Sir Alex Ferguson lifts the Premier League trophy
at the end of last season and looks set to lift it again - perhaps
as soon as this weekend
Sir Alex Ferguson claims equalling Liverpool's record of
league championship wins was the last thing on his mind when he
joined Manchester United in 1986.
The Merseyside giants had finished top on 18 occasions before
United managed their first triumph under Ferguson in 1993. At the
time, it seemed like a seminal moment in itself. Little could
Ferguson have imagined that 16 years later he would stand on the
brink of matching the Anfield outfit, who he famously told he would
"knock off their perch" when he first came south from Aberdeen.
United will not knock Liverpool off their perch by getting the
point against
Arsenal tomorrow that would see them collect an 11th
Premier League. However, it will be enough to let them shuffle up
alongside, knowing one more big shove could tumble Rafael Benitez's
men off altogether. 'I never even thought about moving level with
Liverpool,' said Ferguson.
'My first intention was to win one and break the stranglehold
Liverpool had on the title. 'You don't think about how it would
open the door in terms of what we see now.
The big challenge was that first one.'
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez can only hope Arsenal
defy the odds and down Man United at Old Trafford this weekend and
that they continue winning
Ironically it took Arsenal's assistance to prise away
Liverpool's dominance of the domestic game. In winning titles under
George Graham in 1989 and 1991, the Gunners showed United the
correct path to follow.
They could not quite make it in 1992. But 12 months later began
an era of unparalleled success, and it has taken just 17 seasons to
complete 11
championship wins, compared to the 18 Liverpool managed it in from
1973.
'We were a long way behind in terms of titles won,' acknowledged
Ferguson. 'But we were helped by Arsenal winning it a couple of
times. That changed the picture a little bit.'
Ironically, United are venturing into new territory tomorrow. Of
those last 11 successes, only one was completed in front of their
own fans at Old Trafford. And in 1999 it was very much a do-or-die
encounter with Tottenham, in which they trailed before David
Beckham and Andy Cole scored the goals that sealed the first part
of that historic treble.
This time around, the Red Devils approach their date with
destiny knowing they have another - at Hull next Sunday - in
reserve should things go wrong.
Sir Alex has already bagged silverware this season
- the Carling Cup back in March
Nevertheless, Ferguson is eager to get the job done
immediately, to give his players the maximum preparation time for
the Champions League final with Barcelona in Rome on May
27.
The desire to put on a performance for the world's fastest man,
Usain Bolt, who was at United's Carrington training ground this
morning and will be in the director's box to watch his favourite
team tomorrow is a bonus, as is the strength of United's
opponents.
Arsenal may have suffered another fearful home battering by
Chelsea since their own European dream was crushed by the Red
Devils.
Yet Ferguson knows their presence should ensure no-one in his
squad starts to think the job has already been completed. 'Arsenal
are a threat,' he said.
Rio Ferdinand will have to watch on from the
sidelines on Sunday as the defender battles to be fit for the
Champions League final against Barcelona
'They are a good side with great potential which you
cannot dismiss. 'Without question they will attack us. They will
not change the way they play. 'We expected two good games in the
semi-final and we got them and that is the way it will be
tomorrow.
'They have had a bit of criticism recently and they will want to
register their abilities on a day when everyone expects Manchester
United to win the title.'
While Arsenal may well give a better account of themselves, few
outside Anfield believe United will be denied now.
Rio Ferdinand's ongoing calf problem means he will join Bolt in
the stands, but everyone else will want to be involved to launch
the trophy presentation in style.
'I have always said I don't care where we win it,' said
Ferguson. 'It is unusual and strange that we have won it four times
elsewhere but only done it once out of 10 at Old Trafford.
'Now we have another opportunity to win it in front of our own
fans tomorrow. It would be nice to do it.'