We are champions of the best league in the world and we owe it all to Sir Alex Ferguson. He just doesn’t seem to know when to stop surpassing people’s expectations. He is a master of his work and his record in the Premiership is quite simply breathtaking.
Manchester United won the first Premiership title in 1992 and fifteen seasons on we have lifted our ninth title. During that 92 season, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool came 11th, 10th and 6th respectively. All three came behind Queens Park Rangers, Norwich, Blackburn and Aston Villa. If I tell you that Arsenal finished behind Spurs you will begin to see just how the picture has changed except for one common trend: Alex Ferguson = success.
Since 1992 Manchester United have gone on to win another eight premiership titles, numerous cups and of course the Treble in 99. Nine premiership titles is a staggering statistic on its own and one that gives some credence to the chant of ‘we’ve got our trophy back’. On the six occasions Manchester United failed to win the title we finished runners-up three times and third place three times. Manchester United have never finished 4th in the last 15 seasons - a record that has no equal. For the record, Arsenal lifted the title three times, Chelsea twice and Blackburn once. For any Liverpool fan this list of honours must make for painful reading. Yes there is some comfort in the Champions League but to not have won a Premiership title must hurt badly and to have only finished runners-up once in 15 years is pathetic.
There are many detractors out there that like to have a shot at United whenever possible. Many also wrote us off because of our signings, mocking us for buying Vidic, Evra and particularly Carrick. Many said that players such as Giggs, Solskjaer and Scholes were finished and that selling Van Nistelrooy was effectively nailing our own coffin. Some even to dare that Carlos Queiroz was effectively running the club. No wonder every journalist is hailing this as United’s biggest achievement to date. They have to because they got it so badly wrong! Fergie is obviously happy to use this to his advantage and shower his squad in praise. Remember, every clever schoolteacher says the same thing about their latest class on parent’s day: This is the best class I have had.
For me the reasons for United’s success were as follows:
1) The dressing room was in order. The departure of Van Nistelrooy was not about his ability as a player but about ensuring the club went forward in the manager’s direction. The Fergie way.
2) The balance between good defence and attack was there. For every trick from Ronaldo was a strong challenge from Vidic. For every killer pass from Giggs was a timely interception from Carrick. For every special shot from Rooney was a solid stop from Van der Saar.
3) Self-belief and selflessness. This season was a real team effort that drew on togetherness as much as it did individual brilliance. When Manchester United lost Ferdinand, Wes Brown stepped in. When Evra was lost, Heinze stepped up. When Saha was injured, Larsson, Smith or Solskjaer stepped up. Every player in the squad was prepared to do what was necessary for the team. Arguably, none more so than John O’Shea, who played centre midfield, right back, left back, centre back and goalkeeper!
4) Individual brilliance – This was the Ronaldo show – albeit with an incredible supporting performance from Paul Scholes – a player so gifted that God made him ginger just to restore a balance to things. But it is Ronaldo that has made football fun again. He has made it exciting. Love him or hate him this season no one can argue about his contribution to the title. There are very few players that can make you go WOW. The league is full of Scot Parkers, Kevin Nolans etc but only now and again does a real gem come along. Recently, the darling of the beautiful game has been Henry, particularly when playing almost telepathically alongside the magnificent Bergkamp and Pires. Chelsea had the impish delight that was Zola. And of course United had the audacity of Cantona. I hope this summer people begin to realise what they are witnessing in this league.
This victory, coupled with the wonderful football on display, has made us very marketable, very attractive and in turn breathed life in to the Premiership 2007/08 season…I can’t wait!
