Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has congratulated Carlo Ancelotti for achieving the Double with Chelsea.

Ferguson revealed the moment he realised the league title was beyond his team - half-time in the final match of the season at home to Stoke.

He explained: "At half-time I accepted Chelsea were going to be champions.

"We felt it would be difficult for Wigan to get something and when we heard they were down to 10 men, all our hopes evaporated.

"We applaud Chelsea. We know how hard it is to win the title - it's the hardest league in the world and we've won it for the last three years.

"I congratulate Carlo Ancelotti on a wonderful achievement. He's a good manager and a good guy."