Ferguson: 'Now we have to get the big one again'
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Your support makes all the difference.Sir Alex Ferguson raised a glass of champagne to celebrate his eighth Premiership title then set his sights on winning next season's Champions' League.
The Manchester United manager, who did not watch Arsenal's defeat to Leeds, said: "Now we have to get the big one again. Winning it twice is not enough. We are not far away, believe me. Everyone was excited by the Real Madrid adventure. We want it again. It has become as important as anything you can think of in football.
"We had to overcome injuries early in the season but we had to bite the bullet and take the poison. I was surprised people had their doubts – I knew we would have all our main players back for the main part of the season.
He added: "I never doubt United. I know [the players'] capabilities. When you are with a group for a long time you know them. I know they take a challenge. After losing to Manchester City I asked them if they were hungry enough. These are young men who are very rich. You must ask that question."
Ferguson put victory down to United's "fantastic run", saying: "You can't deny teams in that spell. Four years ago we stuttered and Arsenal won the title."
Ferguson said how he planned to celebrate last night. "I've got a few friends coming round to the house," he said.
United's chief executive, Peter Kenyon, said Sir Alex had been right in reversing his decision to retire. The United manager changed his mind during last season, and Kenyon said: "Why I am particularly pleased is that it vindicates his decision not to retire. It proves that the hunger is still there and that he is still the best manager. "
George Best paid tribute, saying: "United were written off by so many including me. They were eight points adrift at one stage but they have showed amazing commitment. The football they played and the work-rate of the so-called superstars has been amazing. These players become superstars because they work for each other."
The former United and England captain Bryan Robson said: "The mentality of the Manchester United players has been spot on. Injuries are part and parcel of the game but while United were able to grind out results at the start of the season, Arsenal haven't done that in the final weeks of the season."
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