Wayne Rooney says a nine-point winning margin masks the true nature of Man Utd's title success.
Striker revels in United celebrations after victory over Blackpool
Wayne Rooney insists a nine-point winning margin masks the true nature of Manchester United's battle to claim a record-breaking 19th title.
United rounded off their Premier League campaign with a 4-2 victory over Blackpool and, coupled with Chelsea's defeat at Everton, ensured Sir Alex Ferguson's side finished with a healthy advantage over the deposed champions.
However, the decisive moment in the title race arrived a fortnight ago when United beat Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford thanks to goals from Javier Hernandez and Nemanja Vidic.
Had the Blues won that game, then Carlo Ancelotti's men would have gone top and Rooney acknowledged how tough it was to finish the season as champions.
True spirit
"It sounds easy but it wasn't, nowhere near," said Rooney.
"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."
Rooney experienced a difficult period of his own back in October when he demanded a transfer, but is now delighted to be part of United's title celebrations.
"You never get bored of celebrations like this," said Rooney. "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."
