Sporting Life sporlife

United Retain Title With Wigan Win

Mon 12 May, 12:09 AM


Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty and a late goal from Ryan Giggs gave Manchester United a 2-0 victory over Wigan at the JJB Stadium as they retained the Premier League title.

The Portugal winger collected his 31st league goal to help Sir Alex Ferguson's side lift their 17th league title which left them just one behind Liverpool's haul of 18.

United were handed an opportunity to break the deadlock after Emmerson Boyce brought down Wayne Rooney in the penalty area and referee Steve Bennett pointed to the spot.

Ronaldo stepped up to take the 33rd-minute spot-kick and calmly side footed the ball past goalkeeper Chris Kirkland who dived the wrong way.

Giggs, on as a substitute to equal Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 758 appearances for the club, added a second for United in the 80th minute although the result mattered little after Chelsea drew 1-1 with Bolton at Stamford Bridge.

Andriy Shevchenko scrambled the ball home in the 62nd minute to give the Blues the lead but Kevin Davies equalised two minutes into injury team to leave them two points behind United.

Manager Avram Grant's problems were compounded by the loss of captain John Terry who was withdrawn after a collision with goalkeeper Petr Cech but shoulod be fit for the Champions League final.

And Ferguson was quick to remind Chelsea who has the psychological advantage ahead of the Moscow on May 21.

"If we had lost the title today it would have been a great knock but the great thing is we are bouncing into the final," Ferguson told Sky Sports News.

Ferguson, asked if United's latest triumph reinforced his determination to carry on as manager, replied: "I am very proud to have survived so long but I am at a great club which makes it easier for me than the rest."

Ferguson, who has won 10 titles during his reign, also predicted that the current United side will overhaul Liverpool's overall total of 18 titles.

"I think it will come. This side is young. There is plenty left in them."

More news from SportingLife.com