingie’s missed penalty, settling the tie with a 75th-minute header. Gary Neville marked what proved to be his last appearance for United with a lucky escape from conceding a penalty for a last-ditch challenge.
United’s star man: Wayne Rooney 8.0
   
MATCHDAY 20 – Jan 4 – STOKE CITY (h) Won 2-1
(Chicharito 27, Nani 62)
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side maintained their unbeaten record but were again unconvincing in victory, sneaking past a resilient Stoke side to open up a three-point gap at the top of the Premier League table.
United’s star man: Nani 7.5
MATCHDAY 21 – Jan 16 – TOTTENHAM (a) Drew 0-0
The visiting Red Devils held out for a priceless point away to Spurs despite having Rafael sent off with 15 minutes still to play at White Hart Lane.
United’s star man: Nemanja Vidic 8.5
   

MATCHDAY 22 – Jan 22 – BIRMINGHAM (h) Won 5-0
(Berbatov 2, 31, 53, Giggs 45, Nani 76)
Dimitar Berbatov hit a hat-trick as Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges went two points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table having played a game less than Arsene Wenger’s challengers.
United’s star man: Dimitar Berbatov 8.5
   
MATCHDAY 23 – Jan 25 – BLACKPOOL (a) Won 3-2
(Berbatov 72, 88, Chicharito 74)
Having been two goals down with only 18 minutes remaining, United somehow secured all three points due to an inspired performance from Dimitar Berbatov, with the Bulgarian completing a brace with only two minutes remaining.
United’s star man: Dimitar Berbatov 7.5
 


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From Berbatov’s hat-trick against Liverpool to Rooney’s penalty at Blackburn – the games that sealed Manchester United’s 19th title