Ferguson delighted to surpass Liverpool

Sir Alex Ferguson revelled in becoming England's most successful club after a 2-1 victoryover Chelsea all but ensured they will clinch a record 19th league title.

GettyImagesSir Alex Ferguson bows to the Stretford End after Manchester United's victory over Chelsea

Defeat to Arsenal last week meant a Chelsea victory at Old Trafford on Sunday would have blown the title race wide open, but United never looked in doubt afterJavier Hernandez opened the scoring in the first minute and Nemanja Vidic headed home to make it 2-0 at the break.

Frank Lampard's second-half goal proved no more than a consolation and, as United now just need one point from their upcoming games against strugglers Blackburn and Blackpool, Ferguson feels certain his side will surpass Liverpool's longstanding record.

"It's fantastic to be the most successful team in the country," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "The minute we won that first title in 1993 the door opened, and we've been involved in the first two all throughout that period - it's a fantastic achievement.

"For the last 17 or 18 years it's been Arsenal and Chelsea as our nearest challengers, and the last few years it's been Chelsea. Arsenal made a great attempt this year but them losing today [to Stoke] has finalised it.

"We deserve the title and hopefully we'll get that point now."

Ferguson feels that the scoreline did not do justice to the number of chances his side created.

"We could've scored six in the second half, but we expected a tough game and we got a tough game," he said. "We were brilliant - we got a great start but Cech made some fantastic saves.

"When we gave the ball away for their goal, we were a bit nervy but the fans helped us. We kept making chances and Rooney could've scored six today."

Ryan Giggs, who put in another inspirational display in midfield, acknowledged that the title is "not mathematically over" but was thrilled at the prospect of surpassing Liverpool's 18 titles.

"It's a great achievement by the team and by the manager to haul back our biggest rivals," Giggs said.