Giggs: We are worthy winners

RYAN GIGGS rubbished claims his Manchester United side were not worthy champions.

Giggs, the most decorated player in football history, feels his side deserve the accolades that should come their way despite repeated doubts being cast over the quality of this season.

He said: “It’s a tough league to win and it’s still as special as ever.

“We’re champions and in the Champions League. We’re rubbish aren’t we? Twenty years ago we were nowhere near Liverpool. It’s great credit to the club, the manager and the players and it’s a good feeling to be ahead of our greatest rivals.”

Wayne Rooney, “terrified” before taking his penalty that secured his side the title, was quick to rub Liverpool’s noses in it.

Rooney, who began his career with Merseyside rivals Everton, said: “I was terrified, the referee took a long time to give the penalty.

“I had to compose myself, I’d been practising all week. After the year I’ve had, with the ups and downs, this is for the fans and the team.

“For me, being an Everton fan, to win a 19th title is special.”

Dimitar Berbatov, who has lost his place in recent weeks, added: “A second title for me is great. I scored many goals this season and helped the team win it. I’m still the leading goalscorer.”

Meanwhile, United chief executive David Gill has admitted he would not be surprised if Paul Scholes quit at the end of the season.

Manager Alex Ferguson is eager for Scholes to sign a one-year contract extension, however, the 36-year-old has his reservations after starting just 22 games in all competitions this term.

Speaking to BBC, Gill admitted: “It wouldn’t surprise us if Paul Scholes retired.

“On the hand, we are enjoying the success we are having, so at the end of the season, he will have a conversation with Alex about that.

“I am sure he will let us know his decision and we will respect it.”

The uncertainty over Scholes’ future merely adds to the confusion over United’s summer plans.

Long-serving defender Wes Brown seems certain to leave, as does Michael Owen, whose two-year deal expires this summer.

Owen Hargreaves is another who appeared destined for the Old Trafford exit door, although it is thought he is considering a one-year pay-as-you-play deal.

It does seem Ferguson knows who he wants to replace Edwin van der Sar, though.

Although Gill did not name Atletico Madrid’s David de Gea, it does appear the 20-year-old was the man being referred to in the chief executive’s upbeat assessment of the situation. “We know the keeper we want,” said Gill. “We are in a good situation with that and it will progress at the end of the season.”