Rooney Says He Would Reject 2011-12 Title Medal

Wayne Rooney said he would not accept a Premier League winners’ medal if Manchester City were stripped of the 2011-12 title, arguing that Manchester United did not earn the championship that season. His comments contrast with former United teammates Rio Ferdinand and David de Gea, who have indicated they would welcome receiving a medal if the title were reassigned. Rooney made the remarks on the Stick To United programme. He said he would feel uncomfortable accepting another medal because United had not finished first and, in his view, had not done enough to win the league. He recalled that United had held a lead late in the season but failed to maintain it, saying the team had let the title slip away. The 2011-12 campaign ended with Manchester City claiming the championship on goal difference after a dramatic final day. United beat Sunderland, while City came from behind to defeat Queens Park Rangers, with Sergio Aguero scoring the late goal that secured City’s first league title since 1968. United had entered the day level on points with City and ultimately finished second. Rooney also said he had considered the situation from the perspective of City’s players.