United are looking for an improbable favour from neighbours Wigan, who must go to Stamford Bridge and get at least a draw to deny Chelsea the championship.

A Chelsea win would render United's result irrelevant when they tackle Stoke at the same time.

Currently a single point adrift, there are a number of obvious points where the gap could have been made up.

But, speaking at the club's annual awards night, Ferguson sees little point in raking over the coals.

"I used to look at every game but you can torture yourself with that," he told MUTV.

"We lost at Burnley at the start of the season. That was three points and we also missed a penalty. If we had scored that we might have won or at least got a draw that might have made a difference.

"We had a couple of refereeing decision against Chelsea. You could look at all things.

"You can twist and torture yourself but it happens. We get breaks ourselves sometimes."

mfl

Rooney was also able to have a laugh at his manager's expense, claiming Ferguson had told him about the Scot's own career, which did not hit anywhere like the same heights as the striker's already has.

"He is trying to get us to play like he did," laughed Rooney.

"This has been the best year of my career so far but there is more in the tank for the World Cup.

"We are the best country, so we are definitely going to win it."

Rooney will certainly be part of Ferguson's immediate plans for the future.

The summer arrivals of Chris Smalling from Fulham and Javier Hernandez, who will face England with fellow World Cup qualifiers Mexico at Wembley on June 24, guarantee a freshness to the Red Devils camp.

However, Ferguson has hinted there could be more fundamental changes to be made.

"You have to take a decision about where we can improve the team," said Ferguson.

"When you are challenging for four trophies it can have a draining effect. You have to be aware of that and spot the moment when it is time to freshen up one or two players.

"It is not a desire to do it but you need to do it because the demands and pressures on players can, over time, be quite exacting."