Nothing United could do would affect what happened down at Stamford Bridge, but a job needed to be done at Old Trafford against Stoke.
Early news from London was that Chelsea had got a six-minute goal against Wigan. That surely all but guaranteed them the title but whilst it was still only at 1-0 United had a chance and had to win.
United took the lead just after the half hour mark through a Ryan Giggs corner was headed at goal by Nemanja Vidic. His header rebounded off a few players and into the path of Darren Fletcher, who hit the ball into the roof of the net.
With around 12/13 minutes before half time, both scorelines at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford stood at 2-0, with Wigan down to 10 men in the process. United’s second came after a descent run by Dimitar Berbatov, who had been guilty of missing a couple of chances, he squared the ball. Nani left the ball, it ran on to Giggs and he hit it past Stoke keeper Asmir Begovic.
With Wigan down to 10 men and 2-0 down, it was Chelsea’s title but United went on and ended the season on as much of a high as possible in the circumstances.
Second half and although United were hoping for a miracle, the team still went out, put in a very professional performance and scored another couple of goals.
Own goal made another appearance after former United defender Ryan Shawcross failed to clear the ball properly. Shawcross’ clearance fell to Fletcher, his ball into the penalty area was picked up by Wayne Rooney, he turned and his ball in front of goal was stuck into the back of his own net by another former United defender Danny Higginbotham.
There was a worrying sign for England fans after Rooney substituted himself before the end of the game after picking up a slight strain. It isn’t believed to be too serious and Sir Alex Ferguson has said that Rooney should be fit for the World Cup this summer. The fourth and final goal of the game was scored by the player who had replaced him- Ji Sung Park. Giggs’ corner was missed by Nani but Park was there to head it past Begovic.
The Stoke fans were a disappointment to their club today. Instead of supporting their team, they were more interested in chanting about the Munich Air Disaster and cheering on Chelsea. Pathetic!
Chelsea were crowned the Barclays Premier League Champions but United can be very proud of themselves over the season. At one point during the season midfielders Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick were playing at the heart of United’s defence, that shows how many defensive injuries there had been.
United will come back stronger next season and ready to take the title off Chelsea.
