Bad news for Manchester United's rivals: yesterday Sir Alex Ferguson announced that he is good for a few more years in management yet.
Asked if it could be as many as five years, he replied: "It all depends on my health. Let's pray."
Having seen United match Liverpool's record of
18 league titles, he is particularly keen to overhaul Liverpool as soon as possible.
But after watching the champions complete a second Premier League hat-trick with a goalless draw at home to Arsenal, Ferguson was forced to admit: "That was the longest 90 minutes in history, but we got there. It was a cautious match and there wasn't a save until five minutes from time."
It was one of United's least impressive performances this season, and Arsenal had what few chances there were.
Gary Neville, who picked up the trophy, hailed his team's strength in depth as the key factor in their campaign. "The quality and depth of the squad, during the season, we've never really had a consistent team. We've had 20 players. Kiko Macheda himself could have won us the league and he's not even got a medal today."
Whether Carlos Tevez will still be at Old Trafford alongside the manager next season remains in the balance.
"We want him to stay," said Ferguson, who had annoyed the home crowd by substituting him with 25 minutes left.
Tevez said: "It may be goodbye."
* Fergie's haul
Manchester United's trophies under Sir Alex Ferguson:
English Premier League (11) 1993,'94,'96,'97,'99, 2000,'01,'03,'07,'08,'09.
FA Cup (5) 1990,'94,'96,'99, '04.
League Cup (3) 1992, '06,'09.
Champions League (2) 1999, 2008.
Cup Winners Cup (1) 1991.
European Super Cup (1) 1991.
Club World Cup (2) 1999, 2008.
- INDEPENDENT
