Ferguson targets title number 19

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson already has his sights on reclaiming the Barclays Premier League.



United sealed a hat-trick of titles thanks to a workmanlike goalless draw at home to great rivals Arsenal on Saturday.

Cristiano Ronaldo came closest to winning the match for United with a wicked second-half free-kick that flew just wide of the right-hand upright, but in truth neither side did enough to warrant the three points.

The title is United's third in succession and sees them equal Liverpool's record of 18 English top-flight league wins, 11 of those coming in the Premier League era.

"It was the longest 90 minutes in history," joked Ferguson.

"There was only one save in the match - it was a cautious match."

special moment

When asked whether equalling Liverpool's record was a special moment, Ferguson added: "It'll make it more special when we are in front of them. Next year we are going for it again.

He added: "It's a great side, a great squad. I could have picked two teams today. It's not easy."

Ferguson admitted equalling Liverpool's record had been his target at the start of his Old Trafford reign, although he always knew it would be tough.

"That was the target because they were the greatest side in the land," he said. "But I never thought we could get 11 titles - never in a million years."

Ferguson added that retirement still remains a distant proposition despite his advancing years.

He said: "I'm not contemplating it. I'll carry on. I'm going to stay as a manager and my health will tell me when to quit."

Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed the title celebrations as Manchester United clinched another championship.

Ronaldo said: "It's brilliant, the atmosphere here is unbelievable, the supporters screaming, singing songs... it's amazing."

The 24-year-old was delighted to have helped the Red Devils to an 11th Premier League title at Old Trafford.

"It's a fantastic achievement, to win at home the Premier League again, it's a brilliant feeling - always brilliant." he said. "All the supporters and all the fans are brilliant.

"I try to do my best all the time. We win the league and now we go to win the Champions League.

"We have to enjoy this moment. This moment is very special. In the next two or three days we have to concentrate on the Champions League because everyone wants to win this competition."

unbelievable feeling

Striker Wayne Rooney revealed his delight at clinching another title with United.

"It's an unbelievable feeling. Thankfully we got the job done today," he said. "The last few years have been unbelievable so hopefully we can continue that."

Gary Neville, who picked up the trophy, hailed his team's strength in depth as the key factor in United's 18th championship success.

"The quality and depth of the squad, during the season, we've never really had a consistent team. We've had 20 players... Kiko (Federico) Macheda himself could have won us the league and he's not even got a medal today," Neville said.

"It was an incredible effort all year round. Today it was a brilliant performance, the lads really dug in against a good Arsenal performance."

Neville was particularly delighted with his team's league triumph given the extent to which they have been challenged by Liverpool in the title race.

"It's a fantastic achievement," added the 34-year-old. "They (Liverpool) pushed us really hard this season and they finished in championship form themselves.

"Next season we know we'll have our work cut out to make sure we do it again and get past them."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger congratulated United, admitting they fully deserved their title triumph.

"They were the better team this year, so congratulations to them," he said. "We have to make sure that it (the celebrations) is on our side next year.

"Things can change quickly but what we have seen today shows we have the quality to be up there. We have to keep believing in these players and work hard.

"They have learned a lot this year."