United they rule, again

United ended the season on 87 points, two clear of Chelsea, who were leading through Andriy Shevchenko until Bolton grabbed an injury-time equaliser.

It was United’s 10th Premier League title and 17th championship in all — one short of Liverpool’s record.

Everton qualified for the UEFA Cup after their 3-1 home victory over Newcastle United secured fifth place.

Birmingham City and Reading joined Derby County in being relegated after Fulham won 1-0 at Portsmouth to complete an unlikely escape.

There was also a remarkable game at Middlesbrough where the home side hammered Manchester City 8-1, helped by a hat-trick for Afonso Alves.

Breakthrough

The first breakthrough for United came at the JJB Stadium when Emmerson Boyce tripped Wayne Rooney in the box and double-player of the year Ronaldo calmly sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot. It was the Portuguese’s 41st goal of the season and 31st in the league.

United had further reason to thank the referee soon after when he opted not to show Paul Scholes a second yellow card for a body check that could easily have ended his involvement.

In London, Chelsea suffered an early setback when captain John Terry suffered a dislocated elbow after a collision with his own goalkeeper Petr Cech.

After struggling for impact in the first half, Chelsea improved after the break and Shevchenko, on as a substitute, bundled them into the lead after 62 minutes.

With United’s goal difference far superior the title was still heading back to Old Trafford though and they made certain of it when Giggs, on as a 68th-minute substitute, tucked in the second.