FERGIE: WE'LL KOP RECORD
Alex Ferguson vows to depose Liverpool
SIR ALEX FERGUSON allowed himself a glass of champagne last night - but then set his sights on establishing Manchester United as THE most successful team in the history of English football.
The goalless draw against Arsenal at Old Trafford means United have now won 18 titles - the same number as Liverpool.
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And the bubbly had barely stopped fizzing before 67-year-old Ferguson was plotting to officially depose Liverpool in the list of all-time greats by clinching No 19 next year.
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Asked if it felt special to have equalled Liverpool's record, Fergie declared: "It will become a lot more special when we have got in front of them. And that's what we will be aiming for next year. We are going for it again.
"They were the greatest team in the land when I arrived. But we have built slowly and now we will go again."
Ferguson's avowed intention when he came south to Old Trafford 23 years ago was to "knock Liverpool off their perch."
But even he is amazed at the level of success he has achieved since opening his Premier League account in 1993.
He said: "I never thought I could get this many titles, never in a million years. The aim was to win the first one and see where that took us. And we progressed so quickly after that."
When he had just turned 60, Fergie famously announced his intention to retire. He won't be making the same mistake again.
And he is even looking to carry on well into his 70s.
"I am not contemplating retiring, that's the thing," he said. "I am not thinking about it. I'll carry on and stay as a manager and my health will tell me when to quit. Let's pray my health is good in five years."
Ferguson and his team will be going for a FOURTH consecutive Premier League crown next season after tepid stalemate ensured they repelled Liverpool's challenge with a game still remaining.
Cesc Fabregas rattled a post in the closing stages and Fergie said: "That was the longest 90 minutes in the history of football. But we got there, and I think there was only one save for Edwin van der Sar to make in the final five minutes, so that shows how it was a cautious match."
But Fergie has no doubts that his team thoroughly deserved to retain their title.
He said: "This is a great side, a really great side. Actually, it's a really great squad.
"I could have picked two sides today, I had to leave good players out like Paul Scholes, Dimitar Berbatov and Anderson. It is not easy."
Fergie did start with Carlos Tevez, who appeared to wave a tearful goodbye to the capacity crowd when he was substituted late on.
Cristiano Ronaldo said: "It is a fantastic achievement to win the League at home - the feeling is always brilliant and we are really happy.
"This is a family club. Everyone here is so friendly - that is why everyone loves Manchester United and I love this club, too. I am really happy here. But as for the future . . . you never know."
Wayne Rooney will certainly be a long-term fixture at Old Trafford, declaring: "It's an amazing feeling to win the League again. I didn't know just how good it would be here. The last three years have been amazing."
Arsene Wenger paid his own tribute to United and, more specifically, Ferguson.
The Arsenal boss said: "It is an exceptional thing to win 11 Premier League titles. The achievement is remarkable when you look at it over the long-term and I congratulate him."
United, of course, now turn their attentions to their Champions League meeting with Barcelona on Wednesday week.
And Fergie believes they couldn't be going to Rome in any better heart. He said: "Now we have won the league, we will go bouncing into the Champions League final."
Club captain Gary Neville, who lifted the Premier League trophy even though he did not play against Arsenal, said Liverpool would be a huge threat next season.
Neville said: "They pushed us very hard and next season we will have our work cut out."
PFA Footballer of the Year Ryan Giggs, 35, who made a rare start yesterday, said: "I hope we win another one next year.
"No one has ever won it four times on the trot so that is another record for us to break.
"It has been a special season for me. I would rather have league titles than personal accolades.
"But I was so happy to win that PFA award at my age.
"And being a United fan growing up, to play 800 times for the club is brilliant for me.
"It has been a special time for the club since the manager took over. We have been fortunate to win so much. Hopefully we can carry it on."
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