Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson applauded the efforts of Chelsea in pipping his side to the Premier League title this season.

The Red Devils rounded off their campaign with a 4-0 home win over Stoke City, but that was rendered meaningless as the Blues destroyed Wigan Athletic 8-0 at Stamford Bridge.

After seeing his side's hold on the crown ended after three straight triumphs, Ferguson said:"It was always going to be hard for Wigan to get something. When we heard they were down to ten men all our hopes evaporated.

"I am not going to agonise about where it went wrong.

"You could talk about a lot of things and the decision at Stamford Bridge was a bad one that turned the whole thing round.

"But you can't agonise over these things. Sometimes you get the breaks, on other occasions you don't.

"The European Cup was the biggest disappointment. We should be in the final.

"But we applaud Chelsea on winning the title and I applaud Carlo Ancelotti. We know how hard it is to win the league."

Meanwhile, Ferguson played down the latest groin injury sustained by Wayne Rooney in the win over the Potters, adding:"He has aggravated his groin again.

"I don't think it is serious. I think he will be okay for England."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email