United wrap up the title with goalless draw

Manchester United have wrapped up their third Premier League title on the bounce after a 0-0 draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford. It becomes the first time since 1999 that United have clinched the title in front of their own fans and caps off yet another efficient league campaign.

In a strange match, it was actually Arsenal who were the more dominant and probably should have spoilt the party. However, United appeared determined to not be broken down and saw out the match, which was met with mad scenes at the final whistle.

United have now drawn level with Liverpool’s domestic record of 18 league crowns and Sir Alex Ferguson will be hoping to gain 19 by this time next year. The side will enjoy the next few days but will have the Champions League final against Barcelona in the back of their minds as well as the fact they owe to the rest in the relegation scrap to compete against Hull City on the final day.

Ferguson said: “The great challenge now is to try and win it next year because that would be something special. A 19th league title would give us a special place in the club’s history.”

Minds will have already started thinking about next season and the drama that is unlikely to unfold over the summer. The two main tasks for the United boss is to make sure that two of his best players, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, are both wearing the shirt of Manchester United at the start of next season.

Tevez’s substitution yesterday was met with a chorus of boos around Old Trafford and the scenes of Tevez waving to every corner of the ground as he trundled off could well tell a subconscious story.

This was shortly forgotten however, as club captain Gary Neville hoisted the trophy into the air. Neville said: “The best thing about this season is that you can’t name our best side. The whole squad contributed, whether they played enough games to win a medal or not.”

“Liverpool have finished in title-winning form but we have not panicked, we have fought hard and had to show some guts to win it this time.”

United’s rivals will now know just how hungry the manager still is and they will all have to improve if they are to stop United creating history next year. This is clearly the best United squad in history and if it can be kept together then the thoughts of what the side is actually capable of is frightening. The prospect of three titles in a row as well as back-to-back European Cups is truly majestic.

It makes the mind boggle as to what actually keeps Sir Alex going. He has achieved everything he can in football but he will not lie down and retire until he has set a new title record. For as long as his health allows him he will continue to manager the football club and based on this season, they will continue to win things.