Wigan Athletic 0-2 Manchester United

Manchester United win the Premier League at Wigan, with a Ronaldo penalty and a Giggs goal.

Wigan demonstrated in the opening minutes that they were not about to roll over and let United party. They moved the ball around well and were up for this challenge.

Half way through the first period and Wigan might have upset the favourites, when they should have had a penalty after Rio Ferdinand deflected a shot with his arm. The referee didn’t give it, but the replay’s suggested that they were hard done by, not only for not getting the decision but also as Ferdinand should certainly have been sent off.

Minutes later and United made the most of their good fortune. A loose ball in the box and Boyce and Rooney went for the ball, they tangled and Boyce was harshly adjudged to have fouled Rooney and a penalty was awarded.

Ronaldo took the penalty and he slotted it calmly to Kirkland’s left hand side.

Wigan must have thought they were playing against United’s 11 and the referee when Scholes fouled Palacios. Already on a yellow card, Scholes intentionally blocked Palacios as he bombed down the line. Referee Steve Bennett should have sent the fiery midfielder from play, but must have let the occasion get to him and instead ticked Scholes off.

But United came out sharply in the second half and within minutes they may have had another penalty. Scholes who was fortunate to be on the field, had the ball close to the byline in the Wigan box, Bramble slid in without making any contact with the ball. The referee was blind to the action and looked to the assistant referee for support, the assistant shook his head and Scholes was unlucky.

Shortly afterwards Wigan reminded United that they were still able to upset things when on 68 minutes, Heskey’s header had Van der Sar beaten, but he was unable to keep it under the bar.

The Premier League title was all tied up with ten minutes left, Rooney slotted the ball through to Giggs just outside the box, as Kirkland came out Giggs sidefooted into the net. A timely goal for Giggs who equalled Bobby Charlton’s appearance record of 758 matches for United.

Manchester United had to grind this one out, a credential that means the Premier League title remains at Old Trafford.