Winners: Ronaldo & Rooney Speaks Out

Cristiano Ronaldo believes United are worthy winners of the Premier League title, and says he knew when his spot-kick nestled in the back of the net that the Reds would clinch the trophy.

It may not have been so clear-cut for every United fan watching events unfold at the JJB Stadium but Ronny, as usual, took the ever-confident approach.

“The pressure was high, but we believed in ourselves and we deserved to win the title, definitely,” he said.

Some players may have been nervous stepping up to take the spot-kick midway through the first-half. Not Ronaldo.

“I was confident because I felt that if I scored we would win the match. I am very happy to help my team.”

Ronaldo’s 31 league goals in the 34 games played a huge part in delivering United’s 17th league championship crown, but he says praise cannot be heaped on one player.

“This was a team effort and I think we deserved it because we are the best team in the Premier League.”

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."