7 May 2007, by Sean Gillen

Ronaldo wins first Premiership; Queiroz picks up second title

Ferguson cites good start to season as key to winning title

Cristiano Ronaldo has won his first league championship since leaving Portugal in 2003, after Manchester United were confirmed as English Premier League champions.

Nearest challengers Chelsea could only manage a 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, meaning that Ronaldo’s winner in United’s 1-0 victory over local rivals Manchester City was enough to secure the championship.

United have led the table in England since October, and Ronaldo has been the star performer in England. The former Sporting man has so far contributed an incredible 17 goals and 14 assists in the Premiership this season, leading to him being voted the PFA Player of the Year, as well as the Football Writers’ Player of the Year.

It is the Red Devils’ first league title since 2003, during which time they have struggled to compete for the biggest prizes on offer. However, Alex Ferguson’s men have now claimed their 16th league title, and their ninth in fifteen years.

All nine Premiership titles have come under the reign of Alex Ferguson, and the Scot’s trophy haul since taking over the club now stands at 20 major honours.

Queiroz at the double

Ferguson’s assistant, Portuguese Carlos Queiroz, has now been involved in two title-winning campaigns at Old Trafford, having helped the club to the 2003 triumph.

Speaking after being confirmed as the new English champions, Ferguson said: “It’s a fantastic day for the club and the supporters, it’s been a fantastic season for them. Everyone associated with the club has been fantastic.”

“The Premier League is such a competitive league, the focus on it and the pressure for the big clubs to do well means it is a real priority for us.”

“There was an emphasis on the fact that over the last two years Chelsea had dominated the Premier League and we had a big job to do to catch them.”

“The key? I think the key to it was having a good start to the season and trying to stay with them and I think we did that very well. The start to the season was very important to us.”

United will meet Chelsea in the FA Cup final later this month, and the prospect of a league and cup double to seal a sensational season remains a possibility.