The dramatic Premier League title decider in 2012 has never sat right with Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.
Manchester United came within seconds of winning another Premier League title in 2012 before Sergio Aguero’s last-minute winner for Manchester City.
City beat QPR 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium on the final day of the season to rip the title from the grasp of Sir Alex Ferguson.
QPR led City until the 92nd minute before collapsing late on. Wayne Rooney has questioned why the away side gave away the ball under zero pressure in the dying minutes of the game.
Mike Dean was the referee on that day, and he has admitted he was also confused by QPR’s actions.
Mike Dean supports Wayne Rooney concerns over 2012 drama
Earlier this year, Rooney revealed his suspicion over the 2012 title decider, pointing out that QPR players were celebrating with City after the full-time whistle.
QPR found out minutes before the full-time whistle that they were safe from relegation, and the London club had several former City players in their squad.
“It’s strange. QPR kicked the ball straight back to City after their second goal and Cisse was celebrating with City players,” Rooney said.
Speaking on The Overlap, Dean has now given his verdict and agreed with Rooney’s concerns.
“We all thought City were going to win, and it went completely the wrong way. What was strange about it is that once QPR found out they were safe.
“Exactly…” Rooney replied.
Dean continued: “I’ve spoken to Clint Hill about this. Once they knew they were safe, the game restarted and Jamie Mackie was on the pitch celebrating while the game is going on.
“They make it 2-2, and they just give it back to them. I actually said on the earpiece ‘why are they giving the ball back here’.”
“It was just a strange one. To kick off and give the ball straight back. I think in my earpiece they said ‘stay switched on, you just know something is going to happen’.”
Sir Alex Ferguson stayed at Man Utd to win another Premier League
It has since been claimed that Sir Alex Ferguson had planned to retire in 2012 if United won the Premier League title – the club’s 20th league title.
However, Ferguson refused to step down after City’s title success. Instead, he stayed on at Old Trafford and built another title-winning team before bowing out in 2013.
Ferguson rallied United to beat City, making sure he left on a high note at Old Trafford.
The 2013 Premier League title remains the last one won by United, with Ruben Amorim now tasked with ending the 12-year drought.
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