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Giggs salutes Man Utd fighting spirit
Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs voiced
their joy as Manchester United moved to the brink of becoming the most
successful team in domestic history.
United need one point to move clear of Liverpool with 19 title triumphs having beaten Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday. "To be the most successful team is fantastic," said Ferguson, who insisted they will get the point they need. Giggs added: "It is a great achievement by the team and manager to overhaul our nearest rivals during the 70s and 80s." Giggs, who like Ferguson will collect a 12th Premier League title if United get at least a draw from either of their remaining two league fixtures added: "Fifteen, 20 years ago you would never have thought it." Ferguson - who took over from Ron Atkinson in 1986 - feels United are certain to clinch this season's Premier League title against either Blackburn on Saturday or at home to Blackpool on the final day after beating reigning champions Chelsea thanks to goals from Javier Hernandez and Nemanja Vidic. "Knowing the players they won't muck it up," said Ferguson. "They will get a point there's no doubt about that.
"The minute we won that first title in 1993 the door opened, and we've been involved in the first two all throughout that period - it's a fantastic achievement. "For the last 17 or 18 years it's been Arsenal and Chelsea as our nearest challengers, and the last few years it's been Chelsea. Arsenal made a great attempt this year but them losing [at Stoke] has finalised it. "It took time to get the foundations of the club right and after we got the first title we improved, improved and improved." Ferguson's side had plenty of chances in the first half to make the winning margin more handsome before Frank Lampard got a goal back for Chelsea in the 68th minute. "We do it all the time. We could have scored about six in the second half. You expect a tough game against Chelsea and we got that," added the Scot. "We got a great start. It was a good team performance. When we gave the ball away for their goal the fans helped us by playing their part. Credit to the players because they deserved it." However while Ferguson believes the title is all-but won, midfielder Giggs said there was no room for complacency in their final two league fixtures against Blackburn and Blackpool. 
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Poor first half cost Chelsea - Ancelotti
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti - who faces an uncertain future after ending the season trophyless - conceded that his side had been beaten by the better team on the day. "In the first minute we lost it [the game]," he said. "We started so badly, it was difficult after that to come back and win. "The second half was better but in general United played better and deserved to win. We took a lot of time to clear our heads [after their first goal] because we didn't want to start the game by conceding a goal. "United were really strong so it was difficult to come back." | ||
