19th Title! Champions United!

Sir Alex Ferguson last night set his sights on Manchester United's 20th league title after leading them to a record 19th with a 1-1 draw at Blackburn.

The most successful manager in the history of British football will be 70 at the end of this year, but he has no intention of stepping aside now that he has overtaken Liverpool's previous record of 18 titles - an amazing achievement given that, in, 1990 the 'score' was 18-7.

'I'm well and will be going on,' said Ferguson.

'It was a fantastic performance by the lads and the supporters and for everybody connected with the club. In terms of achievement, it's a great day. The atmosphere today was incredible. The supporters got behind us. We gave away a bad goal but they kept on.

'In the Eighties it was all Liverpool so it was a big challenge for us. When I came down from Scotland, getting the first title was significant and there were some great teams after that. The 1993-94 team won the first Double in the club's history and since then it has been done two or three times. Success has carried on - all the players that come here know they have to win.

'It's not so much passing Liverpool. That thing about knocking Liverpool off their perch, I don't think I actually said it, but it's more important that United are the best team in the country in terms of winning titles.

'When we look back, the area in which we are most disappointed in is our away form, where we've had nine draws. The focus will be our away form, but the home form was fantastic,' he said.

'But we dropped points to Blackburn, West Brom, Bolton, Birmingham, Aston Villa, Sunderland and Newcastle. That is an indication of how tough the league is.'

United started the season by going unbeaten in the first 24 games, finally losing 2-1 to Wolves in February, a defeat that Ferguson believes did his team good in the long run.

'We went on a great run at the start of the season, but once we got that result against us it allowed us to focus again on winning the league,' he said.

Fergie knocked Liverpool off their perch

The better team won the match and the best team will win the league.

The confirmation of Manchester United's 19th title victory may be delayed until Saturday, at least, but the evidence of its impending arrival is irrefutable.

If Chelsea are their greatest rivals this season, as the league table suggests, then United have proved themselves superior, again and again and again.

Party time: Sir Alex Ferguson elebrates at full time with first-team coach Rene Meulensteen

There have been four meetings between the teams this season and United have won three and deserved to win a fourth.

It was the memory of that game - the league match at Stamford Bridge on March 1 - that made Sir Alex Ferguson so anxious before the game, attempting to influence even random factors by applying pressure to Howard Webb, the referee.

He need not have worried. Bad luck can curse the best of teams, but United have had the beating of their rivals all the way this season, and having got the breaks once through a poor performance by Martin Atkinson, Chelsea have since been left to fend for themselves, and have come up short.

Front to back, United were on their game and superior yesterday.

Edwin van der Sar made big saves at vital times, Nemanja Vidic scored and was outstanding in his containment of Didier Drogba, Antonio Valencia and Park Ji-sung tireless on the flanks, Michael Carrick an intelligent passing and screening presence in midfield.

Perfect start: Hernandez puts United ahead after 36 seconds

Javier Hernandez took his opening goal superbly after just 36 seconds when some players would have been raw with surprise and nerves, while Wayne Rooney is back to his best, and as potent as that statement suggests.

'He could have had six,' said a wide-eyed Ferguson, and that would certainly have taken the tension out of the place, particularly when Chelsea scored with 22 minutes remaining.

And then there is Ryan Giggs. He has been by Ferguson's side as the Manchester United manager has dismantled Liverpool's record of 18 titles, piece by piece.

The mission is on the verge of completion now, such as it ever was.

Heads we win: Vidic takes advantage of some shoddy defending to head home the second

It is a myth that Ferguson stated his aim to knock Liverpool off their perch on arrival in Manchester in 1986.

He would have been placed on the first bus to the asylum at Cheadle Royal had he talked of overtaking them from a base of just seven titles.

He made that statement much later, when United's superiority was acknowledged, saying that removing Liverpool from the lofty heights was his supreme achievement.

Indeed, he has not just knocked Anfield from its perch, as intended, but let a great big tabby cat loose in the cage, too, scattering feathers and pieces of carcass everywhere.

So it was fitting that Giggs, the sole survivor from the first of what will be 12 titles, has risen to the occasion so consistently in this season, the one in which Liverpool's record will surely now be surpassed.

Brothers in arms: Vidic and Rio Ferdinand celebrate the winner - and another United title

Ferguson says United will never see another like Giggs, though the same could be said of the manager, particularly now there are no new worlds to conquer, domestically at least.

What remains for Ferguson - who has already announced his intention to stay through the 2011-12 season, no doubt to the chagrin of his contemporaries, particularly those who fancy jumping into his shoes - is Europe, beginning with the Champions League final against Barcelona at Wembley later this month. The Spaniards are clear favourites but play like this and who knows?

United have the attacking capability to worry any opponent and if Barcelona have a weakness, it is at the back.

Watching the way this match was won, the thought that Ferguson should exercise caution, perhaps stretch five across midfield, seems more counter-productive than ever.

Rooney and Hernandez are an exceptional partnership and two up front suits this United team.

The potential return of Darren Fletcher, the man Ferguson relies upon to break up the play in big matches, is intriguing, but increasingly the majority of the XI that defeated Chelsea on Sunday present a flawless case for inclusion.

Up for the challenge: United's Park Ji-Sung holds off Florent Malouda

Time and again, they display the energy and verve to place United on the front foot, where they should be.

Chelsea were the team who had to win yesterday, yet it was United who started with a compelling positivity, the trademark of Ferguson's approach to the biggest matches.

Simply, he blew Chelsea away before half-time.

The visitors clawed a goal back to add a degree of edginess to the final exchanges, but that was the least that could be expected, considering the occasion.

Perhaps it would have been different had Frank Lampard been fit throughout the season, claiming his familiar tally of 20 goals from midfield, but Chelsea now trail United by six points with two games remaining, which is about right.

Where does this sit in Ferguson's achievements at Old Trafford?

Certainly, it is up there.

Under control: Rooney gets the better of Ivanovic

This team have received less credit than they deserve, and their away record is poor by comparison with recent champions, but they have faced down adversity throughout much of the season.

Rooney was a lost soul for much of the campaign, while Ferdinand and Vidic have only been together at the back for half the season.

Valencia broke a leg, Fletcher contracted a debilitating virus and Paul Scholes did not play for two months between November 24 and January 25.

Every team suffer injuries but having surrendered the league without Cristiano Ronaldo last season, there was no reason to believe United could cope with his continued loss, plus injuries to their most important individual, and wrest the prize back from Chelsea.

Perhaps that is why even Ferguson appeared a little emotional at the final whistle, bowing to the Stretford End before leaving the field, as if thanking them for their belief. In the end, belief was what pulled United through, the plain fact that this group of players refused to be cowed by their limitations, indeed exceeding all expectations with their Wembley date on May 28.

Contrasting fortunes: Torres (left) has struggled, while Rooney (right) has shown up in the big games

When Ferguson speaks of this team it is their determination that he salutes, their work-rate, their refusal to lie down.

He knows he has had better groups, more gifted individuals, the odd unstoppable force such as Roy Keane.

What sets this band apart is sheer will.

Rooney is now offering the sprinkling of stardust but just two points dropped at home all season - against West Bromwich Albion in October - is as much a testament to United's resolve as their excellence.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1384959/Martin-Samuel-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-just-knocked-Liverpool-perch-.html#ixzz1LpLsFWoZ

MU 2-1 Chelsea - PARK The Man!

MATCH FACTS

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-4-1-1): Van der Sar 7; Fabio 6 (Smalling 88min), Ferdinand 7, Vidic 7, O’Shea 6 (Evans 46, 6); Valencia 8, Carrick 7, Giggs 7, Park 9; Rooney 8; Hernandez 8. Subs not used: Kuszczak, Anderson, Nani, Scholes, Berbatov. Booked: Giggs, Rooney.

Scorers: Hernandez 1, Vidic 23.

CHELSEA (4-3-3): Cech 6; Ivanovic 5,
Luiz 5 (Alex 46, 6), Terry 6, Cole 6; Essien 6, Lampard 6, Mikel 5 (Ramires 46, 6); Kalou 6 (Torres 61, 5), Drogba 6,
Malouda 6. Subs not used: Turnbull,
Ferreira, Benayoun, Anelka. Booked:
Ivanovic, Essien, Ramires, Drogba.

Scorer: Lampard 69.

Man of the match: Park Ji-sung. Referee: Howard Webb 7. Attendance: 75,445.

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.

Champions for the 19th time! [MU 2-1 Chelsea]

It was a vocal exercise in denial. As Manchester United accelerated into the history books, a blue corner of the East Stand broke into their umpteenth chorus of "Chelsea, champions". Technically, they still are, but it is only a technicality. Because when, rather than if, a point is procured against either Blackburn or Blackpool, United will have what they have long termed 'their title' back.

GettyImagesManchester United celebrate after a victory that all but ensures they will reclaim their Premier League title

And, still more significantly, they will have the sense of superiority they have long desired. Chelsea were both closest challengers and subplot, because the Mancunian radar is directed elsewhere. The Stretford End's question was "Are you watching, Merseyside?" It was 2-1 in the clash of North and South, but it will soon be 19-18 in the battle fought along the East Lancs Road. Sir Alex Ferguson's fondness for conflict is such that he has waged war on the memories of Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley. He is one point away from leading Liverpool now, an inch away from knocking them off their perch.

"It's fantastic to be the most successful team in our country in terms of championship victories, and the minute we won that first one in '93, the door opened for us," Ferguson said. The slight to an unmentioned Liverpool was veiled. "For the last 17-18 years, you have to look at Arsenal and Chelsea always as the main challengers to us," he added.

Of late, it has tended to be Chelsea. If this match became a microcosm of a campaign, it had had suitable scorers. Javier Hernandez, arguably the signing of the season, got the first, while Nemanja Vidic, possibly the player of the year, got the second.

A 38-game struggle may have been decided in fewer than 38 seconds. Hernandez epitomising his instant impact as he latched onto Ji-Sung Park's through pass and defeated Petr Cech with a finish of typical composure to become the first player since Ruud van Nistelrooy to get 20 goals in a debut campaign at Old Trafford. The Mexican was helped along the way by a disorientated David Luiz, who lost his footing and then, in a half-time switch, his place on the pitch.

Amid intense United pressure, Vidic beat a static Branislav Ivanovic to score the second, converting a cross that came from a nonchalant waft of Ryan Giggs' left foot. Thereafter, though Frank Lampard volleyed Chelsea back into the game, United had the opportunities to turn a victory into a thrashing. "We could have scored six," Ferguson lamented.

He has found a blueprint to play Chelsea, with workhorses on the wings, a roadrunner in attack and Wayne Rooney roaming behind. Carlo Ancelotti's men had a numerical advantage in the centre of midfield but it counted for naught, Michael Carrick making intelligent interceptions and Giggs exerting a magnetism on the ball.

Not too many central midfielders seem to have a free role, but Giggs does; as he prepares to collect a 12th winners' medal, he has become the man for all seasons, the player with the capacity to make a pensioner gush. "Absolutely marvellous," Ferguson enthused. So, too, is United's record at Old Trafford.

With 17 wins out of 18, without conceding in the first half all season, it is near impeccable. Had they lost every match elsewhere, United's home form would still put them seventh in the table. "Our away form has been disappointing, but our home record is fantastic," Ferguson added. It is only mathematical confirmation of their triumph that they now require. "Knowing the players, they will get their point, no doubt about that," Ferguson said. "They won't muck up."

PA PhotosCarlo Ancelotti was distinctly unimpressed with his side's defending in the first half

Ancelotti concurred. Disarming honesty is among his most endearing traits. "Manchester United played better than us and deserved to win this game," the Chelsea manager said. "They deserve to win the title."

MAN OF THE MATCH: Ryan Giggs. The outstanding player in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea repeated the feat. Some of his passing was terrific and he drifted into dangerous positions time and again.

MANCHESTER UNITED VERDICT: Ferguson was able to make eight changes after his shadow side demolished Schalke and felt the freshness of his team was crucial. "That won us the title," he said. There are plenty of other causes, from the predatory Hernandez to the glorious Giggs and the peerless partnership of Rio Ferdinand and Vidic, but Edwin van der Sar must rank highly on any list. Yet again, he made several terrific saves.

CHELSEA VERDICT: Ancelotti denied he was angry with Luiz, who erred for the opener and was hauled off at half-time, but his was a disappointing display. So, too, were the performances of the trio in the centre of midfield, who were overshadowed by Carrick and Giggs. Torres was the last man brought on but, summing up his season, to little effect.

Manchester United 4 Schalke 1 (agg 6-1)

This went so perfectly to plan, Sir Alex Ferguson even took the time to show that he can be nice to referees.

There he was, out in the middle of the pitch shortly after the final whistle, congratulating the very officials he might have attempted to put under a bit of pressure had this semi-final been more of a contest.

As it was, he applauded Pedro Proenca and his colleagues before congratulating his United players on a job extremely well done. He should have patted himself on the back, too. He had to take a gamble in the way he prepared for this game with Sunday’s match against Chelsea very much in mind, and how handsomely it paid off.

He made eight changes to the side that lost at Arsenal last weekend, and nine to the one that so impressed in Gelsenkirchen last week, but still came up with a team that never gave this bizarrely average Schalke side a chance. After a second-leg performance every bit as bad as their first, it has become one of football’s great mysteries how they managed to progress this far — not to mention how Inter Milan allowed them to score seven goals in the previous round.

But take nothing away from United. Ferguson wanted them to secure their passage to yet another Champions League final with the minimum of fuss.

Arsenal 1 MU 0 - Chelsea back in!

Disastrous result!

All to play for in the next game against Chelsea.