Champions again! and Insatiable Sir Alex raises United's sights

As soon as the final whistle brought United's draw with Arsenal to a close, an army of photographers began snapping away as the newly-crowned Barclays Premier League champions celebrated.

Club photographers John and Matt Peters were among those capturing the moment at Old Trafford as Sir Alex Ferguson and his triumphant players toasted title number 18.

As you could see live on MUTV and MUTV Online, the Reds could hardly wait to get the party started. Another party, the Player of the Year Awards, will also be shown live on the club's official television channel and online video service from 19:30 BST on Sunday.



Retirement was the furthest thing from Sir Alex Ferguson's mind as the 67-year-old Manchester United FC manager celebrated an eleventh Premier League title after his side gained the point they needed in a goalless home draw with Arsenal FC on Saturday.

New target
While the Old Trafford faithful acclaimed their heroes – who will meet FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League final on 27 May in Rome – Ferguson was already plotting to take the club past the overall record of 18 English league crowns they now share with arch-rivals Liverpool FC. "It will be more special when we get in front of them," Sir Alex said. "We want to progress with this team, we are capable of doing that, we are a young team and next year we will go for it again."

Strong run
It was United's third championship in a row and Sir Alex assured the club's fans that his thirst for more glory was not quenched just yet. "I'm not contemplating retiring," he added. "I'll carry on, I will stay as a manager and only my health will tell me when to quit." United's title defence looked in trouble two months ago when they were shocked 4-1 at home by Liverpool and followed that with defeat at Fulham. However, they scrambled a stoppage-time win against Aston Villa FC to embark on a seven-match winning streak which kept them above the Merseyside club.

'Unbelievable feeling'
Striker Wayne Rooney, who hit a rich patch of form that coincided with United's run, said: "It's an unbelievable feeling. It was even better this season because Liverpool gave us a great race this year." Before the onset of the Premier League, United lagged eleven titles behind Liverpool and even Sir Alex said he was surprised that they are now level. "When I arrived they were the greatest side in the land," the Scot added. "I never thought we would get eleven titles, not in a million years."

Defining moment
Sir Alex admitted his side had wobbled badly when they lost to Liverpool, but pointed to a gritty 1-0 win at Stoke City FC on 26 December as the defining moment of the season; a victory that came just after his side had returned from winning the FIFA Club World Cup. "Winning that game late on after just getting back from Japan was a big test and we came through it, it was a great result."