Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson enjoyed exchanging banter with journalists after lifting the Premiership trophy yesterday at Wigan.

"I want to thank you all for your brilliant journalism this season," he said. "You've enthralled me with your honesty, your integrity, and your nonsense."

"Likewise," came the reply, and after the accusations that were levelled at Bolton on Friday and the claim that, at best, Rooney would start this one on the bench, it was Ferguson who laughed loudest of all.