Wayne Rooney has said he would not accept the 2011-12 Premier League title if Manchester City are stripped of the trophy. In fact, he was clear about the Rooney 2012 title situation. He said he would not agree to any retrospective awarding if it happened for Manchester United.
According to the Daily Mail, the former United captain said he would feel uncomfortable receiving another league winner’s medal. This is because he believes Sir Alex Ferguson’s side failed to do enough to win the Rooney 2012 title that season.
“I wouldn’t really feel comfortable accepting another Premier League medal, if I’m being honest,” Rooney said.
Rooney says United did not deserve title
Manchester United finished level on 89 points with City in the 2011-12 campaign. However, they lost the Rooney 2012 title on goal difference. This happened following one of the most dramatic finishes in Premier League history.
United had beaten Sunderland 1-0 on the final day and briefly looked set to become champions. But then Sergio Aguero’s stoppage-time winner against Queens Park Rangers handed City their first Premier League title.
Rooney, who scored United’s winner against Sunderland that day, believes his team had themselves to blame.
“I don’t think we deserve it,” he said.
The former England striker recalled that United had held a significant advantage over City during the closing stages of the campaign. However, they surrendered it. As a result, the Rooney 2012 title discussion has remained contentious.
“We threw it away,” Rooney added.
Rooney happy with five Premier League medals
Rooney won five Premier League titles during his Manchester United career. He said he does not need another medal awarded more than a decade later.
His position differs from some of his former United teammates, with Rio Ferdinand among those who have discussed the possibility of receiving another title. This could happen if City lose honours won during the period covered by their financial breaches.
Rooney also expressed sympathy for City’s players. He suggested they competed on the pitch without being responsible for decisions made at executive level.
City await sanctions over financial breaches
The debate follows the independent commission’s finding that Manchester City breached the majority of the Premier League financial rules they were accused of breaking.
City have maintained that the process remains ongoing and are expected to challenge the findings.
The club’s punishment has not yet been decided, and there has been no confirmation that any previous Premier League titles will be removed.
Until sanctions are announced and any appeal process is completed, City remain officially recognised as the 2011-12 Premier League champions.
