Wayne Rooney: Chelsea win was crucial in Manchester United’s record 19th league triumph

EPL : Wayne Rooney, Blackburn Rovers v Manchester United

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Wayne Rooney has hailed Manchester United‘s convincing victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford in early May as the moment when his side won the title race.

An imperious performance from Sir Alex Ferguson’s men saw them sweep aside Chelsea 2-1 at home to open up a six point gap at the top of the Premier League with two games to play.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side garnered only a point from their remaining two games whilst United gained four to ensure they won the title by nine points, the biggest title-winning margin for over a decade.

Rooney was quick to point out that the final standings do not do justice to the competitive nature of this year’s title race.

“It sounds easy but it wasn’t, nowhere near,” he told reporters.

“That Chelsea game was massive. If we had lost that game they would have been in the leading position.

“But we showed our true spirit to win after that, Chelsea’s season was over.”

United were presented with the Premier League trophy after a 4-2 final-day victory over relegated Blackpool, and Rooney added: “You never get bored of celebrations like this.

“This is what you play football to do, to win trophies and medals.

“The first half of the season was a bit of a write-off for me but since the turn of the year I feel I have contributed. We have won games and I have really enjoyed it.

“It has been a squad effort. The manager said last week there are 21 players who qualify for a medal, which shows how much we have used the squad and spread the games out amongst the players.”