Utd have momentum ahead of Moscow says Fergie

May 11, 2008

Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated another title triumph for Manchester United and warned Champions League final opponents Chelsea: 'We are bouncing into the final'.

United retained the Barclays Premier League title after a 2-0 win over Wigan secured by a first-half penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo and a second-half clincher substitute Ryan Giggs.

Chelsea could only manage a 1-1 draw against Bolton at Stamford Bridge and Ferguson was quick to remind them who has the psychological advantage ahead of the Champions League showdown in Moscow on May 21.

'If we had lost the title today it would have been a great knock but the great thing is we are bouncing into the final,' Ferguson told Sky Sports News.

Ferguson, asked if United's latest triumph reinforced his determination to carry on as manager, replied: 'I am very proud to have survived so long but I am at a great club which makes it easier for me than the rest.'

Ferguson, who has won 10 titles during his reign, also predicted that the current United side will overhaul Liverpool's overall total of 18 titles. United now have 17.

'I think it will come. This side is young. This side is young. There is plenty left in them.'

Giggs, who equalled Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 758 appearances when he came on, drew more satisfaction from a 10th title winners medal.

'It was a great goal to settle us down - it gave us a two-goal cushion,' he said.


Ferguson admitted that Wigan had given United a stern test on their way to a title-clinching victory.

He continued: 'It was a tough one all right. For most of the game we played well but there were some nervous moments.'

United might have been reduced to 10 men in the first half when Paul Scholes, already on a yellow card, blocked off Wilson Palacios but referee Steve Bennett gave him a final warning instead.

'We were a bit lucky,' acknowledged Ferguson. 'The first tackle was reckless and he deserved to be booked but the second one was nothing.'

Ferguson was pleased that his players had been able to maintain control of their own destiny.

He added: 'We had to concentrate on our own game and I think we did that okay. Just after half-time we started to get a grip of it and I was pleased with that second goal. It makes it 10 (title medals) today for Ryan Giggs which is fantastic.'

Wayne Rooney said the players were all determined to win the title.

'We have got the hunger and we knew coming into the last two games that six points and we would be champions,' he told Sky Sports 1.

'We could see the finish line.'

Rooney paid tribute to Ferguson, describing him as 'brilliant' and 'determined'.

He added: 'It's a privilege to play for him every week.'

Rio Ferdinand said: 'Credit to Wigan - they gave us a tough game today. It's just a fantastic feeling to win the trophy.'