Giggs : We can rule Europe

United have been undoubted rulers of the English game in the Premier League era, but Ryan Giggs believes the continental schooling undertaken by the current squad could see the Reds reign in Europe for years to come.

First up, the wise old Welshman is targeting a second Champions League triumph in as many seasons. The Reds would be the first club to retain the trophy and Giggs feels victory over Barcelona could see the dawn of an era of dominance on the European stage.

“Everything is in place,” he said on Wednesday. “The age of the team is relatively young if you take out me, Nev, Scholesy and Edwin.

"We’ve proved this season that we can get to the final again, and hopefully that gives us the confidence to carry on and dominate. That’s what we’ve done in our own league and we want to do that in Europe. We’ve got everything in place to do that.”

Barcelona will no doubt have similar designs of taking up residence on European football’s throne, and Giggs believes there couldn’t be a tougher final opponent.

“This match determines the best club in Europe this season,” he said. “It’s the two best teams in England and Spain, and also from performances in the Champions League.

"It’s the dream final, two fantastic, massive clubs who play football the right way. Everyone’s looking forward to it, including the players.”

That United have reached consecutive finals is no stroke of luck. The emergence from the harsh lessons of semi-final defeat to AC Milan in 2005 has only made the team stronger.

For Giggs, already into his thirties at that point, it was just a case of putting his faith in Sir Alex allowing the team to evolve.

“We had the players to get to a Champions League final then,” Giggs adds. “But the likes of Wayne [Rooney] and Cristiano [Ronaldo] had just come to the club. They hadn’t matured into the world class players they are now.

"With the players the manager has brought in, we’ve just got better and better since. From the first trophy this team won - the League Cup where we beat Wigan - we’ve gone from strength to strength.

“I just put my trust in the manager. He’s won so much. At that time we were saying the team was evolving and we were trying to get the age of the team down. That takes time. We probably did it quicker than we thought we would.”

Vida : Make it count

"Of course, you want to enjoy the experience and play your game but you’re very aware of what is at stake in a game like this. You just have to try and deal with the pressure."

- Nemanja Vidic

Nemanja Vidic says United are determined not to let the chance of making history slip away in Rome next Wednesday.

The Reds are just 90 minutes away from winning a fourth trophy of the season and becoming the first team to successfully retain the Champions League crown. An equally hungry and talented Barcelona side lie in wait at the Stadio Olimpico, but United's Player of the Year feels the experience of having triumphed last season will stand Sir Alex Ferguson's side in good stead.

"There’s always pressure on you when you play in a final. Of course, you want to enjoy the experience and play your game but you’re very aware of what is at stake in a game like this," Vidic told reporters at the pre-final media day.

"You just have to try and deal with the pressure. We won it last season and have picked up great experience from doing that.

"Getting to a Champions League final is not something that happens every year so we want to make the most of our chance and win the trophy."

With an array of attacking talent on display, it promises to be a busy night for both sets of defenders. Vidic is well aware of the threat posed by Barca's front men, but feels United's attackers will give Pep Guardiola's backline plenty to think about.

"Barcelona have some good players, especially up front, so it won’t be easy," admits Vidic. "They have played some good football and scored a lot of goals this season and we have great respect for them.

"But we must concentrate on ourselves and what we’re going to do. We’re not just going to go there and defend; we want to attack them as well.

"We have players that can cause defenders problems and score goals. When we’ve needed goals this season we’ve scored them.

"In some games we’ve been one or two goals down, but have still come back to win. That shows that when we need to score our attackers have produced."

The Catalan craftsman

People are billing the Champions League final as a battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who are widely seen as the world's two best players.

To my mind, though, the best player is someone who may not even play in Rome - Andrés Iniesta. It would be such a shame if he didn’t make it, because I think he’s been the best player in the world for a few months now.

Iniesta can do things neither Ronaldo nor Messi can do. On the wing he can play almost as well as Messi, and he can also play in the centre. If he scored more goals he would be considered one of the top three players in the world by everybody.

Everyone keeps telling him to score more goals. Earlier on in the season he played a one-two with Eto’o, could’ve shot but passed for Eto’o to score instead. When asked why he passed, Iniesta said: “Well, Eto’o wants to be the top scorer in Spain.” A couple of weeks later he did exactly the same with Messi, and when he was asked why he’d done it again, he said: “Well, Messi hasn’t scored for a couple of games.”

He can do it. If he starts scoring then he would be considered by everybody as one of the best around. Paul Scholes is a good comparison to him, as there is more than one similarity. He’s definitely got the vision of Scholes and he can play centre-midfield, but also out wide, because he has the pace that Scholes never had.

He’s the quiet character who isn’t egotistical and works hard for the team. He could go the whole of his life playing for Barcelona, and people might struggle to remember his name, even though he was a great player. Scholes has been the same at United. At some point he was the best player or one of the very best players in European football, but nobody would say that at the time.

Iniesta is so important to Barça's hopes of lifting the trophy. If Pep Guardiola's staff can get him - and also Thierry Henry - fit for Rome, then I'd have to say I fancy them to overcome United.

The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.

United beat Real in Zurich

United beat Real Madrid 3-0 on penalties to secure 5th place in the Blue Stars FIFA Youth Cup in Zurich on Thursday.

The prestigious tournament in Switzerland pits some of the best young players in the world against each other in games of two halves of 20 minutes.

United were drawn in Group B with Swiss sides FC Basel, FC Blue Stars, Brazilians Flamengo, and Turkish outfit Fenerbahce.

On Wednesday, the Reds beat FC Blue Stars 2-0, with goals from Febian Brandy and Josh King. Next up for United were Fenerbahce, who proved slightly tougher opponents. Rodrigo Possebon and Brandy twice gave the Reds the lead, but each time the Turkish youngsters levelled.

United's final match that day was against last season's runners-up, FC Basel. The Swiss side took the lead before Possebon equalised, but then Basel turned on the style, hitting four goals to run out 5-1 winners.

The Reds' last group game, on Thursday morning, saw the Reds draw 1-1 with Brazilian club Flamengo, setting up a 5th-6th place play-off with Real Madrid.

The clash ended 0-0 at full-time, but Oliver Norwood, Possebon and Brandy all converted without reply from Real to clinch victory.

Final countdown

Wayne leads the way in training on Wednesday


Vidic is also putting in the hard yards


Berbatov decides to have a go at the javelin


Scholesy's dry-slope skiing, or just having a breather


The key men? Sir Alex and Ronny plot Barca's downfall


The perks of being captain


Meanwhile Giggsy shares a joke at the press conference


They say Tevez will tackle anyone, but this is ridiculous

Thursday

12:36 Support is growing on Talking Reds for Tevez to start in Rome. Meanwhile, Steve Bartram has slyly slipped me a piece of paper, like we're in an episode of The West Wing, but alas there's no instructions to invade Qumar, it's only his chosen starting XI. He's picked the exact same team as Paul and Gemma (lazy), with a front three of Park, Ronaldo, Rooney. I'm sticking with Ronny, Berbatov, Rooney, because Berbatov is brilliant at keeping possession. I don't think United will go gung-ho, either, as much as we'd like to see it. There isn't much between our attack and Barca's, but our defence is better - I think that'll be the difference. (BH)

09:01 Great news about Rio. He says in this morning's papers: "I'm fine." So, what were we worrying about? He's still got to prove his fitness to the big man on Sunday, though. The rain is absolutely pelting down here in Manchester - the weather in Rome? No clouds, bright sunshine, 21oC. Roll on next week (BH).

Wednesday

15:23 Training pics are on the gallery. Click the main image to see the lads in training (BH)

15:01 Just back from the afternoon session at Carrington's media day. As Ben said there was certainly a good press turn-out from all over the world - Spain, Argentina, Brazil, France... I spoke to Anderson, Carrick, van der Sar, Vidic, O'Shea and Park, they were all in good spirits. Ando borrowed my dictaphone at one point and pretended to interview Patrice Evra. Pat was talking to a group of journalists at the time and burst out laughing! As well as the players, I chatted with some of the press who were split on how they think the final will go. Many believe United are better, but Barca might sneak it. Others fully expect us to be the first team to retain the trophy. We all pray they're right! (Gemma Thompson)

11:17 Despite the doubt over Rio's injury, the boss boss says he knows his team for the final. "I'm close to it. You have to assess your opponent's strengths and think about which players are in form. But I think I've got my team." (BH)

10:40 Back in the office after the press conference, I have to say the boss was in great form. There were at least 587 journalists packed into the small balcony area in the Academy building, and there's nobody better at holding court in such situations. He looked calm and in control - a point he himself made. He admitted to "never being in control" when he first came to United, but now he is - something that comes with success. He also reitereated his point that United haven't won enough European trophies, and says four European Cups would sound much better. 18 league titles, four European Cups - sounds good, doesn't it? (BH)

09:55 I'm a little uneasy after hearing today's news about Rio. Sounds like it's touch-and-go with his calf injury. Come 3pm on Sunday when the boss announces his side to face Hull, I pray Rio's on the teamsheet. If not, I wouldn't give up hope, though: The manager's said he won't play in Rome if he doesn't play at Hull, but it wouldn't be the first time he's put one over on the press, would it? (Nick Coppack) And all the talk in the papers about United being sued if we put out a weakened team on Sunday; I wonder what Newcastle, Boro, Hull and Sunderland fans make of Rio's impending selection?! (Ian McLeish)

Tuesday

17:02 There's plenty of activity at Carrington on Wednesday; it's Champions League final press day. Sir Alex briefs the media at 9am, then after training the players are herded like cattle in front of lots of news-hungry journos with microphones. So we'll bring you an update from that. (BH)

13:30 Eight days to go and we're already discussing the final line-up in the office. Here's my prediction (post yours on Talking Reds):

Paul Davies (4-3-3): Van der Sar; O’Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Anderson, Carrick, Giggs; Park, Ronaldo, Rooney.
Subs: Kuszczak, Neville, Evans, Scholes, Nani, Tevez, Berbatov.
Why? I found it easy to pick my team: the one that devastated Arsenal in the semis, but Giggsy's in for the suspended Fletcher. Park missed out in Moscow, but I think he’ll be the first Korean to play in a final, and key to how we play: hardworking, with pacey counter-attacks. Toughest choice was Gary Nev or Rafael on the bench – I went for experience.

Blog : Team of the weak?

Kuszczak; Rafael, Neville, Evans, Fabio; Possebon, Fletcher, Gibson, Nani; Macheda, Welbeck. That’d be my side for Sunday’s trip to Hull.

I’m not in the habit of telling Sir Alex what side he should pick for matches, nor am I doing so here, but no United fan would complain if such a line-up were fielded at the KC Stadium on Sunday. There’s a certain appointment in Rome next Wednesday that must, simply has to, take precedence.

As is their way, the media have sniffed a possible scandal in the offing – field a weakened line-up and United could face legal action from the North East clubs. Or at least that’s what is being reported by certain papers this morning. And wouldn’t the media just love that – a last day controversy to replace the title finale that the Reds so cruelly robbed them of by winning it early. We’re such spoilsports.

Grounds for suing the club, apparently, would be the contravening of paragraph E20 of Premier League rules, which states that “in every league match, each participating club should field a full-strength team.”

But therein lies the problem – who determines what is and isn’t full strength? Isn’t that at the discretion of the manager? Shouldn’t Sir Alex be the one to decide if Rooney and Ronaldo, for example, are in need of a rest and therefore not fully fit? What about those players who have picked up knocks in recent weeks and for whom Sunday could be a game too far and lead to injury ahead of possibly the biggest game of their life? And what exactly is the point of a squad if you’re only allowed to field your strongest XI every week?

Sir Alex has never put out a side to do anything other than win a match and that won’t change now. In fact, there’s every chance that the side I’ve suggested is wide of the mark and some perceived bigger names will feature. But whatever starting XI he selects, it will be a side he believes is good enough to beat Hull City.

Indeed, if the line-up was similar to the one I’ve suggested, then it’s hardly a weak one: five of the possible starters I’ve listed held a full-strength Everton – currently English football’s fifth-best side – to 0-0 over 120 minutes in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, just a month ago. Four others are internationals.

That same team lifted the Carling Cup a month earlier, so it’s hardly one lacking in first-team experience and far from the ‘rookie side’ being touted by some papers, who are predicting a line-up not unlike mine at the top of this blog.

The suggestion that Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Sunderland will have grounds for legal action should Sir Alex go with what is deemed a weakened side is just plain daft. A non story. Besides, I don’t remember Newcastle complaining when they grabbed a point against a patched-up United side on the first day of the season. Or maybe I just missed the resulting lawsuits from Sunderland and Boro...?

The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.

Papers : Rio ready for Rome

Rio: I'll be ready for Rome
Rio Ferdinand has been told to prove his fitness against Hull on Sunday if he wants to play in the Champions League final against Barcelona. Sir Alex Ferguson is reluctant to risk the £30million centre-half against Barcelona unless he emerges unscathed from the trip to the KC Stadium. But Ferdinand insists: "I'm fine. I trained with the ball and done some running, so I'm doing all the movements I need to. I've not thought about not playing in the final. But this is perhaps the most important injury battle of my career because there's so much at stake." - Mark Ogden, Daily Telegraph

The Sun says United have "bowed to pressure to field a stronger team at Hull", despite Premier League chief exec Richard Scudamore saying Sir Alex has the right to utilise his full squad. Sunderland's Ricky Sbragia says: "Sir Alex will pick a side that can beat Hull."

The Guardian, who last month claimed Cristiano Ronaldo had a deal to sign for Real Madrid, now says politics at the Bernabeu mean Madrid will go for Kaka and Franck Ribery instead. President-elect Florentino Perez doesn't want to go for former bigwig Ramon Calderon's man. Yawn.

Federico Macheda wants to play in his home city next week. "It's a dream I've had many times, me with the champions in my own stadium. I hope it happens, but I don't even know if I'll be on the bench. United have many great players and there's big competition. It'd be fantastic playing for just a few minutes. In Manchester, people think I'm a hero, but I've done nothing and must show my value."

Elsewhere, it's reported that City want to sign Diego Forlan, while Liverpool are prepared to break their transfer record, funded perhaps by the £23m sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid. Benitez couldn't resist a dig: "We may break our transfer record, but we certainly won't break United's." More yawning.

Round up by Ben Hibbs

Edwin eyes a greater prize

Edwin van der Sar admits victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League final would eclipse securing a third successive Barclays Premier League title.

Saturday's draw with Arsenal finally saw off the lingering challenge of Liverpool, ending a tense title race and allowing the Reds' attentions to switch to facing La Liga's finest in Rome on 27 May.

"It (winning three straight titles) hasn't been done a lot," Edwin told MUTV. "But the main thing is that there's something bigger to come and we'll focus on that now.

"Winning the league is great, of course. It was quite tense until the end, but at the end all the tension of the last season came out. It's been great and we can focus on something even bigger."

The veteran Dutch goalkeeper, a cornerstone of United's success so far this season, insisted the title triumph was down to a collective effort rather than individual exploits.

"I think every part of the team has contributed to this thing," he said.

"Some players popped up in the last minute to score a goal, Vida has been immense, Jonny Evans played loads of games, the midfield, the golden oldies of Giggsy, Scholesy and Gary... everybody.

"It's a title for everyone I think. It's nice, even the sun came out when we collected the trophy and the other two times it rained all the time!"

Sir Alex's selection dilemma

With the title race loose ends tied up, every fan's focus has turned to the Champions League final; Sir Alex faces some tough decisions in Rome, but he's also toying with his line-up for Sunday's visit to Hull City.

The boss plans to give the game the respect it deserves with the result of huge significance to Hull and the other three teams fighting to avoid relegation.

The visit to the KC Stadium comes just 72 hours before United square up to Barcelona in Rome, and Sir Alex will undoubtedly utilise the full resources available to him, but he will still send out a team fit to represent United, and one which he feels is capable of winning the match.

“This is the best squad I’ve ever had," the boss told MUTV. "I could have picked two teams against Arsenal last week, and I’ll be picking a team on Sunday against Hull that will reflect that strength.

"We have a fantastic squad of around 28 or 29 players now, which includes the likes of [Federico] Macheda, [Danny] Welbeck, [Rodrigo] Possebon, [Darron] Gibson, Rafael and Fabio. They are young but they’re very, very good players, and good characters, too. I think that gives us a back-up that we’ve never had before."

The Hull match certainly won't be considered a dead rubber for those selected. It might be a last chance for established players to book a place in the 18-man matchday squad in Rome, or for emerging young talents to stake a claim for next season.

Sir Alex will certainly field players such as Darren Fletcher - so unfortunately suspended for the final - and Tomasz Kuszczak, who will now deputise for Edwin van der Sar without competition from the injured Ben Foster.

Sir Bobby salutes 'brilliant' Vidic

“Nemanja Vidic has been such an influence. He is the envy of the whole league and he has been a brilliant, brilliant player for us.”

- Sir Bobby Charlton

Sir Bobby Charlton has described Nemanja Vidic as the 'envy' of the Barclays Premier League after the Serbian defender deservedly scooped two Player of the Year Awards on Sunday night.

Vidic played a huge part in the Reds' title success and Sir Bobby believes the 27-year-old defender is a worthy winner of the accolades usually reserved for attacking players.

"It’s normally the glamour players who get these prizes, but Nemanja deserves this,” Sir Bobby told ManUtd.com.

“He has been such an influence. He is the envy of the whole league and he has been a brilliant, brilliant player for us.”

Vidic has proved a solid presence at the back - helping United to notch up 34 clean sheets in the 52 games he has featured in so far this season - while his versatility and keen eye for goal has yielded six goals in all competitions.

Scorer of the first goal in January's 3-0 demolition of Chelsea, Vida also grabbed a crucial winner against Sunderland in December and netted what proved to be the deciding goal in November’s thrilling 4-3 home victory over Hull.

Sir Bobby is particularly impressed with the Serbian’s aerial ability, believing his heading prowess to be the trait that sets him apart from others.

"Nemanja is unbelievable in the air,” said Sir Bobby.

Blog : United are smiles better

For a game against Arsenal, Saturday’s match action was strangely forgettable. It was the result that mattered the most to the majority of the 75,000 fans lucky to be inside Old Trafford and no sooner had the final whistle sounded a chant of ‘18 times and that’s a fact’ bellowed out from the Stretford End, signifying the successful conclusion to another title race.

For so long Liverpool fans have been able to deflect our taunts about their title drought by saying they had won it more times than us – well that certainly isn’t going to be the case now. To use a word our rivals manager, Rafa Beneathus (sorry – Benitez!) became very fond of earlier this year; Manchester United are Champions of England – FACT!

Sheer unbridled and unfettered joy; those are the best words I can find to describe how I felt when I heard the full-time whistle at Old Trafford. Never has 90 minutes seemed to pass so slowly but conversely, never has time flown by as quickly as it did for the celebrations afterwards.

In my last blog for ManUtd.com I stated that winning the title this season would mean as much to me as the first one we achieved in my lifetime back in the 1992/93 season, but I have to admit that I was wrong – it actually means so much more. Amongst my family and friends I am not known for having a cheery disposition, but since Saturday I have barely stopped smiling.

Some of my friends are Liverpool fans and they have been incommunicado since that time – I wonder why? Just 16 years ago it seemed inconceivable that as a club we would ever be in the position to equal Liverpool’s title-winning pedigree. That we've done just that is quite simply fantastic.

From my front row seat I had one of the best views in the stadium as the

players, staff and families celebrated together on the pitch. In the stands supporters sang until they were hoarse, clapped until their hands were raw, laughed as Anderson marched with the soldiers and Evra mimicked Rafa’s ‘it’s all over gesture.’ Quite simply, we had a whale of a time.

The 2008/09 season has been one that I will never forget and being part of the party at Old Trafford at the end of the final home game was an exhilarating experience. In 12 months time I hope to be experiencing it all over again as we celebrate a 19th league title and another piece of history in becoming the first club to win the league four times in a row. Success is addictive and I want more…and more…and more...

The only fitting way to close this blog is say a huge thank you to the players, coaching staff and of course, Sir Alex, for their combined efforts since last August to once again prove that Manchester United are the best club in England – FACT!

The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.

Injury blow for Foster

Ben Foster has undergone surgery to repair a ruptured ligament in his right thumb, which means he will play no further part in the current campaign.

The 26-year-old England international goalkeeper will be out for at least nine weeks before targeting a return for the Reds next season.

“It is big blow for Ben as not only will he miss the Champions League final but also England’s summer internationals," Sir Alex told ManUtd.com.

"Ben has tried to continue the season with this injury but it got so critical that an operation was the only way forward.

"It is disappointing for him but the important thing was to get this operation done.”

Foster has been desperately unlucky with injuries at United. After initially impressing in two loan stints with Watford he returned to undergo knee surgery.

He made nine appearances for the Reds in 2008/09, including his penalty heroics in the Carling Cup final.

If there is any meagre consolation in the timing of the injury, it is that Ben will have the summer months in which to recover and start afresh next term.

Ryan revels in home rule

Ryan's record Saturday's draw with Arsenal meant Ryan could savour winning the title at Old Trafford for only the second time. Here's how the previous 10 have been clinched...

1992/93 - Aston Villa lost to Oldham
1993/94 - Blackburn lost at Coventry
1995/96 - United won at Middlesbrough
1996/97 - Liverpool drew at Wimbledon, while Newcastle drew at West Ham
1998/99 - United beat Spurs at OT
1999/00 - United won at Southampton
2000/01 - Arsenal lost to Middlesbrough
2002/03 - Arsenal lost to Leeds
2006/07 - Chelsea drew with Arsenal
2007/08 - United won at Wigan

For all his trophies and medals, Ryan Giggs has rarely been able to savour his success in front of a packed Old Trafford. Little surprise, then, that English football's most decorated player was delighted to secure his 11th Premier League title in M16.

While the Reds were jittery and nowhere near their best against Arsenal, the title-tipping point was procured to see off the lingering challenge of second-placed Liverpool - much to Giggs' elation.

"It feels brilliant," Ryan told MUTV. "We've been talking about doing it in front of our own fans, and that's what makes it so special. Not relying on someone else losing or doing it away from Old Trafford, it was brilliant to do it today.

"It was agony for the second half, if I'm honest, and it probably was for the fans as well. The one team you don't want to play against is Arsenal, because they keep the ball so much and they're a top side, and they came to spoil the party. We defended brilliantly as we have done all season and managed to get there."

Giggs has never been one to dwell on his multiple successes, and he is already contemplating the possibility of more silverware next season.

"It's been a special time at the club since the manager took over and we've managed to win so much. Hopefully we can carry that on. I don't think anyone's ever done it (won the league title) four times on the trot before so there's another record that hopefully we can break."

Nemanja Vidic, Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year


Vida poses with the Players' Player trophy and Sir Alex


Andy Cole gives Ronny his Goal of the Season gong


Reserve Player of the Year James Chester with Ole


Robbo gives Kiko his Academy Player of the Year award

Serb's silverware

"I'm honoured. It's amazing to get these awards. I'm very happy here at United."
- Nemanja Vidic

And the winners are...

Nemanja Vidic - Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year; Players' Player of the Year.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Goal of the Season, v FC Porto.
James Chester - Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year
Federico Macheda - Jimmy Murphy Academy Player of the Year

Nemanja Vidic was named Player of the Year by United fans and his team-mates at the Reds' end-of-season awards night at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Just 24 hours after Sir Alex and his men were crowned Premier League champions for a third successive year and 18th time in total, the Reds were clearly still in partying mood. The whole squad turned out in style for the gala dinner, a star-studded event in Old Trafford's Manchester Suite.

Vidic collected the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year accolade, voted for by fans on ManUtd.com, and the Players' Player trophy to a well-deserved standing ovation.

"I am honoured," he said. "It is amazing to win these awards, especially when I consider the quality of the players I play alongside every day. I would like to say thank you to the fans and to my team-mates.

"I enjoy being here every day and playing with these players and working with the coaches. I'm very happy here at United."

The Reds' defence was key in the team's title success, the Club World Cup and Carling Cup triumphs, and in reaching the Champions League final, and Vidic has been the central pillar around which United's rock-solid rearguard has been built.

Vida wasn't the only winner on the night. Cristiano Ronaldo, who cleaned up with all three main awards at last year's event, claimed the Goal of the Season accolade for his stunning strike against FC Porto in the Champions League quarter-final second leg at Estadio do Dragao.

Elsewhere, James Chester picked up the Denzil Haroun Reserve Player of the Year gong. The 20-year-old defender, who was commanding as second-string skipper until being loaned out for a successful spell with Peterborough, picked the award voted for by fans ahead of Tom Cleverley and Corry Evans.

Federico Macheda was named Jimmy Murphy Academy Player of the Year, an award justified not just by his performances in United's Under-18s, but at all levels at the club this season.

The highly-rated Italian has scored goals for the Academy and Reserves, while his match-winning strike against Aston Villa on his first-team debut remains one of the season's defining moments. He was picked for the award ahead of last year's winner Danny Welbeck and Matty James.

Blog : A thirst to be first

MUTV commentator and regular 12 o'clock blogger Stewart Gardner is awestruck by Sir Alex's hunger and drive for more success...

What is the secret of Sir Alex Ferguson’s remarkable, sustained success? I was given a clue on Saturday afternoon in the tunnel at Old Trafford.

The champagne was being sprayed in the dressing room and thousands of fans were celebrating a hat-trick of titles. But amid all of these joyous scenes, one man was already thinking about next season – the boss.

Less than half an hour after the final whistle, he was already plotting a record breaking 19th Championship. I put it to him that equalling Liverpool’s haul of titles was a great achievement. He was more interested in beating it – now THAT really would be a special achievement he told me.

And therein lies the difference between Sir Alex and the rest. A frightening, almost superhuman will to win. No resting on laurels, no basking in glory – it’s a case of “job done, what’s next?”

It's amazing really - for him, the time to celebrate and the time to reflect on another season of glory seems to last just a few minutes.

He deserves all of the eulogies that have been written about him over the past few days. He also should have been congratulated by Rafa Benitez. But I personally found it quite disrespectful that the Liverpool boss wasn't particularly forthcoming with his praise of the modern game's greatest manager.

Liverpool pushed United all the way in the title race and Benitez and his players deserve credit for that. The Ferguson-Benitez rivalry certainly added some colour and excitement to the campaign. But I’m quite certain that if

Liverpool had won the title then Sir Alex would have congratulated Benitez – just as he did with Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger when they were victorious.

The fact that United have wrapped up the title with a game to spare means that some of our biggest names will have 10 clear days to prepare for the Champions League final. Barcelona are in a similar position, having tied up La Liga.

What a mouthwatering prospect that match is! But before that we go to Hull and back. And I’ve got a question for you. What team will the boss pick at the KC Stadium next weekend? Post your answers on the Talking Reds thread - but I bet nobody gets it exactly right! And, of course, you'll find out first on MUTV at around 15:00 BST on Sunday.

The views expressed in this blog are personal to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Manchester United FC.

Papers : Rafa snubs Sir Alex

Benitez: I'll say well done to Utd, no one else
Rafa Benitez last night refused to congratulate Alex Ferguson on winning the Premier League. The angry Liverpool boss could not even bear to mention Fergie’s name when quizzed about Manchester United’s achievement in drawing level with the Reds on 18 titles. Instead, Rafa — whose side relegated West Brom yesterday by beating the Baggies 2-0 — snapped: “I’ll say ‘Well done’ to Manchester United — but not to anybody else! I try to be polite and respectful to my fellow managers at all times throughout the season. But in this case, I saw some things and I heard some things that I did not like. So I’ll repeat, to make it clear, that I’m prepared to congratulate Manchester United as a good club and a big club. But that’s all, nothing else.”
Janine Self, The Sun

Meanwhile Ryan Giggs has hailed Nemanja Vidic after the Serbian scooped two gongs at United’s end of season awards ceremony. Giggs, who picked up the PFA Player of the Season crown last month, was beaten to the United Players’ and Fans’ Player of the Year titles by the defender. The Welshman is quoted in The Sun saying: “Consistently through the season he’s been brilliant.”

Elsewhere the Daily Mirror claims that Carlos Tevez will leave United in the summer because he “does not feel loved by boss Sir Alex Ferguson.” The paper has interpreted the Argentine’s substitution on Saturday as Tevez waving “adios” to the fans at Old Trafford.

Round up by Joshua Evans

Ronny proud on 'special day'

"It's a fantastic achievement. It's not easy to win three times. The lads worked for that and it's a special, special moment. We have to enjoy the moment."

- Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo beamed with pride as he reflected on clinching the third Premier League title of his United career.

The Portuguese winger, United's top scorer for a third successive season, revelled in the post-match celebrations after the Reds' draw with Arsenal had given the reigning champions an unassailable lead at the head of the table.

"It's unbelievable, it's a special day," Ronaldo told MUTV. "We've won the league again and now we get to celebrate with our families. I'm enjoying it a lot. It's a fantastic achievement. It's not easy to win three times, the lads worked for that and it's a special, special moment. We have to enjoy the moment."

The Reds' triumph secured an 18th league title, equalling the longstanding record of Liverpool, but Ronaldo admits United need only concentrate on winning more silverware.

"We don't need to care about other teams," he said. "It's always good to be on the top, and we are in a good moment. We've won a few things and this club needs to carry on. It doesn't matter which players are here or which coach is here, the mentality of this club is always to win. I'm looking forward, and proud to be in the history of this team."

With one half of last season's Double now safely retained, United's attentions will now switch to overcoming Barcelona in the Champions League final. Should the Reds reign in Rome, Ronaldo believes this campaign can be held in the fondest regard, admitting: "If we win that then it's an unbelievable year."

The title in two minutes

United are English league champions for the 18th time.

1907/08, 1910/1911, 1951/52, 1955/56, 1956/57, 1964/65, 1966/67, 1992/93, 1993/94, 1995/96, 1996/97, 1998/99, 1999/00, 2000/01, 2002/03, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09

It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. We’re not holding our breath, but one day the facts – a popular word this season – might stack up enough for the penny to drop elsewhere. Cast your minds back to 1998/99. Notice any similarities? In that season United won two of the opening five games. Crisis, they said. Whatever. Last season? Slow start. This season? Slow start. There’s a pattern emerging.

Chelsea, under ‘Big Phil’ Scolari, made hay in the early-season sunshine. A(nother) new dawn broke over Eastlands. And Liverpool stirred their loins. All the while we waited in the wings, and when the supporting cast had delivered their best lines and started to ad lib, the leading men assumed centre stage, parts learned off by heart, roles well-defined and well-rehearsed. Lights, camera, action!

By October’s end and a 2-0 victory over West Ham – in which the newly-crowned World Footballer of the Year (Ronny, who else?) bagged his first league brace of the campaign – the boss had started to talk about “a momentum that I believe will take some stopping”. New boys Hull showed the teeth that had characterised the Tigers’ pre-Christmas campaign, leaving Old Trafford after a spirited 4-3 defeat, but, to quote the bard of Stretford, Morrissey, November spawned a monster – especially if you happened to be an opposing striker. For the 13 league games after the 2-1 reverse at Arsenal that followed Hull, our defence turned away all-comers, setting a British record shut-out of 1,311 minutes into the bargain.

To prove we’re not just take, take, take, we even offered Newcastle fans a rare moment of cheer as Peter Lovenkrands put the ball past Edwin van der Sar – the first time we’d gone behind since January. But in between, we’d won at Eastlands, returned from Japan with the Club World Cup, battered Stoke 5-0 (ton-up for Ronny), and made the Champions League knockout stage as group winners. Paul Scholes was back in the fold and the next generation had taken us to the Carling Cup final. Phew.

And so, here we are: champions once again. It wasn’t a sprint, it was a marathon, but we entered the final straight, firing on all cylinders to reach our third title in a row for the second time under Sir Alex Ferguson – something no English club has achieved before. Brilliant season? That’s a fact.

18 Reasons : Part 2

Our feature continues with more reasons why United are champions yet again...

10. Ronny’s rockets
Let’s be honest: Ronaldo was never going to eclipse last season’s incredible tally of 31 league goals. But 18 so far isn’t too shabby, is it? In fact, it’s better than anyone else in the Barclays Premier League! We’ve seen some scorchers, too. Remember his two free-kicks against Stoke? How about the one against Blackburn from wide on the left? And don’t forget the headed third (or the shirt-off celebration) against Spurs to complete an incredible turnaround at Old Trafford in April. And to think some outsiders still question his status as one of the world’s best...

11. Size does matter
How must Sunderland’s players have felt in April when they saw (among others) Ronaldo, Tevez, Evra and Giggs sitting on the bench? The array of talent at Sir Alex’s disposal is frightening, but it’s also absolutely vital in a season that will see the Reds play an energy-sapping 66 competitive matches. That’s 26 more than some other top-flight clubs (and, it’s worth mentioning, 11 more than Liverpool)! It helps explain why United have used 31 different players in the league this term.

12. Young stars
Okay, so we’ve already shown Alan Hansen and the rest of the football world that you can actually win things with kids, but that’s no reason to gloss over the contribution from United’s youngsters this term. Jonny Evans and Rafael da Silva, in particular, regularly slotted into the Reds’ back four and, more often than not, looked like seasoned pros. Both were nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award. Federico Macheda and Danny Welbeck scored screamers on their league debuts, and Richard Eckersley, Rodrigo Possebon, Darron Gibson and Zoran Tosic also sampled the big stage.

13. Leaving it late
It wouldn’t be United without late drama, would it? Late winners are woven into the fabric of the club and the 2008/09 season has been no different. The Reds have scored more league goals after the 75th minute than in any other 15-minute period, with five arriving in the 90th minute or later. Three of those – Berbatov v Bolton, Vidic v Sunderland, Macheda v Villa – turned draws into wins (or, put another way, earned United six additional points).

14. The 12th man
The Reds’ travelling support is widely regarded as the best in the country and even Wayne Rooney admits he wishes he could sample the experience (“It looks mad!”). But at Old Trafford this season, too, United supporters often raised the roof to roar the Reds to victory. Against Villa and Tottenham in April the crowd became a 12th man, just as they had when every Chelsea touch in January was met with intimidating jeers and whistles. But perhaps the best testimonial for United’s unwavering support came at half-time when the Reds were trailing to Spurs: “We came off at half-time 2-0 down,” Patrice Evra recalls, “and we were clapped off the pitch. That’s unbelievable.”

15. Comeback kings
How many times have you heard commentators claim: “United never know when they’re beaten”? It’s true, though. When the going gets tough, the Reds invariably pull something out of the hat. In the league this season, United have gone behind on six occasions. In half of those games, the Reds went on to claim all three points (never more dramatically than coming from 2-0 down to thump Spurs 5-2). It was only in games away to Arsenal and Fulham that the Reds failed to secure at least a draw after conceding first.

16. Unsung heroes
You don’t have to be make headlines to make an impact. Ronaldo and Rooney may dominate the back pages but the Reds wouldn’t have lifted the trophy without contributions from the likes of John O’Shea, Darren Fletcher and Ji-sung Park. O’Shea, especially, proved his worth this season with a string of top-class performances. Whether asked to play right back, left back or even at centre-half, the Irishman got on with the job and consistently produced the goods.

17. The old heads
When the heat is on, it helps if you’ve got people on your side who have been there before. In Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, the Reds have three men who boast 28 league-winners’ medals. And while they don’t play week-in, week-out anymore, Gary (Stoke), Ryan (Chelsea) and Paul (Fulham) all put in man-of-the-match performances this term on the way to the Reds’ latest title triumph.

18. The Boss
You’d think you’d get bored of the same job after 22 years, wouldn’t you? Not Sir Alex. In charge at Old Trafford since 1986, the boss is as hungry as ever for success. His tactical nous hasn’t diminished either. In January, Sir Alex surprised everyone by playing Ryan Giggs and Darren Fletcher in the centre of midfield against Chelsea. It turned out to be a masterstroke, as was the way he blooded young talent, rotated his central midfielders and managed his substitutions throughout the season.

18 Reasons : Part 1

United are champions of England for a record-equalling 18th time! Here are 18 reasons why, in no particular order...

1. The reinvention of Ryan
When he finally hangs up his boots, Ryan Giggs will be remembered as one of the best left wingers to ever play the game. But this term he’s been inspirational in the centre of midfield, where his cool head and ability to pick the perfect pass has done untold damage to opposition defences. His form wasn’t lost on his fellow professionals, either: in May he was voted the PFA Players’ Player of the Year.

2. That boy Macheda
Every 17-year old dreams of scoring an injury-time winner on his debut in front of the Stretford End, but Federico Macheda actually did it. With time slipping away against Aston Villa, the Italian took one exquisite touch before curling an unstoppable shot past Brad Friedel and into the far corner. Cue pandemonium in the stands as the teenager became an instant hero. And as if that wasn’t enough, six days later he came off the bench again to score the winner at Sunderland. Magnifico!

3. He comes from Serbia
Hotly tipped to win United’s Player of the Season award, Nemanja Vidic has been outstanding this term. He was the only constant feature of the Reds’ back four during the record-breaking clean-sheet run and also chipped in with valuable goals at the other end (remember Sunderland at home in the last minute?). Of course, he’ll want to forget Liverpool’s opening goal at OT, but that mistake merely proved he’s human after all...

4. Keeping it clean
You don’t win football matches if the opposition score more goals, so the best platform you can give yourself is to keep a clean sheet. The Reds did just that in 14 consecutive league games between 8 November and 18 February, setting a new English record in the process. In fact, by the time Blackburn’s Roque Santa Cruz poked the ball past Tomasz Kuszczak at OT, the Reds had gone 1334 minutes without conceding a league goal. The word “watertight” springs to mind.

5. Home rule
When Liverpool take stock of where it all went wrong they’ll probably point to the number of points dropped at Anfield (12 prior to the final day). But while Rafa’s men were drawing at home to the likes of Stoke and Fulham, United’s only Old Trafford wobbles came against Newcastle (1-1), Liverpool (1-4) and Arsenal (0-0, when a point won the title).

6. A day to forget
Most Reds would prefer to erase this fixture from their minds but there’s no denying the role it played in United’s title charge. Losing 4-1 at home to your biggest rivals is never enjoyable, but at least it brought everyone back down to earth at a time when some fans and members of the press were starting to think an 18th title was a mere formality. A timely reminder that you can’t take anything for granted in football.

7. Sharing it around
All successful teams contain at least one forward who bangs in goals for fun. For the Reds, Ronaldo and Rooney have hit the back of the net more than most, but they’re just two of 15 United players to get on the scoresheet in the league in 08/09. It’s a terrifying thought if you’re an opposition defender... and the perfect riposte to those critics at the beginning of the season who claimed the Reds relied too heavily on Ronaldo’s goals.

8. That winning feeling
Far from disrupt the Reds’ momentum, act as a distraction or tire players out, the trip to Japan in December for the FIFA Club World Cup simply energised United and made the players hungrier for more success. The returning world champions won 19 of the next 20 fixtures after touching down back in England, beginning with a gritty 1-0 win over Stoke City on Boxing Day.

9. The fab four
On more than one occasion this season Sir Alex has admitted to "selection headaches” when it comes to his forward line. Managers around the country often spend Friday afternoons sweating over the fitness or form of their star striker, but Sir Alex has the “luxury” of deciding who to leave out. Carlos Tevez offers industry and energy, Dimitar Berbatov sublime control and the ability to bring others into the game. Wayne Rooney feeds others as well as he finds the net himself, while Cristiano Ronaldo has proved he’s just as effective up front as he is on the wing. Of course, sometimes not even Sir Alex can choose and plays all four at once! Well, can you blame him?

Rio's special feeling

"There's definitely an added satisfaction to this title win because we've equalled Liverpool's record. The fact that we've beaten to do it means it's a really sweet feeling. Overtaking that record is definitely the next aim now."

- Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand says it's a "sweet feeling" to have drawn level with Liverpool's record of 18 titles.

The defender missed out through injury on Saturday's 0-0 draw against Arsenal which sealed a hat-trick of league championships for the Reds, but was on hand to collect his winners' medal and join in with the jubilant celebrations at Old Trafford.

This latest triumph is United's eleventh in the Barclays Premier League era, but Ferdinand says the squad remain hungry for more and are determined to overtake Liverpool's longstanding haul.

"There's definitely an added satisfaction to this title win because we've equalled Liverpool's record," admitted the defender.

"It's a really sweet feeling. Overtaking that record is definitely the next aim now."

The players embarked on a lap of honour after being presented with the trophy to acknowledge the unwavering support from the fans.

"The fans travel far and wide and spend a lot of money coming to watch us week in, week out and for a lot of them it’s what they live for," explained Rio.

"We’re very appreciative of their great support and it’s only right we say thank you because without them the club wouldn’t survive. And it really is a genuine thank you.

"We’ve had some great times with the fans this season and hopefully there’s plenty more to follow in the coming seasons."

Manchester United vs Arsenal

Ryan Giggs, Anderson and Wayne Rooney celebrate at the final whistle


Darren Fletcher in action against Arsenal at Old Trafford.


Nemanja Vidic was dominant in the air against the Gunners.


Arsene Wenger on the bench while a United fan sports an Eric Cantona mask


Jonny Evans didn't give Robin van Persie any room.


There's never a moment's peace when Carlos Tevez is around.


Wayne Rooney puts Bacary Sagna under pressure.


Ryan Giggs has now won 11 Premier League titles.


Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates with Edwin van der Sar


Cristiano Ronaldo at the final whistle


Rio Ferdinand lifts the 2008/09 Premier League trophy