Wayne: What a privilege

Wayne Rooney raised a toast to Sir Alex Ferguson after helping the Reds to retain the Barclays Premier League trophy.

The United striker, now savouring his second championship, has nothing but admiration for the man who has won ten titles during his Old Trafford tenure.

"He’s brilliant. It’s a privilege to play for him every week," said Wayne.

"He’s been in the game for so long but his determination to win is stronger than ever. All credit to him for staying with the club for so long."

Reflecting on a long, hard league campaign, Rooney admitted the final furlong had been difficult. In the past month, United dropped points at Chelsea and Blackburn and Wayne was injured in the process, to the point that he was only expected to be on the bench at best against Wigan.

"We were under a little bit of pressure towards the end of the season," said Wayne, "but we hung in there.

"We knew that coming into the last two games, if we got six points we’d be champions. We could see the finish line. It was in our hands and we weren’t going to let it slip. We were so determined to retain the title."