Chelsea Crowned Champions - Groan!

Injured
By Chris O'Brien
April 29 2006

Chelsea were crowned Premiership champions as United fell to a 3-0 reverse at Stamford Bridge. Whilst the Red Army watched their title dreams die, the whole of England will fear for their World Cup chances after Wayne Rooney was stretched off with a damaged foot.

Manchester United’s title hopes finally ended at Stamford Bridge with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea.

 

Whilst the inevitably of Jose Mourinho’s second successive title was mathematically secured, Wayne Rooney’s participation in the World Cup looks in major doubt as he was stretched off with an injured foot to complete a miserable day for the Red Army, having paid a certain Russian well over the odds for the match tickets.

 

Sir Alex Ferguson opted for Louis Saha ahead of Ruud Van Nistelrooy and underlined his attacking intentions with Ji-Sung Park, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ryan Giggs all named in midfield. However, what looked an improbable task was all but over as early as the fourth minute as William Gallas headed home a Frank Lampard corner.

 

United remained confident and Rooney was proving a real handful in attack as he went close on the twenty minute mark. Peter Cech was also forced into action moments before the interval as the ‘Young Player of the Year’ went close with a fierce effort.

 

Chelsea started the stronger after the interval as officials started to pin blue ribbons to the Premiership trophy. Joe Cole weaved his way through the Red Devils backline before lifting the ball over Edwin Van Der Sar. Game over, with the introduction of Van Nistelrooy minutes later proving too little and too late.

As United desperately tried to find a way back into the game, Rooney was involved in an incident that could scupper England’s World Cup hopes. The youngster fell to the floor after a challenge with Paulo Ferreira and early indications suggest he has broken a bone in his right foot. Supporters of Paraguay, Sweden and Trinidad & Tobago may well breathe a huge sigh of relief come the summer.

As the travelling fans did their best to sing on, Ricardo Carvalho fired home any doubt on 74 minutes and the Premiership dream was over with three hours of the season still remaining. Attentions now turn to Monday’s clash with Middlesbrough, with United desperate to secure second-place. Rooney will certainly not be involved.

 

Full Time – Chelsea 3-0 Manchester United
Attendance – 42,219

 

Chelsea: Cech, Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho, Terry, Gallas, Makelele, Cole (Crespo 76), Essien, Lampard, Robben (Duff 66), Drogba (Maniche 85).
Substitutes Not Used: Cudicini, Geremi.

Manchester United: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Silvestre, Ronaldo (van Nistelrooy 64), O'Shea, Giggs (Richardson 73), Park, Rooney (Evra 82), Saha.
Substitutes Not Used: Howard, Brown.