Boss salutes his "brilliant" players
Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his players after a splendid team performance accounted for Chelsea to move United to the cusp of a record 19th league title success.
The Reds were roared on by an ecstatic Old Trafford crowd and made an electrifying start with goals from Javier Hernandez and skipper Nemanja Vidic. Frank Lampard's effort made it a nerve-wracking finale as United passed up several opportunities to score a third goal that would have clinched the three points.
"We do it all the time, take it to the very wire," said Sir Alex. "We could've scored six in the second half!
"We had lots of chances but we expected a tough game and got a tough game. I thought we were brilliant and it was a fantastic start. Petr Cech made two fantastic saves but it was a good team performance. When we gave the ball away for their goal, understandably it was a bit nervous around the thing but the fans helped us a lot.
"We kept creating chances and Wayne Rooney could've scored six. Credit to the players because they deserve it. We just need one point now."
The manager is convinced his players will finish the job by getting the point required to make certain of the title.
"The fans were magnificent in the last 10-15 minutes when we needed them," he declared to Sky Sports.
"They were fantastic.
"For the last 18 years, Arsenal and Chelsea, you have to look at them always as being the main challengers to us. In the last few years, it's been Chelsea but Arsenal made a great attempt this year.
"I think, knowing the players, they'll get their point - there's no doubt about that.
"To win 19 is fantastic, to be the most successful team in the country in terms of championship victories, and the minute we won for the first time in 1992, the door opened for us and it's an incredible achievement."
The Champions League final inevitably moves into the boss' thoughts as United chase another remarkable double on the domestic and European front.
"In the next few weeks, we've got to be doing some work on Barcelona," he added. "Of course it'll be about that in the week now in particular but we've got to get a point at Blackburn.
"Blackburn are fighting relegation and Blackpool as well so we've got 100 percent respect for those two great clubs. They're neighbours and I don't see them going down but we have to do our job and, if we get a point, I'll be delighted."
