Rooney rejects retrospective Premier League medal if City are stripped of titles

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has revealed he would feel uncomfortable accepting a retrospective 2011/12 Premier League winner's medal should Manchester City be stripped of their title over financial breaches. The Citizens were found guilty on 114 of 115 charges, with potential sanctions yet to be confirmed.

Rooney, who scored 34 goals in all competitions during that campaign, believes United only had themselves to blame for letting the title slip away. "I wouldn't feel comfortable taking another Premier League medal. I don't think we deserve it – we didn't do enough that season to win the title. We threw it away," the former striker admitted. He pointed out that United held a commanding lead during the final stretch of the season before costly slip-ups saw them finish as runners-up.

Rooney also defended the City squad of that era, highlighting that the players were likely unaware of any boardroom misconduct. "If those players had no idea what was happening above them, if that had happened to me, I'd be devastated," he added. Rooney stressed that while any potential title-stripping is a matter for the Premier League authorities, he would rather stick to the five winner's medals he earned on the pitch with United.